My first snowshoeing experience
One word: F U N !!!!!!!
It was a sunny/foggy/sunny day with a temperature of 9F and a light wind from the north. There was about 2-3 feet of powder, but a snowmobile had cut a trail. Yellow and other Utahns, it was the Telephone Hollow trail just above Daniel's Summit in Wasatch County. The Forest Service maintains trails for skiers and snowshoers (that is what I choose to believe my tax dollars pay for :rolleyes:). Some trails allow snowmobiles too, so there is a mix.
DH and the kiddos tubed (which is hard to do in powder :o) while I tried out my new snowshoes. I didn't go far (spent about an hour total) because I was by myself on a new trail, but it was enough to get me hooked!
What I learned:
1. Next time, bring sunscreen. I forgot.
2. A base layer, good wool sweater and a down jacket are too warm for a 9 degree outing. I would have been fine with the base layer, sweater and a shell.
3. My new snowshoes rock! I read TE postings and got some MSR Denali Ascents.
4. My trail running shoes with gaiters were awesome. I wore Costco wool socks (4 pair for $10), Adidas goretex xcr trail shoes and gaiters. My feet NEVER got cold. The shoes were already broken in and so comfy.
5. I think I will wear mittens next time as my fingers got cold in my ski gloves.
6. I used my xc ski poles to help me up hills.
7. A polarfleece Buff worked great to keep my face warm.
8. My bottom half stayed warm with bike tights, cotton tights and some thicker, snowplay pants. Next time, I may wear some thinner snowpants as an outer layer.
9. Cold weather doesn't deter thirst and I was glad I had water with me.
I can hardly wait to go again! Why did it take me 25 years to discover snowshoeing???????? :mad:
