Monday, January 26, 2009

Winter Walking

We live very close to a section of the Trans Canada Trail, which supposedly stretches from sea to shining sea. It's a great idea although it's pretty discontinuous. Around here, for example, your would have to travel for about a half hour by car until you could pick up the next section. Pedestrians and snowmobilers share our section in winter, bicycles replacing snowmobiles in summer.



Although the trail is close to us, we don't get around to using it very often, Sunday being only the second or third time since the winter began. We often turn a little chicken in winter when there's usually no reason to fear the weather. Or should I say we turn turtle and stay inside our warm shells?

This weekend the temperatures have been below negative ten Celsius or in single digits on the Fahrenheit scale. While that is cold enough for almost anybody and more than cold enough for many, the problem that I sometimes have is overdressing. I layered up too much for our Saturday stroll around town, for example; I wore three layers on both top and bottom, and it was too much. So, for yesterday's walk along the trail, I held back just a little and was quite comfortable. I know it seems odd to worry about being too hot when it's so cold out, but, sometimes, I tend to overcompensate. However, we're sensible, for as you can see from the photo below Cuppa is still well-bundled.



Unfortunately, they're building a new access road right beside the trail (which is an old railway bed). They've been building the bed for months now by dumping load after endless load of rocks, and the foundation is just about completed. Once they build a bridge over this little stream (see cranes behind Cuppa), they'll be ready to pave — in the warmer weather, of course.

We haven't managed to use our snowshoes yet this winter. We had planned to get away to the cottage when by back decided to act up, so we stayed home. We won't get away for a while now because we're expecting grandbaby #2 to make his entrance into the world anytime now, an dwe need to be around for support.

12 comments:

Ruth said...

I find it rather scary that snowmobiles and pedestrians use the same trails. On the trails around here, no motorized vehicles are allowed at all except for the trail police who work for the region. Hope that baby arrives soon!

Amanda said...

I bet that walk is beautiful in any season.
I hope foer a smooth delivery when baby number two makes an appearance!

Donna said...

Geez! And I thought My feet were cold!!Hahaaa...Keep warm!hughugs

Mary said...

AC,

I was sick all of December and into January, as you probably remember, so I haven't been out and about as much this winter as I usually am. I have pretty much been the turtle you speak of and have only gone out when absolutely necessary. I really need to get out and get some fresh air.

Cuppa looks comfortable. I sometimes tend to overdress as well. When you're moving at a fairly good speed, you tend to keep warm.

Praying for a safe delivery for grandson and mother.

Blessings,
Mary

Ginnie said...

You both must be in pretty good physical shape if you can follow a trail on snowshoes, (although you say you haven't done it this year).
I tried it once and couldn't believe how exhausting it was.

ChrisB said...

I have to say I think the snowmobile looks like fun and not nearly as hard work as walking. You can tell I'm not good at getting fit!

dabrah said...

I've never walked in snowshoes (never experienced the level of cold you're talking about either)but I would imagine it must be something like trying to walk around in swimming flippers.

I like Cuppa's outfit. It looks really nice.

Tossing Pebbles in the Stream said...

I ownder what is happening with the TransCanada Trail. It is undeveloped here. I understand it will follow the old CN rail line from North Bay to Capreol. This runs along our little towns main street. It is used by snowmobiles right now and 4 wheelers in the summer.

Paul said...

I've never tried snowshoeing. I've heard it's great fun and hope to add it to my list of experiences.

Turtle Guy said...

"turn turtle", huh? It's not all bad, really...

I remember telling everyone after my cross-Canada trek that within a week I'd travelled from "sea to shining seaway"... not quite to the next sea!

Anonymous said...

I love the idea of the Trans Canada Trail and I know part of it runs through Winnipeg.. but it is not marked well and I am never sure if I am using the trial or some other path. I usually walk every day but the last week has once more been to cold to be out.. mostly wind chill related. Must get out soon... I feel cabin fever setting in.

Pearl said...

Love the idea of the transcanada trail. hopefully it will be all linked up within my lifetime and well-used.