With Loran-C decommissioning all but certain, perhaps it’s a good time for me to visit the US Coast Guard’s Loran-C station near Havre, Montana. This station is one that would be scheduled to shut down its Loran-C broadcasts sometime after February 8.
Havre, Montana, eh? Apparently, it’s only about a 14-hour drive from Seattle. With winter road conditions, I figure it’ll take me a little longer than that. Well, I better get started…
HOLD ON! It’s currently –18°F in Havre. As the kids were once fond of saying, “Homie don’t play that.” Um…maybe I can just call this one in? Or better yet, get somebody else to blog it? Yeah…
Coming to my figurative rescue is Electronics Technician Second Class Randall W. Painter, II, who took these pictures, and had this to say on the USCG District 13 blog:
I’m standing in my kitchen staring in disbelief at the indoor/outdoor temperature gauge/clock thingy on the wall. It says the indoor temp is 70 degrees and outdoor temp is -32. […]So of course being the ever curious/possibly mentally challenged FT/ET I had to open the door and step out to see what 32 below zero felt like. Did I mention I was only wearing my skivvies?
I’ll give you a glimpse into how ridiculously cold it really is. As the air hits your body it almost sends you into a state of complete shock and the first thing you do is take a big gasp of air. Bad idea. Instant pain fills your lungs as your eyes start to water and tears start to roll down your face which instantly freeze to the small hairs on your cheeks.
It’s hard to believe that a little over six months ago that I was living on the beach in Hawaii where it rarely ever dips below 70 degrees. Read more
Hang in there, guardian!
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Yikes. Been a while since I’ve recalled the 30-30-30 Rule: when exposed to a 30-m.p.h. wind at —30° F., exposed human flesh freezes solid in 30 seconds.
Looking for Coast Guard Airman of the Year Awards. (Chosen in January) This is for Montana. Can you help? Thank you.
Note: Just need a list.