In the wake of last Monday night’s horrific events in East Lansing, it was nice to have B back under our roof for a few days. It was also nice to let go of some negative emotions and rage by stomping out some miles in the woods.
Sadly, my return to woodsy walking was delayed by a reoccurring stomach issue that twists my intestines into cramping knots about every two months, preventing me from leaving the bathroom for half the day. Perhaps it was for the best, given that we had 30-40 MPH winds that day; no one wants hit in the head with a flying hunk of tree limb!
Finally, on Thursday, everything came together; the snow was completely melted, the temps were moderate, I had new hikers to start breaking in, and the chances of me shitting myself whilst hiking went from 95% back down to its normal 45.6%1.
It felt so good to be out walking at my normal “lumber” speeds, unencumbered by ice and snow! I got 5 miles in and drove home stoked but also aware that snow was supposed to return later in the day.
Lots of trees down after Wednesday’s wind/shit storm.
And return it did.
I woke up Friday to 4 to 5 inches of snow on the ground and brilliant sunshine. I wasn’t thrilled about the snow, but the sunshine was amaze!
So, after coffee and breakfast, I geared up and got the Cul-De-Sac Shack’s drive shoveled before heading to Deerfield for my hike, having the Snowshoes vs. Microspikes debate the entire drive.
I settled on hiking boots with microspikes strapped on and only regretted the decision about half the time.
Friday’s stomp through the snow was great, but could I do better Saturday? Yes, yes, I could.
After nearly an entire winter of hiking, snowshoeing, and stomping through the woods, I have finally found the best combination when there are more than 4 inches of snow on the ground; snowshoes with hiking boots. The very same combination I used in years past. Me = idiot.
The grip and support of the snowshoes are unmatched and, when paired with hiking boots rather than lightweight waterproof hiking shoes, keep my feet much more stable and pain-free. It only took me 3 months of experimenting to end up back where I started.
And with pain-free, stable feet, I was able to knock a few minutes of average miles per hour and enjoy the hike much better.
Thursday’s hike proved that I am MORE than ready for warmer temps and snow-free trails, but at times, it can be hard to top breaking trail through fresh snow in the woods, in crisp temperatures, under a brilliant blue sky and bright sunshine. I can’t imagine anyone not enjoying it; it’s the perfect mental rub and tug (or flick o’ the bean) for an anxious mind.
Between the heaviness of last Monday on my brain, Wednesday’s stomach issues, Thursday’s snow storm, and taking Sunday off to slack and drive B back to MSU, I missed my “normal” 25-mile weekly goal but DID meet my 20-Mile Winter Contingency goal. So, I guess that’s good. Enough.
Later.