5 Reasons I’m Sad to See Winter Go

It’s March 11th as I type this and I was able to the get in a short hike this weekend. The last of the winter hikes I’m afraid (although it has snowed today). This is the first winter where I have actively hiked more than just one or two hikes on a nice winter day. I’ve hiked 71 miles since November with the coldest being the First Day Hike with the temperature being 1 degree. And I’ve come to the conclusion that winter hiking is my favorite. Crystal Reese is going to think I’m crazy, but I’m sad to see winter go.

In the past I haven’t necessarily been a winter person. I relish a good snow day and DAYSare even better.  I have been known to hibernate a few days at a time without venturing out of the house. Not even to get the mail. So I’m not sure why I am now regretting the end of winter.

I’ve compiled a list of reasons why I prefer winter hiking.

1. With the trees bare, I can see farther and see more things that are obscured by the spring and summer overgrowth. We recently hiked the Silver Mines Trail and the river was visible almost the entire path. When we hiked it in the summer, we would catch glimpses of it and knew it was near, but didn’t have the view the entire way. Some may say that’s it’s all gray and there’s no color or  vibrancy. Is it better to see the colorful beauty two feet in front of you or the starkness that allows you to see miles farther than normal?

   

2. Speaking of the bare trees, I appreciate seeing the skeleton of the trees against a blue winter sky. It’s as if the tree has been exposed – it’s flaws and all. There is no hiding behind the leaves. As cheesy as this may sound, but the tree’s soul has been exposed, and I can truly appreciate it for simply what it is. Each tree takes on its own character and doesn’t fade into all the others.  I have learned to appreciate the individuality of each tree.

   

3. I can also appreciate a lack of other hiking nuisances in winter: ticks, mosquitoes, snakes, spiderwebs, and I’m sure I am forgetting a few others. Mosquitoes, gnats, and flies are pests that do nothing more than annoy me while hiking. If it’s not a buzzing in your ear then it’s swatting them out of your mouth and nose. Then there is having to deal with the pre- and -post maintenance of them. Having to make sure you have bug spray and then getting yourself completely covered. Afterwards doing a tick inspection, and in some cases, jumping into the shower as soon as possible for chigger control. Snakes – I am not a snake fan. I am on high alert watching out for snakes. I don’t like to be startled, or Lord help me, step on one. We have been fortunate, for the most part, by only occasionally seeing snakes, but I prefer to avoid them whenever possible. –Sidenote- We encountered a man in Indiana with a debilitating fear of snakes. He stood back and asked up to block his view of a black snake so he could pass. He was not going to move as long as he could see the snake. I don’t have that fear but I don’t embrace a snake when I see it – Finally spiderwebs, they have made me stop and cuss in my tracks more than any other thing on the trail. I usually prefer hiking in the morning, and if you are first out on the trail then you are doing a civic duty to the hikers behind you by clearing the path. It is a thankless job. A job that Katie and I are sure to alternate because neither of us wants to be “in the lead” when it’s spiderweb season.
4. In winter hiking, I find it easier to get warm compared to staying cool in the summer. I can layer and bundle up and find a comfortable temperature once I get to hiking. Finding the right balance between being warm and not sweating can be tricky, but I’ve gotten decent at it. Then there is that added bonus of not sweating on a winter hike. I can end a hike and look relatively presentable other than a little hat hair and rosy cheeks. All those layers can also camouflage a little fat.

   

5. The more I have thought about this more I have decided  that the biggest reason I enjoy winter hiking is the lack of people on the trails. I’m an introvert. I enjoy being alone. I NEED to be alone at times. And winter hiking provides that solitude. I enjoy the stillness and quietness around me. I don’t feel the need to socialize while on the trail. I may not be hiking alone (although I have learned that I enjoy that too). “My people” know that I’m not a big talker especially small talk, so if I’m hiking along and not saying much they aren’t offended or expect more. Add to this solitude the lack of bug, snake, and spider web distractions and it becomes almost a meditative time. I can truly appreciate the beauty and uniqueness of my surroundings. I have learned to realize that there isn’t anything much better than a brisk day with the sun on my face and blue skies ahead of me. A peace and tranquility I have found only in winter hiking.

So as others are eager and ready to welcome spring, I am sitting here a little sad to see winter go. I’ll enjoy and appreciate the spring hikes that begin to pop with color and movement along the trails; the summer hikes that test you as an individual and that at times you just power through just to say you finished; and finally those fall hikes that bring out the hoodies and gorgeous backgrounds of colors. But it is the winter hike that I will hold close to my heart and silently wait for its return.