A Winter Wander

Woke up to snow on the ground, a surprising sight I was not ready for. I am quite ready for spring to be here but this snow is a sign that winter is not quite ready to leave. Today’s plan is to hop in the truck and head out to a local trail on the northeast side of town. A bit of a drive for me, but I do love a good drive. The morning was clear and crisp and perfect for a stroll down an unknown trail to me. I was up early enough that the roads were empty and still had frost and snow covering them before the sun hits them.

Arriving at Carpenter Park I met up with my friend and we explored the shelter close to the entrance to the park. Several fat robins greeted us while wandering around looking for food. Seeing robins in the Midwest is one of my favorite signs that spring is right around the corner.

The Trail was dusted with snow and we were the first to leave footprints on this particular morning. The air was clean and crisp, a smell one can only find on a super clear winter day. Similar to that of an incoming rain storm that post-snow clear air smell is amazing. I am sure there is science behind why this happens, but instead, I will just enjoy the little moments and not concern myself with the why of it today.

The trails here are all loops so there was no chance of getting lost so we wandered around deep in conversations and enjoying the frozen landscape. We found frozen deer tracks and tracks from what looked like a whole raccoon family visiting a stream that was flowing quite quickly. Lots of places that would have been great hiding spots we would have used in our youth.

We found our way to an overlook of the river that runs on the outskirts of the park. Standing and watching the water rush past I pondered what this park and area across the river would look like when the trees and plants were in full bloom and not in their brown and bare winter states. We did not hike many miles or go great distances but our goal was just to get outside and enjoy the last lingering bit of winter. Spring is right around the corner or so I hope it is anyway. May your spring be filled with outdoor adventures and many breaths of clean fresh spring air.