ADVENTURE
SNOWSHOEING is a perfect blend of exercise and enchantment
By JILL BUCKLAND
W inter is a season of blue- bird days, enchant- ing nights and flawless fresh snow. Winter is also the sea- son of short days, frigid temperatures and feverish bouts of cabin fever. We know too well those cold and nas- ty 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 real- ized 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, Farra - gut State Park, 4th of July Pass and Mount Spokane to name a few. I de- cided on Farragut State Park be- cause 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 start- ed to wonder about the history of the sport and how long humans have been strapping on snowshoes. The re- corded history dates back 6,000 years, the primitive version of a snowshoe being crafted from hardwood and sin- ew. The simple design hasn’t changed much through the centuries. Snow-
shoes 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 download- ed 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 want- ing more, but it was an easy place to start. It’s a beautiful day with blue skies, a bright sun and bearable tem- peratures. 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
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