Snowshoeing: much more fun when there's snow

In December, I put up little white Christmas lights on my house and picket fence (yes, a picket fence - it's not just for nostalgic TV shows). In a normal year, the lights reflect grandly off the snow in the yard, and the glow makes me feel warm and fuzzy and... wintery.

This year, the lights stayed on the house through a snowless December... January... and February. I was determined to leave those Christmas lights up until winter finally arrived! And now on March 4, I can happily report I've had snow in my yard for almost a week.

All this is a long way of explaining my glee in today's snowshoe outing! Other parts of Vermont have fared better with snow totals than the Champlain Valley has, but the snowfall last week sealed the deal. I headed to central Vermont to meet Emily for an excellent trek up the trails of Little River State Park.

We probably went about 2.5 miles (not sure exactly), a couple good steep stretches, one river to fjord, and we finally go to the remnants of a century-old sawmill that had been our vague destination throughout the hike. Chomped on delicious pine-flavored snow! Crossed a few sweet bridges over streams. Came to terms with the fact that I am out of shape, but still able to enjoy the outdoors, fresh air and good exercise.

Thanks, Emily!