I am a huge fan of winter and the snow, but I do admit that the longer days and warmer temperatures are a nice change of pace.
I’ve been talking to my colleagues in the Ski Maine office and I was intrigued with Marion’s story of how she combines the best of two seasons during this spring transition.
Her favorite is a picnic on a sunny afternoon, relaxing at the base of a maple tree where the snow has melted away.
She finds her best spots after a nice trek on snowshoes or cross country skis across snow-covered fields. Spring snow can be too soft to support a person walking, so winter equipment comes in handy on an April walk.
If there is little snow where you live and you haven’t been able to enjoy this unique blending of winter and summer, you only need to travel a few miles inland to find plenty of snow banks and emerging tree wells.
For a final winter blast, you can visit Fort Kent where the snow banks are still measured in feet.
If you are to the point where you do not need to slide on the snow, be sure to take time every day to get outside for a walk. There are huge health benefits to walking at least 30 minutes a day.
At this level you are able to maintain a healthy heart. When you exercise for a longer period, you begin to improve your fitness level.
My view is that when you maintain your fitness level, your walks become longer and more enjoyable.
If you spend an hour or more outside, you are more apt to observe the natural beauty that surrounds us in Maine. I’ve seen hawks and geese migrating in the early morning light. I’ve come across herds of deer snacking off neighborhood shrubs or tender fruit tree buds.
I enjoy the changing sky from mornings when the sun pierces the horizon to the eerie fog that drifts through the trees. Each morning is different and the longer the walk takes, the more I see, and the more I seem to order my thoughts and plan for the day.
I hop on the treadmill occasionally and I have friends who go to the gym every day, but I really feel my best when I am outside. If you’ve been working out all winter, it’s time to make the break and work out in the fresh air. Walking, hiking and biking not only raise our fitness levels, these activities are visible and encourage others to get outside.
I’m just waiting for that first warm April day when the temperature hits 70 and people flood outside to soak it in. I truly enjoy the last days of winter and I look forward to seeing many new faces during my walks and hikes this spring.
I’ll see you outside!