An overhead view as Tango, Danica and Matthew make their way along the Viewski Trail.
are short and dark, but there’s noth- ing more beautiful than being in the forest after a fresh snow. Sounds are muffled which inspires the oth - er senses to amplify. Vibrant colors of the forest pop against the white blanket: mother nature’s insulation. Trees covered in ice crystals sparkle in the sun. There are many perks to snowshoe- ing, but minimal gear requirements are at the top of my list. There’s no big bag of equipment to haul around and no expensive day pass required.
Only a few basics are necessary, and they easily fit in a small day pack: a cozy wool hat, waterproof gloves, com- fortable boots, maybe a set of poles if there’s ice or challenging terrain, a snack and water. If I’m in the mood, I might pack a small lunch, a sandwich or a thermos of hot soup. Since this is a shorter jaunt, I brought trail mix and a thermos of hot tea that should be ample fuel for a short hike. Snowshoeing doesn’t interfere, it’s a discreet interaction with nature, leaving plenty of room for observa-
tion. Fresh snow mutes the forest. Occasionally, a crow caws and breaks the silence. We walk and huff our way down the trail. A squirrel is chatter- ing in the distance. As we march, we talk about plans for the holiday and share our resolutions for the coming year. I make a promise to hike more and to be in nature more. We agree being outside is curative. When we completed the loop, we enjoyed it so much we decided to do it again. Almost back from our second round, we heard something in the distance
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