Snowshoeing in April

I certainly don't like that the copious amount of snow that descended upon us last week has stayed on the ground.  However, it did provide me with an opportunity to make up for a missed chance in March.  

I have so loved snowshoeing this winter, something that I haven't been able to enjoy in many years.  Since January, whenever it was warm enough (which wasn't often) I managed to get in a good hike while soaking up all the benefits of outdoor exercise.  Warm sunshine and vitamin D, fresh air and a chance to marvel at the beauty of snow and trees and open space.

In March, when weather forecasts indicated the season was just about over, I wanted to do one last hike and get some pictures of a gorgeous spot on my trail, as well.  Please note: I am not the photographer in the family.  However, it was a perfect day.  I put the iPad in a plastic bag and set off into the glorious sunshine. And I took fabulous pictures!  How could I miss?  The sun was so bright and clear that all I could see on the screen was black but the scenes of glittering snow and tall pines thick with snow were perfect.  The sunlight was so brilliant, it completely overpowered the capabilities of my camera.  I was excited about the blog I would craft highlighting my wonderful pictures.

Once home, I discovered... no such luck.  The screen had not been black because of the glare from the glorious sun, it was black because I had not removed the protector from the camera lens at the back of the iPad. All of my hard work was wasted, my good intentions for naught. As I said, I am not the family photographer.

But last week's snowfall gave me a second chance.

So off I went but without snowshoes.  I had put them away and didn't want to go get them.  Besides, I thought how hard could it be? The snow is not that deep.  Wow, did I find out differently.

Exercise is good for a person, but not all exercise is created equal. On the treadmill, I can walk at a good clip and on an incline for a good length of time working up maybe a mild sheen but no real discomfort.  Five minutes (probably less) of walking through the snow had me stopping to catch my breath.  At the end of a thirty minute hike with stopping to take pictures and to catch my breath multiple times, I was so warm that once inside I was tossing my outdoor clothing off at a rapid rate to cool myself down.  And all the muscles accustomed to the treadmill were talking to me, and not kindly!

The pictures I took are okay. But the sun was not as brilliant as last time and the snow neither as deep or as heavy on the trees but I still want to share a spot that makes the trek worth the effort.

I seem to like tree stumps.

Looking back at where you have been is so rewarding.

My path back home.  Thankfully, I only needed to follow the path I had already created. The first step off of the road had me sinking up past my knees but the field and in the bush was only ankle deep.   It does seem I was having trouble keeping a straight line on the way in. Still wish the sun had been shining but there is always next winter.