Louie, our flabby tabby, loves to go outside in winter. He finds a spot to watch the trees, and the birds in them, and loses himself out there. When he hears me call, he suddenly realizes how cold he is, and trots inside, and cries until I hold him, and let him warm his paws against me.
If we’re lucky, we can warm our own paws on a mug of hot coffee, tea, or cocoa, after we brave the cold. And isn’t nice to have an excuse to do so?
Last Sunday, I woke early and the friends and fam I wanted to visit were sleeping in late, so I killed time by hiking Torne County Park in the snow. I was the second person to make it to the top of the rock that morning, elevation 895 feet. Not a mountain, but it was a good brisk hike in 19 degree cold, and I was glad I had my trekking poles and warm gloves. I heard hawks and woodpeckers I did not see, and passed a few other hikers and trail runners on the trail. I think they thought my scarf was weird:
It took me less than an hour, and the cold air felt good to breathe. And the hot coffee waiting for me in the car never tasted better. I hiked the same trail with Johnny in the autumn, and I met some mountain bikers as I was coming down the trail. I had toyed with the idea of bringing my bike, but for now, I’m only riding trails in the snow, if I’ve ridden them a few times before.
I got one last snow ride in before the warm front melts it all this weekend. I took the afternoon off and drove to Black Run Preserve, which I had to myself. The familiar trails were fun and challenging in the snow. The week prior, I returned to Maurice River Bluffs, which is a nice hike & bike park with separate trails that are very clearly marked. I did myself proud, and traversed a long ramp known as a “skinny” that had scared me off previously. And I managed to find the trail that lead to the water, where a rusty artesian well waits for those brave enough to sip an icy trickle from Iron Man’s member. I declined.
I bought a pair of heated gloves this winter, because I learned they exist. They have rechargeable batteries in the sleeves, and warm up pretty well. My fingertips get cold first, and that’s the gloves’ weakest spot, but they’re worth it. I can operate my camera while wearing them, and I wore them when I photographed that northern flicker a while back. They’re too warm for bike riding, but they are nice for walking in frigid weather with or without a camera in your hands.
And my friend Chris La Tray’s book, Becoming Little Shell: Returning Home to the Landless Indians of Montana, is available for pre-order. I’m so excited that this book is coming into the world.
Stay Foxy!
I love the scarf no matter what they say!
That scarf! There should be more of those in the world. 🦊