Walking In A Winter Wonderland

Winter has arrived, whether we are ready or not. It’s not like we didn’t have plenty of warning signs. It’s been cold, windy, dark, and even a little snowy and icy. 

I always find it ironic that the first day of winter, which is also the winter solstice, is the same day that the daylight hours begin once again to stretch out a little longer each day. The first day of summer has the opposite, of course, when the daylight hours begin to shrink.

The upside of all of this is that it may be cold and dark, but as the light begins to expand, so does our hope of warmer days. It takes a while, but in the meantime we can add a little spring to our step if not to our calendars quite yet.

Walking in the winter can be invigorating and fun if we approach it with the right attitude. Many conservation groups offer winter walks that are either free or very reasonably priced, and most are great for all ages. All you have to do is bundle up appropriately and think of it as an adventure.

Probably the most important element of a winter walk is your shoe or boot choice. Since icy surfaces can be prevalent in the woods even when there is no snow cover, a good choice will involve a sole that has a grip, or at least some texture. This is not the time to wear fancy shoes or boots with smooth bottoms, or you may end up on your bottom. Warm socks are a necessity as are warm gloves or mittens. Add a warm hat and scarf to your warm jacket and pants outfit and you’ll be good. 

If going out alone, it is always a good idea to let someone know where you will be going and your approximate time of return. Bring your phone, fully charged, and make sure you have identification on you. I often carry a small pack with my sketchbook in it, but I also carry a snack and water. Depending on how long a walk you intend to take, you may also want to pack a lightweight thermal blanket. Prepare for the worst, such as a fall, but be ready for the best.

When walking in a hilly or uneven area, a walking stick is a good idea. Falls are not uncommon on slippery trails, especially for those not used to walking in winter, and a walking stick is good for helping keep your balance in tricky situations.

Winter walks can be magical. Colors are muted and it is easier to see signs of animals and birds without all the leaf cover of other times of year. The woods may seem silent at first, but if you’re quiet and pay attention you will soon discover you are far from alone. Birds may be feeding in the trees around you, squirrels may be busy, and if you’re really lucky you may spot an owl roosting or a raccoon napping high in a tree.

Many walks led by naturalists in winter focus on winter birds but also on identifying various trees and shrubs. Every type of tree has a specific shape, type of bark, and distribution of branches as well as bud shapes.

Many winter bird walks focus on birds of prey, gulls or ducks, as these are the easiest to see at this time of year. Most of these hang out near open beaches or marshes, and although the viewing may be spectacular, it may be especially cold so be well prepared and if possible, warm up frequently.

Winter beach walks, especially by Cape Cod Bay, may also give the casual walker a special view of the right whales that feed in the bay each winter. Several organizations, such as the Center for Coastal Studies, offer winter whale walks, and they are very informative and fun. You may not always see a whale, but you will learn where and how to spot them.

Although our landscape may not be as lush in the winter as it is in spring, summer and early fall, it is still lovely. Sunrises and sunsets can be spectacular, especially from the beaches, and the low sunlight off the water isn’t too shabby either.

Probably the biggest advantage of winter walks on the Cape is the lack of crowds. Often you may have the place all to yourself. Because winter walking can offer challenges to older walkers, I recommend going out with a like-minded friend. No one wants to listen to complaints on cold and windy days, so choose your companions mindfully, but it is good to have company in challenging conditions.

Winter walks may not be for everyone, but if you want to see some wonderful sights, get out there and look around. There are bald eagles, snowy owls, and other wonderful birds and animals to see, but most will not be hanging around a parking lot. You’re going to have to go look for them.

Stay warm, stay smart, and get outside. There’s still plenty of time to get cozy and warm when you get home.