I know, this weather has got everybody down, including me. Another snow day from school, more shoveling, and bad roads, same old, same old. Did I mention more shoveling? Since spring-like weather is eluding us for the time being, I decided to give in this weekend and enjoy a couple more winter activities. In addition to some excellent sledding with my daughter, I tried snowshoeing for the first time.

First of all, it’s not as easy as it looks. It takes some coordination to get going, but once you get a rhythm, you can make good time. What astonished me was how easy it was going over very deep snow; I didn’t sink at all. Walking on top of hip-deep snow was pretty cool, especially since I wouldn’t have been out there at all if I hadn’t been wearing the snowshoes. They allowed me to take a walk when I would have otherwise been stuck in the house. Snowshoeing is an excellent way to view wildlife because it’s nearly silent; I was able to see deer, rabbits and many birds with minimal disturbance. It may have been my first attempt at snowshoeing, but it won’t be the last.

Now please excuse me while I go shovel the walk again.

Yes, there are still 20 official days of winter left, and actual winter can last weeks longer than “official” winter, but still, it’s undeniable that spring is coming. The past few days, we plunged deeply back into winter, but today’s temperatures in the 40s had me disappearing outside for hours, hiking around in the sun, hearing the mud squish under my boots.

 

In preparation for spring’s arrival, I have taken care to keep my birdfeeders full as birds begin their northward migration. The mountain bluebirds should be arriving soon, so I cleaned out their houses a couple of weeks ago. I’ve also completed my seed orders so that I can sow some seeds indoors this month.

 

The turkeys have begun gobbling, letting us know that nature’s calendar is changing. And today my daughter came rushing into the house and excitedly drug me onto the front porch to listen to geese nearby. We couldn’t see them, but they were fairly close. Now, for some of you, you’ll have geese all year, but to us, the arrival of the honkers is always a landmark event.

 

Sure, we’re for a few storms and bouts of cold weather yet, but there is light at end of the tunnel called winter.

February second is Groundhog Day in the United States, and we wait in anticipation to see if chubby Punxsutawney Phil will see his shadow or not. Of course, the shadow means six more weeks of winter, while no shadow forecasts an early spring. Though Phil is located back east in Pennsylvania, I always cross my fingers for a cloudy day. Though spring is still far off at 43 - 44 degrees north latitude, I’m ready for longer days and warmer temperatures.

 

Groundhog Day is rooted in German traditions surrounding Candlemas Day, which is the day half-way between the winter solstice and the spring equinox. Europeans would take stock of their candle inventory and livestock feed to see if they’d have enough to get them through until spring. German people added animal weather-forecasting to the day by paying attention to hedgehogs and badgers. When German immigrants settled in present-day Pennsylvania, they continued this tradition, using groundhogs instead, thus the birth of Groundhog Day.

 

In addition to groundhogs, there are other harbingers of spring. Today I saw some pine siskins at my feeder, and they haven’t been around since late fall. According to my bird book, they could winter here, but they’ve been absent until today, so I figure we must be at least at the point where we can start thinking about spring. And in five to six weeks, the mountain bluebirds will return, which means spring truly is imminent. They always show up here within the first 10 days of March.

Maybe it’s not time to break out the flip flops just yet, but if we pay attention, we can see that winter won’t last forever.  

 

 

Sometimes even wildmoms have to stay indoors, but what do you when the temp is below zero and the wind is blowing? Bake cookies.

The weather has been pretty challenging lately, but I try to take advantage of the nice days when they pop up and make do with the rest. Plenty of good books to read, games to play and Christmas movies on TV have helped. Today we baked oodles of cookies, and hopefully tomorrow will be nice enough to have a fire in the fire ring.

This is the time of year when having a cold weather bag in the car is important. With the frigid temps we’ve had lately, it’s important to dress appropriately. Take warm clothes with you, including a hat, gloves and sturdy footwear. Flip-flops are not not safe; cars do break down, things happen, be prepared. And if you plan to travel, remember to tell someone where you’re going and when you expect to be back. Please be safe this holiday season.

If you hadn’t already, this first blizzard probably prompted you to dig out those hats, gloves and boots. Once your back recovers from shoveling, you’ll have time to think about all the fun outdoor opportunities winter presents. Though we often associate winter with the drudgery of shoveling and cleaning up the snow we track into the house, there are enjoyable activities for you and the kids.

 

Sledding is, of course, top of the list. Maybe this first blizzard is an indication that we’ll have plenty of sledding weather this winter. When I was a kid, I remember sledding from November through March (or even April if we got a spring storm). However, my own daughter has had far fewer opportunities since we just didn’t have enough snow for several years. Sledding is inexpensive and a fabulous way to spend family time together in the winter. Dogs love sledding too!

 

Don’t discount winter hikes. You think you know the views of the Black Hills, but areas look different under a blanket of snow. The keys to enjoying a winter hike are to dress in layers; wear a hat as well as hiking boots with a good sole; take a walking stick if you have one, it can be helpful in keeping your footing; and avoid areas that can be dangerous in winter such as trails with steep drop-offs or in areas that are remote or closed off in winter. In addition to the extra clothing you should wear, take the rest of you would take on a summer hike – first aid kit, water, snacks, flashlight, etc. Remember that some Black Hills highways like the Needles Highway do not have winter maintenance and may even be closed. Also, be sure to tell someone where you’re going, and when you’ll be back. Plan for the early arrival of dusk – you don’t want to be an hour from the car at 5 p.m. When hiking in the winter it makes sense to take trails you’re familiar with already.

 

If you don’t feel up to a full-fledged hike, shorter walks near your home can be great of fun for you and the kids. Everything looks different in the winter, and sounds different after a snow. Looking for animal tracks in the snow is exciting for kids – mouse tracks are especially cute. For these shorter excursions, you can pack a thermos of hot chocolate and a “winter picnic.” Kids love picnics no matter the season.

 

If you have a fire pit or chimenea, stock up on firewood so you can roast marshmallows and hot dogs all winter. Campfires are magical in the winter; they’re almost more fun in the winter than summer because you appreciate the heat so much more!

 

Lastly, don’t forget to get those skates sharpened! I know the ice won’t be ready for quite a while yet, but having the skates ready will get you out on the ice faster when that time arrives.

 

Winter is here, might as well embrace it!