Ah, winter – the unwanted guest that overstays its welcome long after Christmas has packed its bags and left.
As the holiday cheer dwindles, and the realization sets in that we have months of snow, cold, and darkness ahead, it's only natural to feel a sense of dread. But fear not, I have discovered the perfect remedy to combat the winter blues: a winter walk that defies the frosty grip of the season.
In the Annapolis Valley, winter is not just a season; it's a state of mind. The snow descends like a blanket, covering the landscape in a thick layer of frozen regret. It's the time of year when even snowmen question their life choices.
As the days grow colder, the temptation to hibernate becomes overwhelming. But alas, I found the solution to my winter-induced despair on a little-used trail off Brow of the Mountain Road near Wellsford. The decision to embark on a winter walk recently wasn't made lightly. It required the kind of determination normally reserved for tasks like deciding to clean out the garage. But, armed with a scarf, parka, and the determination to prove winter wrong, I set off with my bratty Labrador Retriever Ruby.
The North Mountain trail promised adventure, stunning views, and the chance to flip winter the metaphorical bird. As I trudged through the snow-covered path, I marveled at the beauty of the Annapolis Valley below. A grey and white tapestry of frost and snow.
The forest flanking the trail, however, was a different story. It was as enchanting as stumbling upon a wardrobe that leads to Narnia. The snow-laden branches formed archways like a winter fortress. I half-expected to encounter an ornate Victorian gas lamp lighting up a winter clearing.
As I strolled deeper into the wintry wonderland, I couldn't help but wonder, "Where is Mr. Tumnus?", half-expecting to encounter a well-dressed faun step out from behind a tree. Surely, someone must be responsible for this winter spectacle.
With each step, my winter-induced woes began to melt away, much like the snow beneath my boots. The cold air filled my lungs, invigorating me with a sense of defiance against the gloom of the season. Ruby bounded in the powder like a giddy porpoise playing in the suf. I realized that, in the battle between man and winter, a simple walk on a trail could be a victorious skirmish.
And so, the next time winter knocks on your door with its icy grip, don't succumb to the temptation of a Netflix marathon and a cozy blanket. Grab your mittens, brave the cold, and embark on a winter walk that defies the season's grimness. You may just find yourself in an enchanted forest, and embracing the beauty that winter has to offer.