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Yes we go out and fight freezing temperatures that are so normal here. We try new things and find right activities just for us. Snowshoeing is one of those things that even ones who stayed by fireplace all those winter nights, will love if they only try it once. It truly is available to anyone who can put one foot in front of other.
The way that Snowshoes support us allows for stepping onto snow and not fighting our way through it. The feeling of each step sinking just a little in soft blanket of powdery flakes, is like nothing else you ever experienced.
Freedom to get off track and go between trees to find animal feeder hidden in forest , to discover spots not yet disturbed by others and to be very first one in that most perfect little white area. Yes, you can do that with snowshoes.
The beauty of it will astound you. If you allow yourself to become one with nature, to listen to sounds of forest. How often do you have freedom to do just that? In our rushed society, we owe it to ourselves to have some time in slower pace of Sunday afternoon.
The time to breathe deep, enjoy winter sun and crisp winter air. The rejuvenating benefits of a slow outing like that will be much greater then anticipated.
Cardio workout, so needed by most of us will only make it easier to go back and do it again. The huge amount of air forced into your lungs, will overwhelm you at first, it may even trigger a little headache for a moment, but with time it will be like you were reborn and your mind will become clear. You will discover and love new filling of deep, slow, measured breaths. You will remember, that this is only way we were intended to use our lungs, because our poor bodies need life giving oxygen in quantities much greater than ones we are used to.
So forget your fears of cold, dress warmly, allow your lungs to fill with air and have fun discovering our Ontario back country.
Polish born-Canadian, Joanna Gerber is a professional photographer, alpine skiing enthusiast and editor of www.winter-vacations-ontario.com, comprehensive guide to Ontario winter travel, resorts and family oriented activities in Ontario, Canada.