TN - at least there are automatic tire chains (though mostly used for things like big buses and motorhomes, in part due to cost and in part due to the space needed for the system components).
Looks like your retirement is as taxing as ever, Silas.
Why here not there? Robie mentions some good reasons. Also, trees in different microclimates get ready to release their pollens at different points - depends on things like elevation and aspect and wind exposure. Also, as folks may have noticed yesterday, pollen tends to release from trees when it is windy. I've watched gusts of wind pull large green clouds off of pine trees. So differences in wind events would surely also be a factor. Also, having other skiers scrape the snow surface before you get there helps - perhaps this was one of the factors at work helping things out at Alpental given its popularity as a easy post-lift-season-tour?
What has me curious is what neutralizes the nasty effects of the pollen? Clearly the effect does diminish at some point after the pollen falls on the snow. What factors make this happen? Just time? Rain? Sun? Other?
