1) NO TICKS! Yes, I can handle bees, snakes, spider webs, and poison ivy. However, I hold ticks with great contempt.
2) No people. I'm a sociable person but I hike to get away from the world. Besides, I want to scream when someone is hiking on a trail while talking on their cell phone the entire time.
3) Free (mostly). Fee access points are rarely in operation during December-February.
4) Scenic views. Most Missouri bluff, hill, and mountain views are blocked my thick plant growth during the summer and fall months. It is a pleasant experience to look down at t he rivers and valleys of SE MO.
5) Naked Trees. You simply do not realize how massive some trees are until you see them sans leaves.
6) No heat. You can always dress in layers to stay warm during a winter hike, but it's nearly impossible to stay cool during summer months.
7) Crows. Yes, summertime does bring the beautiful sounds of song birds, but there is something hauntingly beautiful about crows and their caws.
8) Rock formations. I can better observe rock formations when the grass and growth have died back. There is something enchanting about large boulders and smaller rocks in a forest.
9 Green! During summer, most spring fed rivers and lakes are bluish in color, while winter months brings the most beautiful green hue to the waters
10 Snow. Snow is beautiful and it is a remarkable to sight to see mother nature cloaked in a winter wonderland.
Bonus reason: It's rarely that cold in Southeast Missouri. There are people all over the world from Vermont to Finland who are out and about during winter months, why not us Missourians?
What are your reasons for winter hikes?
My wife and I hiked to Mina Saulk Falls after all the rain in early fall of this year. The falls were really cooking. I'll bet it's still a treat during the winter.
ReplyDeleteI have not been to the falls this winter, but I have been other falls such as Rocky Falls near Eminence and Falling Spring in Oregon County. Winter months are usually very wet and prime for waterfall viewing. Thanks for the comment!
ReplyDeleteI was loving this post until you said it is rarely "that cold" in Southeast Missouri...do you live here or do you just blog about SEMO? Just kidding...
ReplyDeleteSigned your warm weather friend-
@jelliebraden
He is an eskimo, but it's true that it is not nearly as cold as in the Northeast and far North near Canada.
ReplyDeleteI am with you now on no ticks and weeds. I don't mind either, but I'm tired of trudging through natural wilderness in search of areas that are not there because Missouri cannot mark places accurately. My legs are cut from vines growing out of the ground. I have bugs in my room, for which I am spraying, because I bring them home with me even after spraying myself sufficiently with Deep Woods Off (though I'm doing better than my friends still). It is a shame that it's so damn cold during the winter and I cannot work up enough of a sweat to exercise.
ReplyDelete