Winter is a season of bluebird days, enchanting nights and flawless fresh snow. Winter is also the season of short days, frigid temperatures and feverish bouts of cabin fever. We know too well those cold and nasty days when it’s easier to hibernate than to embrace the cold and muck of it. Yet, despite the body’s resistance, the best balm I know is to get outside.
Recently, I caught a glance of my snowshoes hanging in the garage and a grin lit across my face when I realized it was time again. Snowshoeing is a perfect way to get out and connect with nature and is one of my favorite ways to play in powder.
Inspired by my lonely sports gear, I sat down at my laptop to read the forecast and planned my first snowshoe adventure of the season. Luckily, I live in an area filled with endless opportunities for outdoor recreation. My first search pulled up a long list of possibilities; Blue Creek, Canfield Mountain, Farragut State Park, 4th of July Pass and Mount Spokane to name a few. I decided on Farragut State Park because it’s a short drive and has flat areas. I haven’t been out for a while, so I chose an easy-going path. With my location set, I invite a friend and all that’s left is anticipation.
During my planning phase, I started to wonder about the history of the sport and how long humans have been strapping on snowshoes. The recorded history dates back 6,000 years, the primitive version of a snowshoe being crafted from hardwood and sinew. The simple design hasn’t changed much through the centuries. Snowshoes have one function and that’s to increase surface area to keep from falling through the snow. Walking in deep snow is hard work, and hard on the knees. While walking on top of the snow is easier, there is no denying it’s a workout. I have a good sweat even on short jaunts and usually peel away layers I overestimated.
When the day arrives, I meet my friend at the state park. I downloaded the map before I left home in case there’s no cell coverage. The trail is a 1.4-mile out-and-back historical trail. I knew it might leave us wanting more, but it was an easy place to start. It’s a beautiful day with blue skies, a bright sun and bearable temperatures. I strap on my snowshoes, slip on my sunglasses and we head out. Winter is an interesting blend of hibernation and fun. Yes, the days are short and dark, but there’s nothing more beautiful than being in the forest after a fresh snow. Sounds are muffled which inspires the other senses to amplify. Vibrant colors of the forest pop against the white blanket: mother nature’s insulation. Trees covered in ice crystals sparkle in the sun.
There are many perks to snowshoeing, but minimal gear requirements are at the top of my list. There’s no big bag of equipment to haul around and no expensive day pass required. Only a few basics are necessary, and they easily fit in a small day pack: a cozy wool hat, waterproof gloves, comfortable boots, maybe a set of poles if there’s ice or challenging terrain, a snack and water. If I’m in the mood, I might pack a small lunch, a sandwich or a thermos of hot soup. Since this is a shorter jaunt, I brought trail mix and a thermos of hot tea that should be ample fuel for a short hike.
Snowshoeing doesn’t interfere, it’s a discreet interaction with nature, leaving plenty of room for observation. Fresh snow mutes the forest. Occasionally, a crow caws and breaks the silence. We walk and huff our way down the trail. A squirrel is chattering in the distance. As we march, we talk about plans for the holiday and share our resolutions for the coming year. I make a promise to hike more and to be in nature more. We agree being outside is curative. When we completed the loop, we enjoyed it so much we decided to do it again.
Almost back from our second round, we heard something in the distance and stopped to listen. I saw nothing but could hear snow crunching, and then silence again. We stood motionless with our ears cocked in the direction of the noise. My friend whispered, ‘Look over there,’ and pointed down the path where we’d just been. A large moose walked out of the trees and stopped in the middle of the trail. Nobody said a word; we didn’t want to draw attention. The moose glanced our way and then slowly sauntered down the path away from us. We were amazed at what we saw, we couldn’t believe our eyes. Trekking through the woods is a hardy exercise with an outstanding view, but seeing a moose was icing on the cake of an already splendid day.
By: Jill Buckland
As Seen in the 2024 Winter/Spring
