Rideau Blog

I do enjoy winter, and I even went north for a winter vacation, but this is going to be a long one even for me. We are close to a record amount of snow, and it looks like there is some more on the way. I am now looking forward to getting the kayak out, and also going boating again.

Having said all of that, I did go cross country skiing again today, and it was kind of interesting. We received some rain this week, and it has created a thick crust on top of all of the snow. You can actually walk on top of the snow, and not sink at all. If you go skiing on an open field you can go really fast and cover much more distance than you would if you were skiing in powder. Unfortunately, the existing trails are not that great since your skis get stuck in the grooves.

At least it isn’t ice or slush, and it is still a great way to get some exercise, but I am now ready for spring.

When it comes to winter, there are the people that participate in winter activities, and those that just hibernate all winter. I am part of the second group since I definitely love winter sports, and this past winter has been perfect for skiing and skating. It started snowing early, and we have had plenty of snow for most of the winter.  It has also been cold enough to keep the snow and ice from melting, but it has not been so bitterly cold that it is tough to stay outside for very long.

The days are getting longer and there is also more time to enjoy the nice weather.  Last week-end I went skating on the Rideau Canal in the morning, and then went cross country skiing in the early afternoon. I got back from skiing around mid afternoon, and then sat out in the sun and had a beer.  For me it just does not get much better than that.

Cross country skiing is also such a great sport. It allows you to get out and enjoy the fresh air, and if you push yourself enough, it must be one of the best exercises around. It is relatively low impact (unless you hit a tree), and it seems to use every muscle in the body. I have been skiing on a regular basis this winter, and I think that I am in the best shape that I have been in a long time.

The snow will probably be all gone in a few weeks, and I am starting to look forward to my summer activities such as kayaking and boating, but I am hoping that the great ski conditions will last longer than normal this year. Sorry hibernators, but I am sure that you can handle a couple of extra weeks of watching T.V., or reading a book by the fireplace.

The Rideau Canal is open for skating, but we received about 5 centimeters of powder last night, so I decided to take advantage of the beautiful day and to go cross country skiing instead. The conditions were absolutely perfect since the temperature was around 5 degrees Celsius and there wasn’t a cloud in the sky. There was also no wind, and it was extremely quiet on the portions of the trail that went through the woods.

I could go on describing the conditions, but I think the photos below say it all.