Stark Contrast

They say that mutability is the only constant. The weather in Utah is highly mutable. During the summer, it wasn't uncommon to get back to the truck after a long day of hiking to find that the thermometer read over 110F. Today, the thermometer barely got above 25F. In spite of the dramatic difference, the two temperatures do share the fact that they make working a full day outside somewhat uncomfortable. Those of you in Canada, where the temperature has been below freezing since well before your thanksgiving, please hold of on your scoffing. I happen to know that very few of you do field work up there this time of year. The most time that you really need to spend out side is the time it takes to get from one building to the other or to the bus. Eight hours outside has a bit more demanding toll on the body, even at near freezing temperatures.
In other news, in stark contrast to what I've been saying about being here until it snows, I'll be staying here a little longer apparently. I can't do paleo surveys with even an inch of powder on the grownd, but I can certainly monitor well pad construction. The oil companies finally got permission to build well pads and by damn if they're going to let a little snow and short daylight hours stop them from doing it! It would seem that this is what I'll be doing for the next little while, which suits me, as there isn't much work for me right now in CA except process serving. Not working for my parents makes the bitter cold, just a little more bearable.