Winter’s Gifts

Winter’s Gifts

Winter’s gifts? No I haven’t lost what’s left of my mind. Sometimes it’s difficult at this time of year to feel good about the winter season. The beauty of the first snowfall, the excitement that comes with the holiday season is gone and we are left with the reality of several more months of cold, snow and ice.

Our normal reaction is to spend time at home with food, fireplaces, TV, good books, hunkering down and “getting through it” til’ Spring. If we’re fortunate maybe we can take a trip somewhere warm.

Or…. we can begin to view winter in a different way…. an opportunity to get outside and enjoy the gifts that winter provides. I’m an outdoors person so I have been experiencing the beauty of winter for a long time and it’s amazing, inspiring and uplifting.

First and one of the most important things to think about when we start to head outside is how to dress. We’re fortunate today to have great clothing and gear available that allows us to be outside for prolonged periods while staying warm and dry. Once we’ve got a handle on the proper gear, we can head out and experience our winter wonderland.

I love to be out when the snow is falling, as it was last Sunday. I decided to head out to Le Roy Oakes and do some snowshoeing. The snow was falling gently but was enhanced by some strong winds when I was out in the open areas, less pronounced as I headed into the tree line and down towards the creek.

As I moved along the trails I stopped frequently to feel the snow on my face, to hear the wind as it whistled through the pines… truly on of the magical sounds of nature. I was filled with peace as I watched the winds gently blow the soft dry snow from the pines and tree branches…it was like nature was whispering “be still and enjoy my show.”

As I moved along the tree line and down towards the creek, I was met with the beauty of a partially frozen, ice covered stream. In a number of places the flowing water held the ice at bay so the cold, steel colored water was revealed. It’s a perfect scene when viewed from the ridgeline looking down.

As I continued my trek, the snowstorm moved on thru and the skies cleared. Small animals and birds that were in their nests began to emerge as they searched for food. As I crossed the road and headed to the open space by the Western Trail, I spotted a beautiful hawk…it had found it’s dinner and was fully engaged in enjoying it’s meal. Startled by my presence it took to the trees until I moved on. I felt so privileged be present for the miracle of the cycle of life in nature.

As I was winding down my time this day, I was treated to a beautiful winter sunset…. one more reminder of the beauty, peace and magic of winter’s gifts.
These wonderful sights and sounds are there for the taking. They require no special skills, training or expense. We can have them by simply heading outdoors and most importantly slowing down, observing what’s around us and learning to be still.

Enjoy….. and please feel free to share your favorite winter experiences with all of us in the comments field below.