Hiking 2017 Reloaded

[Catrin]

Crankin - I've never used snow shoes but it sounds like fun! Outside from a memorable record breaker 3-4 years ago, we just do not get all that much snow that sticks around. Sadly, although I do hope that trend continues this year so I am not tempted to get out there and do something I should not to. For some reason I'm only tempted to winter hiking when it is crazy cold and all is covered with snow and ice. Go figure, and I'm the winter weenie!

Starting to be able to hit the gym - even if all I am allowed to do is an elliptical 'bike' with optional arm involvement. It is, however, movement - and my deconditioned body after 2 major surgeries since the end of July is most appreciative!

[Crankin]

We don't get that much snow here, anymore, either. I usually have to go at least an hour north or west to nordic ski. It's a little easier to snow shoe locally, as you don't need as much snow!
We are having frigid, January temperatures now. It was 10F when I went to the gym this morning. I am OK with it when I am skiing or snow shoeing, but, for normal getting in and out of the car, shopping, not so much. It will be 30 later today, though. My favorite ski place is open and I hope to go there Sunday. I am almost through my busy week of celebrating... tonight is my DH's company holiday party. It doesn't start until 8 pm, and I hope I can rest later this afternoon, since I got up at 5. Tomorrow, I think I am taking a break from exercising... we have to drive to western MA for my friend's birthday lunch, and then then rush home to have our family Chanukah celebration. I have already gained 3 pounds, despite exercising every day. This happens every winter, and I feel gross right now. This morning in boot camp, I was trying to tame my "why do I do this, I shold be home sleeping like all the other older people who don't give a sh!t" thinking. But, I will carry on.

[Crankin]

Today we went to Breakhart Reservation in Saugus, MA. Not exactly a lovely place (think honky tonk and strip malls along Rt 1), but it's accessible to people who live north of Boston and the city. Again, we downloaded a hike from All Trails; the beginning was a steep short climb and then we were on one of the park roads for a while, which is closed for the winter. Then the fun began on the Ridge Trail. I wore my microspikes and had my poles, but the spikes were alternatively needed or hindering me, as there was a thin cover of snow, some ice, slush, and plain wet leaves. This trail was very technical and some of the markers were on the rocks, so this is probably why it's not recommended in the winter, although the snow was cleared in most of the spots and we had the app going. However, I slipped and fell lightly on a descent. Not a big or long fall, I just went down. I really don't know what happened! I am not hurt in any way, except a little bruise and soreness on the palm side of my right thumb. Everything else is just really stiff from the hike itself. But, after this I was spooked, so there was some screaming and swearing at DH... this took much longer than we thought and I was ready to be done before we were done. We also had a stream/wetland crossing. We finally saw the boards for the crossing, but it was a bit tricky getting to the first board, on thin ice. Although it was close to 50, we did not want to be wet.
All an all, an experience, but I think I won't go back until the fall, when it is dry.

[emily_in_nc]

Cute pic, Crankin! It does look a bit challenging, and slipping definitely an ongoing threat given the conditions. Don't blame you for waiting until dry conditions to do that again....

We never ride on Saturdays due to trail crowds, but we did our usual walk to town to the markets and will ride tomorrow and most of the days next week, weather permitting. It's warming up again, but they're predicting some rain chances and windy conditions late in the week, so the more riding we can get done between Sunday and Wednesday, the better. I am feeling really sluggish after several days of not riding and am ready to get back out there.