Getting creative

My third item in my New Year reflections was "getting creative". In the back of my mind, I was thinking of living simply in creative ways. I cited gardening as an example and I have been writing about gardening since I started this blog. Therefore, I'll write about hiking.

While some people had gone south for the warmer climate, some of us had stayed and took advantage of what winter has to offer. Bicycling is out for us (unlike my son-in-law Richard who bikes all year around). I've taken up winter hiking instead.

I now belong to the Happy Hikers group, a Hamilton-based group who goes hiking from Fall to Spring throughout Hamilton/Burlington/Dundas conservation areas. Once again, an informal group of mostly retired people (not a lot of early retirees out here). The leader offers 2 hikes each week, Tuesday and Wednesday with the latter offering the more challenging hikes which I prefer. I've gone to one Fall hike and about 4 Winter hikes so far. Bob even came with me a couple of times. Unfortunately, hiking in a -15 degree weather going up and down hills, through thorny bushes and thick snow did not make Bob a happy hiker.

Although this 1 1/2 hour winter adventure seem longer some days, seeing the beauty of the woods as they hibernate for the season still boggles my mind knowing that signs of new growth start appearing in the Spring. Not as colorful as a Summer or Fall hike but just as exhilarating. One thing I notice, however, is that my hips tell me that they do get a lot more of a workout tramping through the snow. I've done some hiking in challenging terrains before but I've never felt sore! Hmmm.

We still have other winter "toys". I have taken out my snow shoes once this year but too much snow means too much work! The cross country skis still need to be dusted. Alas, we had to toss out the inflated tube thingy and other tobogganing stuff when we downsized. Besides, I'd feel strange going tobogganing with no kids in tow. Perhaps I can borrow my nephew Jediah when he gets old enough.

So, to complain about this winter weather is not going to make it go away any sooner, one just have to be creative.