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