Why do I do it? I was hiking with a friend, so I should ask, why do we do it? Do what? Go out on a morning when the temperature is 18 degrees, but the Weather Channel has told you "feels like 9". I asked myself this question last week as I put on layers of clothing to head out. Actually, I have hiked at much colder temperatures and left the house much earlier than our 9am rendevous time. But the question still hung in the frosty air. Why?

Then we got to the trailhead of the Sanders Preserve. My question evaporated as I put on my microspikes for safety. The air felt and smelled so fresh, even if a bit frigid. The trail beckoned us into the woods. Lovely hardwoods greeted us. One of the first trees I saw was an Ash, so I had to give her a special greeting since these dear trees are under assault from the Emerald Ash Borer. Many other species called to me - Shagbark Hickory, Oak, Maple and then the coniferous- Hemlock, White Pine - all friends. The Oaks were especially magnificent. They were towering, very old, very wise. Their being is a testament to perseverance, strength and cooperation. 

The trail wound above a ravine that was lined with Hemlocks. Below Washout Creek meandered, partially frozen. The step falls were still running. Wind in the pines created strong, swishing and wooshing music.

We enjoyed stories in the snow left by animals that had used the trail or crossed it. A possum had sauntered across seemingly in no hurry dragging his tail. Deer had walked right down the trail before heading off into the woods.

It had begun as a cloudy day, but now the sun was playing peek-a-boo with us. This was warming. But I realized that I had never felt cold. The right clothes, energy from hiking and the great enthusiasm for being "out" had created the perfect temperature! I know why I do it! Do you?

Photos courtesy of Tracy Watson