December 26th may have brought unusually warm temperatures that resulted in building a sandcastle, going for a run in a t-shirt and the ability to have s’mores over a backyard fire, but a few weeks later all that would change and over a couple of days the Great Northern Peninsula would be hit with instant winter. We have reached a point of no return, so it is just as well for all of us to embrace it!
Winter brings robust recreational activity, where residents flock to their cabins, enjoy a ride on snowmobile or ice fish when it is safe to do so. It is wonderful though to see so many residents really embrace winter. Parents and children are taking back to skating on ponds more than ever before. The outdoor hockey game is back! It brings back so many childhood memories of playing on Louie’s Pond in Green Island Cove. It’s also exciting to see Jackrabbits and many adults taking to the trails and go cross country skiing.
I feel quite blessed to be able to strap on my snowshoes and walk across the road (Route 430- Viking Trail) from my home and immediately be surrounded by beautiful nature.
Rural life presents many incredible recreation and outdoor opportunities. Find your love and enjoy what the great outdoors can offer you.
I always take my camera to capture my surroundings. There were a number of moose and rabbit tracks in the snow, but I didn’t get to view any wildlife on my 7 KM trek to the Gap Steady. This path is clearly marked and very easy to navigate.
I’m looking forward to many more winter snowshoeing adventures. If I make it to the East Coast, I’ll definitely trek to the Spout on the East Coast Trail.
Share you favourite rural snowshoeing treks in the comments below.
Live Rural NL –
Christoper Mitchelmore
