For the first time since high school, I went cross-country skiing. Highland Forest was our destination, and finding an easy trail was my sole intention.
Last year, I bought almost all the equipment I would need at the annual Manlius ski sale – I got ski boots and skis for about $60 if I remember correctly. It just took another year to buy myself some poles. Now I was ready to go. At last.
Saturday’s weather was perfect for outdoor activities. There were lots of people coming and going, and the trails weren’t overcrowded by any means. My boyfriend led the way while I pushed myself along until we approached the trail options (I actually thought we were already on one but what did I know?)
Our choices? A one-mile path (too easy) or a three-mile trail with a cutoff loop. We took the longer one.
Once you feel comfortable enough to look up from the ground, the experience is breathtaking. Snow-covered trees lined each side of the path, and the sun beamed down on me as if to say, “What took you so long to get out here?”
Then I fell, and I fell again. And again. Falling was easy. Getting up? Another story. It wasn’t so bad, however, until we took the cutoff and ended up on the snowshoe trail. No, it wasn't fun, and I now know why there are separate trails for separate activities. I was ready to rip my skis off and walk the rest of the way. But I didn’t. I learned how to “climb” the hills sideways, digging the skis in the snow so as not to slide backwards or fall yet again.
We came across just one lonely snowshoer (civilization!) and he assured me we weren’t far from the lodge (I didn’t necessarily believe Tim). Only another mile or so to go. Wonderful.
Ah, cross country skiing. The wilderness! The outdoors! I came out of the experience alive – and would do it again in a heartbeat.
