It's Been a Long Time, I Shouldn't Have Left You...

I have a strong dislike for being cold. I have a strong dislike for brown, dead foliage. Therefore, I have been focusing on other activities. You know, traveling stupid amounts for little reward, road biking, and YOGA. I mean, it's inside where it's warm and my hips like me a little better each day I practice. That being said...

Ahhh (the sigh of happiness, not frustration!). So commuting to NH from VT on Friday, I could barely focus on the drive. I was beyond giddy with the snowflakes floating all around me. Plus, the mountain peaks dressed in white...breathtaking (and dangerous for other commuters around me...hello rubbernecking!) The mountains were calling me back. It was like mythological muses singing to me.

However, I continued to be rude. Saturday was spent cleaning the house, followed by a 20-mile bike ride. I figured it was the last semi-warm sunny day that I would be able to get on my new wheels and end the season with a nice even 100 miles documented. Have I introduced you to my new toy, Robin? (Named after the Robin of Batman because I like to go around saying, "I am batman" in a deep, Christian Bale like voice. Also, named for robin me of money...muhahaha I crack myself up. Must be because, "I am Batman!" and clearly immature.)

Robin on her maiden ride when there was foliage and warmer temps.

Anyway, on my ride up to the flume I felt a magnetic pull coming from mountains. I let them know I would be back for them tomorrow.

And back I did go. I loaded up to head back to VT on Sunday and headed north on 93 towards Cannon. My initial plan was to hike Cannon, drink in the view of Lafayette, and be stoked about being back on the trails. However, a late start and a number of chores to take care of hindered my plan. I made a quick decision that I would go up to one of my favorite places, Lonesome Lake. It would be a short hike, but a rewarding view.

I headed up through Lafayette Place. The trail started off damp with a dusting of snow kissing the ground. It didn't take long for the snow to become more of a blanket. Granted there were rocks sticking up here and there, which helped me grip as the trail was well worn making it a little slick. I told myself I was getting an even better workout by not putting on my microspikes. You know, take a step and slide back a half step means I'm burning way more calories and have a better opportunity of taking in the views.

It just makes my heart so happy!

The crunching of snow beneath my boots was like a conversation with an old friend. The sun shining through the trees. So much eye candy.

Yay! Snowy Trails!

I thoroughly enjoy this trail. There's sections of rock stairs followed by pretty flat terrain. It's a fairly easy and quick hike. Then there's this for your reward:

Welcome to Lonesome Lake my fellow hikers. Doing this hike in snow was quite different from the first time I went up hiking the Kinsmans with my sister in 80+ degree weather. Usually I love log bridges. In almost winter conditions, the logs become slippery and uneven. If you're not me, you'd probably put your micro-spikes on at this point so you wouldn't be skating on the snow.

I started to head back down and decided to not be so stubborn and put on the spikes. The improvement in traction was absurd. Instead of sliding down, I was able to jog without fear of falling flat on my derriere.

So stoked to have my spikes on. Snow ninja.

If you're looking to get a pair, I highly recommend the Hillsound ones that, upon research, are called trail crampons. I adore these because they have a handy dandy strap that goes across your boot giving you SOUND of mind that they won't slip off. You see what I did there..Hillsound/sound of mind.

This hike was EXACTLY what I needed. My heart was full of joy, even though the sky was full of gray clouds. Being back outside made me forget all my stresses and think about what my heart really wants. It was nirvana.

See? This is my, "I'm so stoked to be outside" face. Today my face is very different. It's, "I wish I knew what a 3-day weekend felt like, and why do I feel so overwhelmed with work, and why am I so nauseous?" face. It's not nearly as pleasant as the one you see before you. I suppose that is life though.

Until I can get out again (because, seriously, I have A LOT  of work to catch up on since I pretended I didn't teach all weekend) HAPPY TRAILS! Seriously, get outside and up a mountain. You won't regret it.