I Found the Perfect Place to Snowshoe in Worcester County!

His days are numbered!

That's right all, I found the perfect place to snowshoe in Worcester County. Lot's of snow, a scenic route, few pockets of birds here and there and of course 40 degree weather topped off with gorgeous sunshine. You can't beat that on a Saturday!! The only problem is, I didn't have my snow shoes with me as I figured they wouldn't be needed today after yesterday so they stayed at home while my trail running shoes came with me as we were both thinking we could finally get some running in on bare earth which would have been nice for a change.

Nnnnnot so fast.......Yes, there may not have been much snow left in Southern Worcester County, but that doesn't mean there won't be snow a little further north like Barre Falls in this instance!

I stare at the snow with a mixture of disbelief and denial. Sure there appears to be a lot of snow on the path directly ahead of me, but I'm sure it's because there is no sun in that area so plenty of the trail will be bare I think as off I go to attempt to explore and run. I am soon about to find out that not only is there at least 3 inches of snow on the ground, but it's also that heavy, wet snow that is like running through quick sand and not that fantastic powdery snow I had last time I was here with Alan.

I thought for a brief moment of turning around and heading closer to home but changed my mind as I drove all the way there for a run and I am by no means a quitter so off I went for a very labored run. The sunshine and warm temperatures felt fabulous and I stopped often to search the skies for birds and take some scenic pictures like the one above.
After about 4 miles, I spent just as much time walking as I did running as my legs were tired from all of the running in heavy snow, so I would take breaks and drink my new energy potion I created which is awesome!! You see, I bought this really yummy and strong French Roast coffee from Trader Joe's yesterday and can't get enough of it, so what did I do? Why I put it in a lidded cup with some whole milk and a ton of sugar for an energy drink to sustain me while in my travels! Yeah, I know all about how you shouldn't drink caffeine and all that while performing intense physical exercise and yadda, yadda, but I take some of that with a grain of salt, and besides I had a water with me too so there explained my logic. The best thing of all is that I had it in attached to a belt that was around my waist and every time I opened it, it would be nice and frothy due to my running which kept it constantly mixed up, so it was like having your own mocha frappe with you at all times. Am I a genius or what!
Despite the horrible snow for running, it was still fabulous and I did 7 miles of both running and hiking. I am getting used to there not being many birds in my journey lately and the only thing that's keeping me positive is that the end of February is almost near and March is just around the corner and that's when things start to pick up and it can't come soon enough for me. I walked back to my car and had to take one last photo of "shadow play" just for old times sake, as I am hoping this will be the last of it. Yes I will miss my snow shoes, but am sick of the snow so adios amigos to the white stuff!
The funny thing was that while walking back to the car, I noticed a lot of melting had occurred since I was there last. Just a preview of things to come all, check out that fine mud that is just starting to emerge. Looks like it's time for me to buy some of those wader boots for Bolton Flats soon and I can't wait!
And check out the shoes which were soaking wet from running in the wet snow. To make matters worse the snow was so wet and sticky it would actually cling to my micro spikes which caused me to slip around some and make the task at hand even more taxing. Luckily though I had a change of socks and other shoes in the car for the ride home (see I do use my brain sometimes)! Also notice the puddles of water that are just starting to appear. I am guessing if you want to snow shoe at Barre Falls, tomorrow will be your last chance so get out there and take advantage of it!
As I got back into my car, I bid farewell to the snow man that was there who had lost a considerable amount of weight since I saw it last. He smiled at me as I drove away and I most likely won't be meeting up with him anytime soon. Yes, I know they are saying snow this week, but it won't do him any good.

Take care all