With one of the first widespread Tri-State ice storms in ages, coating and encasing everything that didn’t move in a layer of glistening ice, it’s been a unique time to get outdoors – albeit very cautiously – to view up close this rare winter wonder.
From my childhood days of playing snow football, sledding, four-wheeling and ice skating to an adult skiing, hiking, and – when I can – snowshoeing in the outdoors, I love getting out in winter. The much aligned yet spectacular season provides us with the rare chance to answer the call of the wild and brave the elements to soak in its fleeting beauty.
With the recent ice storm there was no way we were just sitting at home in the dark waiting for the power to return, so when it was safe we have ventured out for daily hikes.
A few things to keep in mind:
- Slow Down!! Whether you’re driving or walking, winter is the natural time to slow down and let your moves be more calculated and more deliberate. As Margo Price posted the other day , drive like you’re driving grandma to church with a carload of casseroles.
- Get Out the Hiking Sticks!! When hiking in ice and snow, it’s a good time to utilize hiking sticks or poles that can provide extra stability as well as leverage going up – and more importantly – down hill.
- Check Out The Flats! Speaking of hills, when there is ice it’s not a bad time to check out more flat places (good luck with that in West Virginia) but it is a good time to check out some of our parks and wild places along the Ohio River such as Harris Riverfront Park, or Greenbottom Wildlife Refuge.
- Chasing Daylight! Remember that because of the shortened hours of daylight in winter and because you will be going more deliberate and slow, think about cutting your normal mileage that you would tackle in better conditions, or at least be prepared for the additional time it will take. We’ve all been there, practically sprinting out of truly wild places like Dolly Sods chasing daylight back to our cabin.
- Explore Near You! You don’t have to drive anywhere to have a walk of wonder in these conditions. Head outside and wander through your neighborhood, and discover, or rediscover, its beauty and natural treasures hidden in plain sight.
- Be Prepared! Even for day hikes, be prepared with enough water, a first aid kit, flashlight, extra charger (since phones get zapped quicker in the cold), some protein bars and – if hiking with your dogs – some extra treats.
- Map It Out! If you’re hiking on any complex or unfamiliar trail system, carry an actual physical map. The cold can easily zap a phone’s battery – and or bad or no cell signal – can leave you without those map apps we all lean on.
- Some Like it Hot! For phones, when hiking in winter, carry them inside your jacket and close to your body to keep them warm, thus extending the battery life. It’s also a great time to utilize your thermos and bring hot liquids such as tea, coffee or even soup to enjoy in a break along the trail. And sorry Milo, but icy winter hikes = dog sweater for pups and dog breeds prone to getting cold.
- Treat Yourself! In your vehicle, leave an extra bottle of water and snacks for the drive back, pack an extra pair of dry socks when trudging through the ice and snow and don’t forget to stop off on the way home to treat yourself supporting any mom and pop restaurants or businesses in the area near your hike. You deserve it.
