Snowshoeing - who'da thunk it!

It snowed last night for the 147,568th time this winter. I had started grumbling, when I thought "why not just go with it?" I had run across my husband's snowshoes a while back (when looking for something interesting to photograph) But now actually thought about putting them on my feet.

Yesterday I went on a long hike in the woods and fields by our house wearing my heavy winter boots. It wasn't so much a hike as a slog; One that could have easily turned into a leg-breaking incident. There was easily 18 inches of snow on the ground, hiding every downed branch, ankle-grabbing twig, and any uneven ground. Each step was a tentative footfall followed by either surprise or relief.

Nonetheless, I found many wonderful photo opportunities and they are now in my daily pic for today. But decided I probably shouldn't push my luck again - I have never been mistaken for sure-footed.

So I decided with an additional five to seven inches of new fluffy pristine snow, the hazards would be even more hidden, so why not try the snow shoes. Boy were they great! One doesn't exactly glide on the top of the snow with them, but they sure made for better footing than yesterday's boots! The poles were a big improvement also - the trees never seemed handy when I needed something to grab! So with my camera tucked safely in my jacket, I set out to explore the new snow.

---

Our house (left) looks especially inviting during the winter. From down in our little valley looking up at it while in my snowshoes, I could almost feel like an early settler looking back at their cabin!

I found out that I wasn't the first one out today, the rabbits, deer and other critters had already renewed their pathways. I love seeing the squirrel tracks that run from tree to tree. I also found my tracks from yesterday's slog, but now they were smoothed over by the new snow and wind.

Mother nature was busy making her own brand of snowballs last night, so there were more "details" to photograph, too.

I had forgotten how wonderful it is to come in with rosy cheeks and soggy snow pants! I had coffee not cocoa, but it was warm and delicious. I figure now that I have found a way to enjoy this white stuff, it will all melt by next Monday! I can live with that.