On Friday I was invited to a pop-up snowshoeing adventure by Cari, my fitness guru on Saturday morning. She had the snowshoes and I had the x-country ski poles that work well with them. I wore 2 layers of pants, 3 layers of shirts/hoodies, a thick hat, sturdy hiking shoes, heavy wool socks, 2 pairs of gloves, and a long scarf, which was plenty warm once we got moving.
A group of about 10 people met at a groomed trail about a half-hour from here at 10 a.m. This is the 2nd time in 2 years I’ve gone. Very easy trail as far as snow, with rolling hills and turns that kept things interesting. We saw a small cemetery way back on this county property that used to be a privately owned farm and then was turned into a “poor farm” for so many years. There were 2 information signs by the cemetery but didn’t have time to read them both and forgot to take pics.
This old broad, who isn’t in the best of shape, was challenged in trying to keep up with the rest of the group, who are all in good shape. One person I think was asked to stay back with me and make sure I was OK which is something Cari is real good about on her adventures. Once we got close enough to see the end from where we were and that person left me, which was fine. I ended up taking a “shortcut” that Cari told us about when we started, which shaved off 1/4 mile from the total; however, it was unbroken trail that was totally not marked, which made it a little more difficult to walk. The building I oriented towards was always in sight so no chance of getting lost.
Only a few people were still at the parking lot by the time I got back.
It was a really fun and challenging adventure and I’m glad to have pushed past my comfort zone to do it.
Tao Talk 
We seldom have enough snow any more to make snowshoes useful. In the UP many years ago I realized how useful they are when the snow was 3-4 feet deep. Stepping off the porch of the cabin required either snowshoes or skis.
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I would have to agree with you. There wasn’t really enough snow to warrant them this time. The time 2 years ago, cross-country in deeper snow, there was. In 3-4 feet snow, just stay inside ;) Did you like in the UP or were visiting there?
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I was camping in the Porcupine Mountains and got cold so snuck into a friend’s cabin. The high for the weekend was 10ºF so, after a couple of nights outside I decided to move in. I’m not from there, but my mom was born in Copper Harbor.
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I don’t blame you for going inside in those conditions. I think I remember you mentioning your mom being from Copper Harbor. It’s one of the most beautiful spots in Michigan. Do you know Midori Lake?
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Nope, I’ve never been on the Keweenaw Peninsula. One of these days…
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Bravo! I have trouble keeping up with most people, even just walking, so I really admire you for taking on the challenge. And you look great! (K)
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Thanks, K :) I’m caught between inertia and staying inside and being social outdoors but always left behind. I’m ok with that arrangement.
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I have plenty of inertia myself. When you don’t have to go out, it’s easy to just stay put, especially in winter.
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It sounds like a good time! I’m glad you went and challenged yourself. (I get out of breath walking up the stairs anymore.😬)
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I did, Melissa. My philosophy is one foot in front of the other and it’s bearable knowing it will end at a specific point. She told us we could take the shortcut or they’d be going beyond the usual, which I had no idea how much farther she was talking about, so I went for the shortcut. If you’re not in condition, baby steps until you are. Don’t give up on yourself, young lady.
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Absolutely! I was really into yoga at one point. I keep saying I’ll start again. Maybe today’s the day.
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<3
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That is really great! That seems to be a fun adventure…well not all fun but fulfilling.
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Max, I didn’t really even need the snowshoes for this but we didn’t know how much snow would be falling overnight. The trail is groomed. It’s a place I’ll go back to and walk. I was too tired to take pics and didn’t want to be left too far behind. It was challenging. Fulfilling is a perfect word for it.
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The most important thing is you did it.
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Kudos to you for not being afraid to take on a challenge, Lisa. Plus, it sounds like weather conditions were pretty frigid.
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Christian it was danged cold out there, but layers is the key. Cari gave me some hand warmer packets but I forgot to put them into my gloves! Nothing got too cold but cold enough. Thank you, it was a little scary not knowing how far we were going to be walking. Like I told older son, it isn’t like you can quit halfway through and say I’m done.
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Wow, what a nice group doing fun things in snow, Lisa! We didn’t get any snow this year. My daughter’s family went to the mountain this morning, to play in the snow?
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It was fun, Miriam. I truly cannot imagine a winter without snow. It would be like ice cream with no ice ;)
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Haha, over cream without ice, Lisa!! My daughter’s family went to the mountain to play in the snow yesterday. ☃️🏂
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Imagining ski lifts, tobagon runes, building snow people, etc. Always a good time with snow.
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A great adventure Li. You’re looking great.
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Sadje, thank you so much. I feel like a wreck but appreciate your kindness <3
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You’re most welcome 🤗
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Great accomplishment, Lisa! I applaud you. 👏🏼
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Nancy, thanks much!
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Very welcome!
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Well done, Lisa. It sounds like a great adventure.
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Oh it was an adventure alright! I had to hurry home, change clothes, then head to hairdresser. By the time I got home after that, I fell into a coma. Thanks, Robbie <3
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I had a sleep after our 3 1/2 hour hike in the Drakensberg Mountains. It was also sooooo hot.
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Extreme cold and extreme heat take it right out of a body.
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Oh yes, they really do.
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KUDOs on your go-fer-it spirit !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Thanks!
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Way to go on your adventure, Lisa! Sounds like a fun outing.
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It was, Steve. Well worth the effort of getting up early to make it happen.
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One of my children had a pair of snow shoes… Good for you for doing something different. I’ve been doing some different online cardio videos that our new insurance offers. And have been trying to maintain a minimum of 1,500 steps a day…
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Jules, that’s awesome! Is it through Silver Sneakers?
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I’ll send you an email…
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got it
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