Snowshoeing
Winter sucks less … a lot less … if you have outdoor activities to do. That’s what I’ve found anyways.
I was never into downhill skiing – and even if I was, it’s not something the average person can do very often. Skating is good but it is rare that you have good ice – or any ice – outside a skating rink. Hiking and running are good and some years the weather really cooperates. Up until recently, I was running regularly – sometimes in shorts. Mountain biking is fun year round but like hiking and running it comes to and end when the snow comes.
Enter snowshoeing.
I always thought I’d like since I enjoy cross county skiing. Last year I went one time with a buddy who had an extra pair and really liked it. I bought a pair of Tubbs Timberline snowshoes. They ran about $120 are are probably lower middle of the range.
I did two consecutive days over the weekend with my cool doggie – Saturday at a nice trail system near my house and on Sunday out at the Taunton River Wildlife Management Area.
Bottom line: This is an easy sport with low risk of injury – and a lot of fun.
Personally, I find winter sucks a lot less when there is little to no snow. ; )
I love snowshoeing.
There really is nothing like being in the middle of the woods with no one else around. It really is beautiful and serene.
Short money on the initial investment, years of use on equipment and good for the body and mind. You can go snowshoeing anywhere. Little to none carbon footprint, win win all around.
I have been snowshoeing for the past 3-4 years and love it, as do my kids, but I must say, mine are still in the barn this year… Where in the world are you finding snow with this weather? I think we had one day where I could have brought them out but that day, I was shoveling the driveway and walks… The next day when I went out to enjoy the snow, it was melting at a roadrunners pace… It is now gone with nothing coming in the near future. The bad news is I find myself still yard cleaning and raking leaves which I dont like to do in January or any other time either.
Not sure how I feel about this very strange winter. I must admit I love still wearing a fall jacket but I do enjoy at least some snow to do some winter activities. One more month and we are out of the woods.. at least most of them. It appears my snowshoes may have a light season.
I’ve only been out 2 days – on the weekend we had the snowstorm. Saturday I went out during the snow for an hour and Sunday I went about 1:30 PM – there was plenty of snow.
You’re right though – this is not a great year for snowshoeing. If we *do* get snow, you have to make hay while the sun is shining.