I must admit that winter is not my favorite season. I don't like to be cold and I don't care for the shorter, overcast days. This winter seems to be particularly long and cold. We have had more snow this year than last year. In fact they even closed school one day because of an unexpected snow storm. That being said, I do want to take advantage of living in a colder climate to experience some winter activities that I would probably not try in the states. Although we enjoyed skiing last year, we haven't been at all this year. The only winter activity that we have done this winter is sledding around Christmas. So last week we tried racquetting or snow shoeing for the 1st time.
After digging out our ski gear and of course long underwear, we were prepared for our walk in the snow. Although there were just a few snow flurries with no accumulation in Clermont-Ferrand, by the time we drove just 40 minutes, we were at Lac de Guéry and there was lots of snow! We rented the racquettes and poles and began to follow the signs. It was cold and snowing, but it was, for the most part, a nice day for walking in what looked like a winter wonderland. The course was 5.5km or 3 miles and was a very good workout. On one part of the trail we climbed up to see a waterfall. On another part, we could looked down to see the frozen lake. There were lots of people out, but not on the trail with us, leaving us alone for a peaceful walk. Well, as peaceful as it could be with 4 children.
Lauren and John enjoyed leading our group and always staying a little to far ahead. When we yelled for them to stop, they would commence to sword fighting with the poles. Daniele was ok, enjoying taking pictures and she has basically learned not to complain. Maya, on the other hand, was less than enthusiatic. During one of our breaks, she decided to start a snowball fight with people that were "annoying" her, namely me, Preston and Daniele. Well, that ended with Daniele on top of her!
As much as we enjoyed our peaceful walk, the icing on the cake was walking on water! Well, we actually walked on a frozen lake. Many people were out fishing on Lac de Guéry, so we walked out on the lake as well. I must admit it was a little scary. I just kept thinking about what I would do if the ice were to break. While John, Lauren and Preston were running on part of the lake, Daniele, Maya and I played it safe and stayed close together and close to the shore. We had just finished looking through a fishing hole, when I turned and my foot slipped through what must have been a snow covered fishing hole! I felt like Peter must have as I grabbed Daniele for dear life! Fortunately, it was just a small hole and I didn't even get wet nor did the ice crack. I know Daniele helped me to my feet, but when I looked up, Daniele was on the shore! I think she walked on air!
After all of that excitement, or torture as Maya called it, we drove home to find a warm house and lots of hot cocoa!!!
1 comment:
That sounds wonderful!!! We will have to try that next winter.. how do you think it will work with a 3 year old? Maybe we will cut it a little short. Great pictures!
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