It's been kind of cold and until a couple of days ago, the snow has been pretty meager. It still is meager compared to normal years at this time, although what is normal anymore? In any event, the weekend before last, I got out for a nice cold, sunny walk at the wildlife refuge with a friend. [Beautiful photo of her in this beautiful spot along the Minnesota River not included due to not having her permission.]
The next day was kind of warmish, and I got my fat tire bike out in the snow for a short loop on an easy singletrack (single-track?) trail where I met the most beautiful Newfoundland dog. I was smitten. [Photos not included because I was too busy riding and then kissing and petting the dog. His owner didn't seem to mind. I have a feeling that 150-pound teddy bear of a dog gets a lot of affection. From everyone.]
This past weekend was cold again, so it was good that we had plans to go to our friends' cabin for the long MLK holiday weekend.
Saturday was sunny and below zero. We made a bonfire on the ice, which actually helped me warm up as we lingered and chatted on the lake. It was like a commercial for Minnesota.
After the fire, we saw some cool tracks in the snow and tried to avoid some of the wet spots that were lurking under the insulating snow near the site of cracks in the many, many inch-deep ice. Despite logically knowing we would not go in the water, it still was a little freaky. Plus, it was good exercise running through the wet spots as our boots turned to icy high heeled contraptions.
Speaking of boots, I got my booty handed to me in backgammon, played some respectable rounds of Blokus, and re-learned how to play cribbage.
Sunday was warmer, and snowy. I went for a walk mostly by myself on the lake. It was still under 10 degrees, but I would get hot with my hood up, put it down and get my face whipped with snow, put my hood up, get hot, lather, rinse, repeat. It was a beautiful walk.
When I was standing at this spot and turned my head to the right, I could see the spot where I fell through the ice circa March 1995 or 1996. That was an interesting day.
Anyhow, that snow on Sunday delivered a nice few inches at home, too. We're supposed to have a bit of a warm-up, but I'm hoping it will remain below freezing so that the snow doesn't turn icy and will be good for some biking in the upcoming days.
I spent a good chunk of time updating some things for my #BikeMS team tonight. Before you know it, I'll be lamenting my improper winterizing of my road bike and planning spring training rides.
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