To Walk a Mile in Someone Else’s Snowshoes
By Stephanie Rennie
I sip on my warm hot cocoa as I trudge through the
depths of the fluffy snow. The cold, refreshing wind
blows in my direction, gently causing my wool scarf to
dance with the falling snowflakes. One foot after the
other, I conquer the vast field of snow that awaits my
exploration. Behind me, I see oblong markings in the
snow leaving traces of my existence. Ahead lays fresh
snow awaiting my arrival as I eagerly make my way across
the snowy field. This is just an average day of
snowshoeing in the outskirts of Meaford.
Snowshoeing is an excellent way to spend the
day getting fresh air, exercise, and a chance to first
handily experience the picturesque winter landscape this
area has to offer. Whether it is with friends, family,
animal companions, or on your own, snowshoeing is a
great outdoor activity. I often spend the duration of my
day catching up with old friends, playing with adorable
border collies and breathing in fresh country air.
It is easy to oversee the positive
attributes of winter as you spend countless early
mornings shovelling the driveway or vehicles out of the
clutches of the snow. However, many outdoor activities,
like snowshoeing, provide the chance to appreciate the
many opportunities that snow has to offer. Although
changed from the fall palette, the landscape is
beautiful when the snow has covered the endless fields
and stripped the trees of their leaves. The fresh, clean
slate of the white field is a mere drawing board for a
fun afternoon.
Though snowshoeing is a pleasurable way to
spend the day, certain cautions still must be taken.
Firstly, snowshoeing, or any outdoor activities,
involves proper attire. Remember to bundle from head to
toe with garments such as: weather-proof boots, lined
snow pants, layered sweaters and a warm winter jacket
that is topped off with fuzzy mitts, a hat, and a wool
scarf.
Although snowshoeing is a leisurely
activity, it is important to be mindful of the potential
dangers involved such as: temperature, unsafe areas, and
fatigue. When snowshoeing, it is important to be
attentive to the weather. Days that are too cold or too
warm are not ideal as it is either unbearably cold or
the snow becomes sticky and difficult to walk in.
Instead, moderate temperature days that are clear and
sunny make for the ideal opportunity to embark on a
snowshoeing adventure. Moreover, pay attention to areas
appropriate and safe to snowshoe on. The Bruce Trail
that spans along the Niagara Escarpment from Niagara
Falls to Tobermory provides a safe, well-traveled path
and beautiful scenery for shoeing in the area. I decided
to snowshoe across acres of land behind a friend’s
property on the third line in Meaford. If you want to
head out in the snow but don’t have your own equipment,
snowshoe rentals are also available at Free Spirit Tours
in Heathcote. Be sure to take your camera to encapsulate
memorable moments of the day.
What better way to spend a day of
reflection then enjoying the calm and quiet melodies of
the country air? Why not spend an afternoon enjoying
winter and the company of friends and family at the same
time? Snowshoeing provides endless opportunities to
exercise, catch-up with loved ones, and see the beauty
of the season up close.
