Northwest Recreation

Snow can be a fun thing to have around.  Snowmen, low mysterious clouds over white frosted forests, and the smell of precipitation in the air provides an exceptional outdoor experience to those who enjoy the feeling of the cold wet stuff that makes life a little more interesting.  There are, however, a few things that should accompany you whenever possible when you are recreating in the snow where cold and wet can mean a difference between fun and freezing.  Here’s a list that is not quite comprehensive:

• Shovel:  Small folding ones are perfect for digging snow shelters, getting cars unstuck, and for building things out of the great white stuff.
• Salt:  Salt is essential when getting traction for a vehicle.
• Gloves: Cold hands aren’t a whole lot of fun.
• Flashlight:  It gets darker earlier in the winter
• Knife:  They’re indispensable
• Water:  You can dehydrate even in the winter

Again, a small list but those are just a few items to keep in mind.  Stay safe and warm out recreating in the snow!

Winter can get pretty dull.  After a long season of snow, January rolling around can find you in a hard spot about what to do.  What’s more, the kids aren’t always that easy to please either.  However, here are some ideas that you can do to keep your kids happy and even keep yourself entertained, too!

Snowmen:  Frosty isn’t the only one out there, and whether you make a dog, cat, person, horse, or similar structure, it’s a blast and you can even compete for the best snowman!

Igloos:   These are a load of fun and fairly easy to construct by “cheating.”  To build a strong one, heap snow into a huge pile and pack it down as tight as you can get it.  Then remove some of the middle to create the opening inside and layer it on the outside.  Put lukewarm water on top and wait for it to freeze.  Voila!  Instant igloo!

Forts:  Create a fun fort for snowball fights and hanging out in by heaping snow into long walls like bunkers.  Then construct platforms to stand on and foxholes to hide in.  You have the perfect fort to battle with!

Remember to have fun out there this wintry season!

For those who have been caught in the fierce winter weather, you may have noticed that cars were not quite meant for. . .snow and ice.  As a matter of fact, the whole ordeal can be somewhat disturbing when one realizes that his or her car slides readily in the cold wetness of snow.  For those who are looking for a good way to find traction, here are some options that you can use, whether that may entail your car, or even tractor or ATV.

1. Traction Tires:  Not only advised over passes, these help provide better traction in the winter time, especially on snow.  Highly suggested if lots of winter travel is imminent.
2. Chains:  The ultimate grip on snow, these offer a deep biting artificial tread to grab the snow and pull you along, providing both stopping and accelerating power.
3. Cables:  Better on ice, the thinner cables bite into the compact snow and icier areas better to provide you with better control.
4. Studded Tires: Excellent on small amounts of snow and ice, these work fantastically on trucks and cars.

Remember to drive safe out there and stay alert for other drivers.  Happy December 29th!

Winter is here!  Time for fun snow stuff, etc.  The weather across much of the northwest is snow, snow, snow!  In lieu of this cold goodness, there are a few things that should be brought to the attention of all those snow savvy people looking for a great opportunity to enjoy recreation at what I consider to be its finest!  Thus, an incomplete list has been gathered for your benefit as you consider winter sports this 2008-2009 winter season.

• Skiing:  Grab your gear and get ready for some pole-wielding fun!
• Snowboarding:  Shred the slopes on your own board and grab your buddies from extremeness.
• Snowmobiling:  Hit the throttle for high speed, low exertion recreation.
• Snowshoeing:  Prepare for a nice, easy walk to some of the few traveled places of the outdoors.
• Cross-country Skiing:  Quiet and slower paced, this offers a great way for the scenic side of us to present itself.
• Sledding:  Get ready for speed and rush as you fly down the steep hills!

Go ahead, choose a few and try them out.  Maybe even pick ones you know nothing about.  You may find  a new hobby, you may even find a new way to burn some calories, but most likely you’ll also find a new way to have fun!

Washington state residents may notice that in the winter, rain seems to be an impending doom that settles for 6 months out of the year.  As such rain may affect you, recreational plans need to be carefully attended to in order to ensure that you can still have a good time.  Here’s a tentative list of rainy day essentials when you head out hiking, biking, or jogging:

• Umbrella:  In the Pacific Northwest, you don’t leave home without it in the winter, right?  Try to grab a small compact one that you can use while out hiking, too.
• Poncho:  It’s not a bad idea to get a rain poncho or coat in case you get caught in a torrential downpour.
• Water resistant/proof boots:  Although some are expensive, a good pair of water proof boots are amazing at keeping you dry and warm while in the rain.

Have fun out there in the rain and be safe!

Cold weather extreme enthusiasts, it is not too long until the subfreezing temperatures are here.  If you are like me, it’s going to be an awesome feeling to hit the snow running. . .on a sled!  Or maybe you’ll be snowshoeing in the middle of nowhere 10 miles from your car.  Perhaps you even like cold water tubing (NOTE:  NOT suggested or condoned)!  Whatever your interest, here are some ways to stay extra warm this winter season:

• Vaseline:  This stuff is amazing at keeping you warm. Apply to your lips or ears if the situation warrants it.  It may look weird and feel odd, but it’s better than frostbite.
• Gloves:  Get a good pair!  Columbia makes good gloves and they are my personal choice, but any good waterproof pair will work just fine.
• Wool socks:  Yes!  Just like the “old days,” right?  These will help keep your toes from freezing as you body sled down the “triple” black diamond at the ski resorts.
• A wicking layer:  A good layer to wick away sweat is essential, if not absolutely without-a-question necessary while out in cold weather.  Believe it or not, heavy sweating that isn’t wicked away is just as dangerous as cold and rainy.

I don’t know about you, but I am excited about hanging out this winter.  The outdoors are going to offer so much!  See you out there!

As winter approaches, there are a few things you’ll want to buy now while prices are still low in order to keep up with some of the activities that will be listed here.  In order to enjoy some of the amazing things to do and to be safe while doing them, here is a list to keep your eye on while thinking about things to get for winter:

• Gloves:  Indispensable and vital when outside in cold weather.
• Hat:  You’ll need one if you’re going sledding.  It’s cold out there!
• Sled/inner tube:  You might be heading out for some extreme sledding, remember to get a good one!
• Warmer Packets:  The ones that you shake and then put in your gloves.  They’ll be a huge convenience when you are freezing while out in the snow.
• Good Socks and Boots:  Leaky boots are a great way to get cold toes, so get a good pair of socks and boots.  No one like cold feet!
• A buddy:  If you go somewhere remote especially, always take someone along.

Remember, winter is coming, and if you want to take advantage of it in the northwest (especially in some areas), proper preparedness is going to be a good thing.  See you out there!