As we enter March, thoughts of spring begin to come to mind more often. Sure, we all dream of spring in January and February, but there is something about March 1st that makes something in our minds click as to the beautiful spring weather to come.
For me, the long wait for being able to hike without having to dress like an artic explorer is the thought that hits me the most. Don’t get me wrong; I love to hike in the winter. Nature is in its most quiet and serene states. The snow covers everything in a white sheet that glistens in the sun…a white sheet that will be pulled back to reveal the wonders of nature when Mother Nature deems fit to do so. The snow also covers things that can lead to some tricky footwork for those that are balance challenged, like myself. Buried tree roots, slick leaves under shallow snow cover on a hill and rocks are some of the hidden challenges a winter hiker can come across. I have landed on my derriere on more than one occasion thanks to these hidden obstacles, and spring marks a time in which these obstacles will soon have to show themselves.
Spring brings with it a time to plan. Just as farmers, gardeners, and landscape artists begin to draw up their master plans for the upcoming growing season, I begin to map out my hiking activities. What new trails would I like to tackle? What challenges should I try to experience this year? Included in this planning of course is a review of my hiking gear and supplies. What clothing items do I need to replace or improve? Are my boots in a good enough condition to make it through another year? What about the condition of my water bottle, backpack, etc.? Is my first aid kit fully stocked and up to date? Do I try out the new “green” insect repellent, or stick with the usual suspects on my journeys into the wilderness? Questions, questions, questions.
Today I ventured out bright and early in order to take advantage of the new fallen snow. The branches of the trees in my area all were wrapped in fluffy cotton; the nearby pond was semi-frozen with varying stages of white to blue coloring throughout it. The vision of the sun’s rays as they danced into the tree cover from the east was spectacular, and the serenade of the early birds back from the southern states chirping out their welcome back songs had me forgetting about wishing for spring, at least for a moment. The moment ended when I stepped onto the pavement, and fell on my butt.
For me, the long wait for being able to hike without having to dress like an artic explorer is the thought that hits me the most. Don’t get me wrong; I love to hike in the winter. Nature is in its most quiet and serene states. The snow covers everything in a white sheet that glistens in the sun…a white sheet that will be pulled back to reveal the wonders of nature when Mother Nature deems fit to do so. The snow also covers things that can lead to some tricky footwork for those that are balance challenged, like myself. Buried tree roots, slick leaves under shallow snow cover on a hill and rocks are some of the hidden challenges a winter hiker can come across. I have landed on my derriere on more than one occasion thanks to these hidden obstacles, and spring marks a time in which these obstacles will soon have to show themselves.
Spring brings with it a time to plan. Just as farmers, gardeners, and landscape artists begin to draw up their master plans for the upcoming growing season, I begin to map out my hiking activities. What new trails would I like to tackle? What challenges should I try to experience this year? Included in this planning of course is a review of my hiking gear and supplies. What clothing items do I need to replace or improve? Are my boots in a good enough condition to make it through another year? What about the condition of my water bottle, backpack, etc.? Is my first aid kit fully stocked and up to date? Do I try out the new “green” insect repellent, or stick with the usual suspects on my journeys into the wilderness? Questions, questions, questions.
Today I ventured out bright and early in order to take advantage of the new fallen snow. The branches of the trees in my area all were wrapped in fluffy cotton; the nearby pond was semi-frozen with varying stages of white to blue coloring throughout it. The vision of the sun’s rays as they danced into the tree cover from the east was spectacular, and the serenade of the early birds back from the southern states chirping out their welcome back songs had me forgetting about wishing for spring, at least for a moment. The moment ended when I stepped onto the pavement, and fell on my butt.