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Setting tracks.
Luckily
there was ample warning ahead of the snowstorm that hit the East this
week. So prior to the snow fall, I walked the trails behind my home
to groom it for twigs, fallen branches, and of course, THORNS. That
hurts.
The
corn field was a "field of dreams" for me, stretching out with a
slight decline so I could glide along, listening to the quiet of the
muffled sounds of nature...birds chirping, the wind whistling, a gurgling
brook in the background.
It
helps to leave your skis outside to take on the temperature of the snow,
so that the snow doesn't stick. Waxing isn't needed for my skis, but
some may want to wax for the temp. The best reward for a cross country ski
adventure is the "snow-art" you find along the way and the
wildlife that may appear unexpectedly.
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No need to wait for that trip to
the Nordic Center..not if you live in the country like I do. Of
course, you'll want to check with your local farm owners and owners of
landlocked acreage for trespassing privileges, but if you can do it,
blazing trails is excellent physical exercise and the beauty of nature
after a fresh snowfall is something that is tonic for the soul!
The first task is to lay fresh tracks, which takes time
and effort to break through that stubborn crust of snow. I'm careful
not to lay the tracks too close together, so my husband can also use them,
as he has a wider stance.
The
Morris Canal runs behind our house, and a fresh blanket of snow covers the
canal bed where the boats once carried supplies to points west. Towpath
skiing is picturesque and wonderful!
Snow
art was plentiful, but I didn't get a photo of the deer that crossed my
path....I'll snap him next time and add the photo soon....
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