At Play, In Nature

"AMC Guide to Winter Hiking and Camping"

I devour this book with energy. It's stuffed full of information I need to know - the essentials of staying safe, warm, and uninjured in harsh conditions. This knowledge is the difference between having fun outdoors in the winter vs survival. Everything from planning, getting to and from the adventure, eating and dressing properly, gear, tent and sleeping supplies ... The more I learn, the more aware I am of what can go wrong out in the cold. But the knowledge also gives me more confidence, and builds the enthusiasm to get outside - even in winter.

Orienteering! Transition to Intermediate

Yaay! I'm thrilled about another orienteering event. I've become addicted to the sport. Although I don't spend any free time working on getting better.

This event was held at Wheaton Regional Park. The courses were described as good ones to try at the next level, so I went for the intermediate course.

My little dirty secret about orienteering is that I can get lost just going from the registration area to the "start". I always have to ask, getting confused by the map. It's a wonder that the event organizers let me go off alone - lol! If I can't even find the "start" on my own, how do I expect to make it successfully through the entire course???

By doing some research later, I learn that it's not unusual to be *disoriented* [ :) ] at the first few checkpoints. Warming up is recommended -- not just warming up your body physically, but also your brain. I need to build that into my travel plans when going to these events.

Once I get settled, I find the course easy. Until moving from checkpoint 4 to 5. I bushwhack; I mean, "go off trail". I felt confident in my compass skills and sighting landmarks. But once I got where I wanted to go, I wasn't sure that's where I was supposed to be. At that point, I was on a trail and I continued along it, trying to identify topographic features and figure out where I was on the map.

I wasn't having much luck; did not see anyone which convinced me I was way off course; got teary-eyed (another not-unusual occurrence for newbies); sat for a spell and made a plan. I determined I was on either one of two trails and heading south no matter which trail I was on would lead me to the parking area. So I proceeded that way. Within 50 feet, I encountered another orienteer, who showed me on the map where I was. I felt much better! and continued with the course.

At another section, I was in the right spot but had trouble understanding the clues as to where the checkpoint was. (It was well-hidden off-trail.) Someone helped me at that spot too. From there, for the remaining six checkpoints, I was fine on my own. Sometimes I stuck to trail options; but many times I also headed off-trail.

It was mentally challenging for me; but I loved it. I felt very satisfied that I had successfully accomplished that course.

Winter Solstice / Full Moon Hike

This is the most memorable hike of the year; and likely will be a treasured memory for years to come.

I join a group for a hike celebrating the winter solstice; it's a full moon too. Luckily it's a clear night.

We start about 6:30pm and with ranger permission, head into Patapsco Valley State Park. At first, we're following a fairly easy single track trail. The course though turns more technical. In addition, there's still some snowfall on the path and lots of icy patches. It's fun, but slow-going. At some points, the leader and the front pack gets farther ahead, out of sight. It's a little scary as I would have no idea how to get back to where we started.

We follow and cross some small streams, helping each other on the icy rocks and patches. Wandering through the woods, we use our headlamps and flashlights. Later on though, we're in more open areas. We can turn off our lights and walk simply by the light of the moon.

Much of the hiking around PVSP leads you towards the ridge line. You climb up and cross over to descend into the valley along the river. Once along the river, the silhouette of the ridge line, and the tall pine trees is impressive and intimidating.

At one section, we cross the swinging bridge. I'm terrified of the bridge, and now I'm crossing it in darkness. Our guide wants to tell us about the effects of water currents and suggests we stop on the bridge for the view. I barely can do that. Everyone is helpful towards me. Later, we'll need to cross the bridge again to get back to where we started.

Another portion of the hike takes us on the Cascade Falls trail. We cross the stream, helping each other on the icy rocks again, admiring the frozen waterfall, and using our hands to clamber up the icy path on the other side.

The adventure is exciting, invigorating, and fun; but more difficult than I had expected. It was described as an "easy" hike, but it's a technical single-track trail, made more challenging by the darkness and icy conditions. It's a work day for me, so I'm tired after being at the office all day. I didn't eat enough, and my energy is lagging.

Another portion takes us along the river. We walk for a 1/2 mile or so completely by moonlight. We have no trouble seeing.

Overall, I found the experience immensely rewarding. Hiking at night, illuminated by the moon, and with snow on the ground, is incredibly beautiful.

"Hi!"

Coming around a bend in the path on a day hike, I come across this friendly greeting.

Seneca Creek State Park / Hike

December, 2010

Another new park to explore! I meet up with a favorite group for this hike. I enjoy exploring a new area, during the winter, at a comfortable pace. It's a pleasant day.

My fitness level is still improving. I feel good after this hike; it's relatively short due to it being scheduled in winter. So on the way home, I stop at a park and do another two miles. Feels good.