Marc YachtI left Philadelphia after High School graduation, January, 1958.The severe 10 degree temperatures, wind, snow and sleet left our graduating class cold to the bone. The harsh ’58 winter found Philadelphians praying for an early spring and eagerly awaiting Punxsutawney Phil and a cloudy Groundhog Day. Should Phil see his shadow February 2, Pennsylvanians could expect six more weeks of winter.
I flew south after commencement. My undergraduate studies would start at the University of Miami, Coral Gables, Florida. Not bad for a kid from West Philadelphia. The opportunity came due to my uncle’s part-time job offer. I would work and go to school. New to flying, my trips typically involved Atlantic City vacations or trolley rides to center city.
Blue skies and tropical breezes greeted our landing in Fort Lauderdale. I still wore my heavy winter coat, wool hat and galoshes. As I exited the plane I noticed folks walking around in Bermuda shorts, tanned and wearing open shirts. I swore right then and there, I would never leave Florida. My uncle met me in his T-Bird convertible and whisked me to the dormitory. I can remember some professors and a few classes while earning my English degree, but I will never forget my first day in Florida.
True, Florida politics leaves much to be desired. After Al Gore’s wacky 2000 Florida loss to George W. Bush, many called our state a “Banana Republic.” Possibly so, but there is the weather and I can vote. No sleazy politician will drive me from Florida.
Recently, I broke my cardinal rule and traveled north to winter weather. Circumstances required a January drive to Pittsburgh. The lower Southern states did not disappoint with 60 degree temperatures. The mild weather quickly gave way to minus 2 degrees cruising through Virginia. Other than the frigid cold, skies remained clear and sunny. Needed gas, food and restroom facilities required leaving the car. The raw blast of cold air filling my lungs, freezing my face and numbing my fingers, kept such stops brief.
Snow flurries greeted my Pennsylvania arrival. Although the temperatures warmed to an unpleasant 8 degrees, no blizzard crossed my path, then. The wind driven zero chill factor soon gave way to fine powdery snow covering the streets, sidewalks and my pick-up truck. The weatherman mentioned rising temperatures to the mid-30s; along with rain, sleet, and snow. Icy road conditions would follow. Why am I here? Why did I agree to a January Pittsburgh trip?
I occupy a warm room with a large window. The trees glisten, their bare limbs covered with ice and snow. The white precipitation blankets the streets, vehicles and walkways. The wind whistles bringing more snow and the temperature drops to the teens. It’s a beautiful sight with a lit fireplace and cozy chair. Unfortunately, I must trudge outside and prepare to leave this winter paradise, my work is done; Florida beckons. Later this morning I should cross the West Virginia state line. Perhaps the temperatures will have risen to zero degrees as I travel through the beautiful Allegheny Mountains.
North Carolina will be cold but South Carolina should be in the 40s; Georgia warmer yet and then, HALLELUJA, Florida. Beaches, pretty ladies, palm trees, balmy weather – NOT SO FAST! I view the sleet, snow and ice through the window. It is time to leave – Brrrrr!
Dr. Marc Yacht is a semi-retired physician. Column courtesy of Context Florida.
