Snowshoeing 101

What to do on a day when the temperature isn't as high as the date? Showshoe! That's what Jim and I did on 1/7 when the temperature was 6*. Call us crazy! The Minneapolis Park & Rec Department sponsors Saturday snowshoe adventures throughout the winter including equipment. Last Saturday it was a nature trek on Lake Calhoun and Lake of the Isles. These two lakes have about a five mile perimeter and an island in the middle. We were not the only crazies, there were 14 other participants plus 2 guides. There were also several cross country skiers, other snowshoers, walkers and runners out and about, plus preparations for a kite festival later that afternoon on the lake. A little cold does not stop a true Minnesotan!

Fox tracks.

Bunny tracks. The rear feet are the two pads side by side.

After a quick tutorial we got moving. The ice is about 2  to 3 feet thick right now and we stayed mainly on the lake. We saw rabbit, fox and deer tracks in the snow. Several ice fishing huts were also in use. We walked under a bridge through a canal between the lakes where there was very little snow on the ice and it was crystal clear and kind of freaky. We headed out to Bird Island hoping to see a bald eagle, but didn't see any birds (are they smarter than humans?). There is an upcoming trek to a bird sanctuary I might try in a few weeks.

Ready to trek.

Modern snowshoes are made of a tubular aluminum frame and tension decking for balanced flotation on the surface regardless of whether it is powder, packed snow, or ice. The bindings are step in and clip on and no special boot is required. Size is based on weight not shoe size. The only other optional equipment are poles which are mainly used in deeper snow and on inclines. Jim likened snowshoeing to walking in soft sand and you work up quite a sweat, even in 6*. We got back to our cars a little colder and 90 minutes later. I cannot fib, my hands and toes were cold even with boots made to withstand -40*. We headed to our favorite dining spot, Crave, enjoyed some local beer (Jim) and delicious sushi. Then home and a nap! 

Surly Furious - MN brewed.

Yummy.

We had so much fun we bought our own equipment and went out again the next day around the lakes. This Saturday we leave for a winter getaway at Canoe Bay in Chetek, Wisconsin. The forecast is calling for fresh snow which will be ideal! Bring it on.