Award-winning writer Gretel Ehrlich is out with a new book, This Cold Heaven: Seven Seasons in Greenland -- and the strange thing about it is that she never had an interest in Greenland. Then one day back in 1991, she was walking her dogs on her Wyoming Ranch. A bolt of lightening struck her back and she was knocked unconscious. When she came to, Greenland -- oddly enough -- was on her mind.

Gretel made it her mission to get to Greenland and, in keeping with the uber-winter that has blanketed places like Buffalo and Charlotte recently, we thought it would be illuminating to talk to someone who is a huge fan of winter. The more rugged the icy landscape, the better.

Writer Gretel Ehrlich (right) visiting with Diana Nyad at the Savvy Traveler studios to discuss her new book. (Credit: Jim Gates) Listen in RealAudio          Need audio help?