The evolution of snow forts

http://airitoutthehardway.com/Images6/FirstSnowFort.jpg

When we were kids (or as some of us, including myself, still are) did you ever jump at the sight of loads of new snow? I know I did and still do. Some of you are asking, "Why?" because for you it means shoveling and plowing and cold fingers and frozen pant legs. But see, kids across the world (or wherever there is snow) are building. Yes, 5 year olds are building semi comprehensive structures like the one above. And, as we get older, we build better snow forts. You know, the ones for the kids aged 14+. They are better and bigger because they have to be. Really! A 120 LB 14 year old would NOT fit in a 50 LB 5 year old's snow fort. And so, with time, we evolve. (See below)

http://blogs.woodtv.com/files/2009/02/snow-fort.jpg

And of course, if you have more snow, and more ambition you can do even more. Currently, my snow fort is actually a quinzhee, a pile of snow dug out on the inside. I have an entrance foyer for two people and a tunnel that is about 6 feet long and very narrow that will soon lead to a bedroom. There is sitting room throughout the fort and my siblings think it is quite possibly the coolest thing ever. Our only hope is that nobody plows it or steps on it by accident. Of course, once you move out of the awesome quinzhee range (and the snow plow range) you can start to build magnificent snow structures. Notice my refrain from using the words 'snow fort' because due to your new found addiction, those once piles of snow are now real, recognizable structures. (See below)

http://blog.tiffanywan.com/__oneclick_uploads/2009/05/snow-castle-cool-hunting.jpg

And then, after you have built them all, you become obsessed. Yes, obsessed with building snow forts. Except, you now choose more difficult materials: ice, fur, snow, and electricity. Meet the ice hotel in Sweden.

http://www.vagabondish.com/wp-content/uploads/ice-hotel-sweden-423070238.jpg

Oh yeah, and that is just the foyer or a bedroom. So, parents (or other) go out there with your family or alone and build. And if you do start to build ice hotels, give me a call, because I gave you the idea.

M.H.