A New Year

Winter has arrived. A storm last Tuesday dumped 40 cm  ( a little more than 15 " ) of snow on the city. Even on a cloudy day, everything seems brighter with the snow. With the temperature hovering just below 0°C (32F) it is delightful to go out and enjoy it.



We finally took out our snowshoes and tramped around the woods in Summit Park.
While I have more modern aluminum snowshoes, my spouse prefers a traditional pair, complete with deerskin moccasins. There was plenty of snow - soft, fluffy - perfect for snowshoeing.



We are so fortunate to have this park - nothing but woods with paths through it - to enjoy in the middle of the city.

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My EdTech friend Alannah has challenged me to try another 365 photos this year. I can't promise to post daily, but I will be trying to post more frequently - even if it is just the photograph!

Snowshoes

Snowshoes, originally uploaded by susanvg.

Snowshoes are strapped on. Fresh snow is ready for us. Off we went tramping through the woods, enjoying the crisp winter air. We heard the knock knock of the woodpeckers, the sound of the chickadees and the happy barks of the dogs who are allowed to run free in this wooded park. Winter at its best.

(My snowshoes are the modern aluminum ones - you can see them here. )

Day 32: The old and the new

Day 32: The old and the new, originally uploaded by susanvg.

My spouse and I went snowshoeing - his snowshoes are a traditional pair, wood frame with gut webbing. The harness and straps are leather and the snowshoes are worn with leather mukluks. He loves the connection with the original users of snowshoes - the first peoples and later the settlers of Quebec. Snowshoes were a must to get around in deep snow, whether for travelling, hunting, trapping or logging. You can read a bit more about snowshoes here. I understand this feeling of connection. My snowshoes are modern - aluminum and modern materials - no history there. They are made as sports items. It's true that I use them that way. As a child I had a pair of traditional snowshoes and I could feel like a pioneer as I trudged through the woods or on the frozen lake. While I enjoy the newer design (cleats so as not to slip, slightly narrower shape), I have taken a step away from the tradition for which they were made.