Our First Snowshoe

Gena and I went snowshoeing recently for the first time. IT. WAS. AMAZING!!

We had been kicking the idea around since our first hike of the year last year when we had to turn back due to the snowlevel being too much to handle. Since we are a pair of introverts who love the thought of being tens of miles away from the closest biped, we decided we needed some good snowshoes that were light enough to strap to our packs and go wherever the heck we felt like wandering.

Gena got traditional style, I got MSR Lightings. There were a few things that drew me to these.. First they offer a modular extension for heavy packing. In light fluffy snow packing for a several day hike, the extra surface area could prove useful. Second, the 360 degree traction. Third, the Ascent models offer a heal lift to aid in climbing steep terrain. This feature is offered on many other brands also.
 

We used our REI member discount... hey we're still cheap! If we're going tospend a bunch of money, and we know we have a 20% coupon coming, we're gunna wait!!

This waiting caused late season snow on our first outing to the White River snow park on Mount Hood. The weather was a little nasty... just like we like it! And we were walking straight up the White River Canyon.

There was a bit of awkwardness as we climbed up the snowbank from the parking lot. After that we shoed over a set of cross-country ski tracks as we got our snowshoe legs under us. This gave us a trail to follow where some of the snow was already pressed down a little.

Keith lost a snowbasket from one of his poles...

From time to time I would wander off the beaten path to get a feel for the fluffy. I liked it. I could jog in this stuff.

Gena and I were sporting our usual backpacking packs so we would have a chance to pair the two before an upcoming over-nighter that will require snowshoes, packs, tent, etc. These were really only loaded with snacks and eventually our extra layers that we found excessive.

The trip was a little tough. We kept a fair pace. At about the two mile mark we stopped for lunch in the lee of a steep hill where some back country skiers had been playing. Peanut butter and jelly is just right when you are working your butt off learning something new. It's just like being a child again!

After lunch we decided to hike out through the fluffy stuff closer to the river. The views were amazing despite the reduced visibility caused by a low fog and at one point we found where a snow cave had been dug out earlier in the season. I will have to learn how to do that for next year...

Our first outing was brilliant and we can't wait to do it again. Since that will be pretty soon, I think we will be working on our legs, back and cardio to make sure we can pack the extra weight in blankets and calories!!

Thank God for Tony, Chalene, and Shawn for getting us ready for all this fun!

Links:
Tales of Anniversaries Passed

Seaside to Indian Beach Hike
Elk Meadows Hike
Timberline Trail #600 Hike 2010

Three Sisters Hike 2010
Eagle Creek: How to Poop in The Woods