On the Move! En mouvement!
Paul Gaudet
Greetings all,
Have you all feasted sufficiently on what has been nothing less than an extraordinary summer and autumn? If you are going to live here in Southeastern N. B. then embracing the winter is the only option if you want to take advantage of the many hours of sunshine that we receive in our area. Remember that vitamin D is important to our health and being out in the sun stimulates its production in our bodies. Going outside in the winter sunshine is also helpful if you are subject to SAD( seasonal affective disorder).
Dobson Trail
To fully enjoy winter, first, you will need proper clothing. If you do not dress for the weather then no amount of cajoling is going to get you outside on a cold day.
Second, you must choose a winter activity. Allow me to make a few recommendations.
Snowshoeing Snowshoeing with the today’ s modern metal snowshoes is a whole new sport. They have crampons which keep you from slipping and sliding, the fastening systems are secure and do not stretch or come off your feet. They are light and most of all they do not require you to assume that bowlegged stance that the older models forced you to adopt.
Because of the positive features mentioned you can go to most of the places you visit in the spring, summer and fall in the winter as well( with a few exceptions). With the old style snowshoe you were pretty much restricted to fairly flat terrain and going up an icy hill was definitely out of the question.
Cross-country skiing This is also an option but does require more skill and for most people that are“ of an age”, a groomed track. There are many places in our area that have groomed tracks.( see sidebar)
Walking A winter walk outside is further enhanced by wearing a good pair of ice and snow grippers. I would recommend a really good solid pair of grippers that fit your boots and do not come off easily. There are many different styles of gripper and you may have to try on a few to see what is right for you. Generally, all things considered, the more expensive ones are better when it comes to grippers. Do not go for the $ 19.99 pair. You should find grippers at most sports stores, shoe stores, drug stores and places like Mountain Equipment Co-Op where you can order them online.
Indoor walking tracks If outdoor options out are not for you then there is always indoor winter walking locations at Champlain Place, the YMCA, in Lewisville at the Kay Arena and Crossman Centre among others.
The main thing is to keep active all winter and do not let the season defeat you and if your activity takes place outdoors, all the better.
PLACES TO GO SNOWSHOEING SUGGESTIONS ON PAGE 30
Hidden Valley near Poley Mtn
16 PrimeTime WINTER / HIVER 2017