A Winter Hike in Five Senses
The loudest sound is the crunch of the snow under our boots, crisp and firm from sunshine warmth mixed with freezing temperatures. The air is so cold that it smells frozen, do you know the smell? Like opening the door to the ice chest in search of a bag of ice to fill your cooler in the summer. A cold you can almost taste- a snow cone minus the syrup. Despite the temperature, I’m warm beneath the thick fabric of my layers- soft merino wool layered intentionally with down for the final bit of heat. I feel puffy and cocooned, like the Pillsbury Dough Boy costume I wore years ago. Before my eyes, the view stretches for miles, the scene expansive and full of details to explore. Tall trees on the hill to the right of the trail cast long shadows, tinted blue against the white snow. Golden brown trees dot the hills in the distance, dried leaves clutching the branches, refusing yet to fall. And the bright red of Forrest’s coat, leading the way around the lake, patiently carrying my camera bag and walking slowly as I stop to examine everything that captures my interest. A perfect afternoon spent in nature.
