Venturing out into the Canadian winter is no easy feat. It requires layer upon layer of clothing – double up on the socks, wear leggings under your jeans, scour the bottom of the closet for (faux) fur lined boots, and wear a minimum of three layers on your upper body. You’ll begin to sweat while you’re still getting dressed, and having lost full mobility of your elbows and knees, you’ll struggle to do up your laces and button your jacket. You’ll think maybe you’re overdoing it – this is not the time for second guessing! Allow that bead of sweat to roll off your brow, grab a toque, wrap a scarf around your face, slip on those furry mittens, and march on out there, soldier.
I went hiking with some friends over the weekend. It takes quite a bit of convincing to get me outdoors when it’s cold out, let alone when there’s a combination of snow and sleet drizzling down, but the right winter layers make the difference between a happy Audrey and a miserable Audrey.
So all bundled up we parked the car in the empty snow covered lot and began our hike into the woods. We came across an old train station with the unappealing name of Sulphur Springs, spotted deer and startled them with our giggling, we crossed little creeks, and happened upon lone benches that would make the perfect summertime reading spot. There were old barns with caving roofs, and cabins that had been locked and forgotten. There were rabbits and squirrels and row upon row of dead and living trees. It was a great day with even greater company – and I faced winter!
How are you facing the winter blues?
Better yet, tell about someplace tropical!
{ 9 comments… read them below or add one }
gorgeous photos, I really love the second one
I simply travel to avoid the winter. Although that strategy will probably not work for a 3rd year in a row, since I will not have any travel savings left
That was my strategy for several winters! Head straight for South America
Glad I’m arriving in Canada during warm months and leaving just before the winter weather sets in. Sounds like an interesting, isolating walk you went on.
I must boast – Canada has wonderful summers! I hope you enjoy your time here
I know this isn’t really going to make me any friends, but New York has been pretty freaking sunny lately. No boots, no coat required.
There are no cabins either, though…
I think I see a mob of angry Canadians running your way… Ha, no, I shouldn’t be complaining, it has been a rather mild winter.
And I guess those cabins foster the ‘lumberjack’ image people seem to have of Canadians… Not that I mind. I’m decked out in flannel.
Usually, it would also take a brave (and persistent) negotiator to take me out into the cold, snowy woods – but I’m recently surprising myself with my winter-adapting skills! Then again, I also tend to venture out with less layers than necessary and end up sick in a warm and cozy bed for half of the winter anyways.
I really enjoyed being back in Canada for part of the winter. It’s odd but having skipped two proper winters I enjoyed it quite a bit when I normally would thinking of ways to escape