Last winter I had a few bad falls on the icy trails and reduced my walking drastically for a few months. This winter I plan to keep up my activity by taking all of the necessary precautions. So today being the first real wintery walking day, I reviewed my check list of things to do.
1. Put winter cleats on my hiking boots. These are easy to purchase at most Canadian Tires for under $20. I need the largest size to fit on my size 12 boots!
2. Get out the woolies. That includes mitts, neck warmer or scarf, a touque (eh), thick socks and layers of hoodies and wind breaker or a good quality ski jacket. I bought a high quality ski suit over 15 years ago and the pants become the final clothing item to add later in the winter.
3. If you have been Nordix walking poles keep them around. Pull of the shoe like tips and expose the sharp pointed tip which with provide you the stability on slippy trails. You still need to keep a sharp eye out for ice patches that may be covered in light snow or so thin that you barely notice them until…….!
4. Sunglasses are essential when doing a circular trail or doubling back. I know the point on my trail that I am looking directly into the rising sun. Beautiful but tricky if I didn’t put on my glasses a few minutes before.
5. Last suggestion is carry a cell phone for the unfortunate misadventure when you slip and fall and just don’t think you can get up or make it home. I only phone my wife once after a fall from my bike on loose gravel (but that is previous blog).
If it’s just you that should do it but I travel with my two dogs and need to load up on dog treats and poop bags before we start our 2 km walk every morning!
