A path, now covered in a few centimetres of pure, bone-snapping, ice. Helsinki does at times do a good line in really uncooperative weather. I'm amazed at how long for example it can rain in midwinter on to previously fallen snow at temperatures just above freezing, making everything knee deep in slush, BUT not actually managing to wash that slush away. But even worse than ankle deep slush during this type of weather are the pavements. On the pavements and well traveled paths, where the snow has been packed down, this kind of horrible just around freezing rain, packs and smooths it even more, making it into slick, glassy, water covered ice. And then the winds will swing back to the north or east, the temperature will drop and everything will freeze once more, in effect turning large parts of the city into an ice rink/death trap. Walking from the bus stop to the office becomes a gamble where broken bones await the loser.
Yesterday actually dawned bright, sunny and cheery, but even stepping off the front porch was something of a challenge:
Yesterday actually dawned bright, sunny and cheery, but even stepping off the front porch was something of a challenge:
Does your work's dress code permit the wearing of crampons?
ReplyDeleteActually, I have some 'winterised' running shoes - just normal Nike joggers but for not too many Euros one of the shops will wallop some little metal studs into the threads. I think I should fish them out of the cupboard for the next few days!
ReplyDeleteYesterday, I saw a woman land flat on her back after running for a bus. She still managed to get up and stagger right to drivers door at which point the bus drove off!
ReplyDeleteThe driver must have seen it as it all happened in full view of his/her side mirror. Some Finnish Bus Drivers are just pure evil.
Jody
I've fallen on my arse just once so far this season, and I've still got the wrist strain to prove it. How about you?
ReplyDeleteI think I haven't actually fallen just out on the street this winter, although I did go ice skating for the first time in a decade and fall once or twice. I'm sure it hurts more than it used to. Gravity must be increasing...
ReplyDelete