Walking in the snow

In this blog, I write about healthy living and specifically, forms of exercise not only to work and stretch our muscles but to reduce stress.  To me, exercise is a form of relaxation.

Walking is a popular exercise that, according to the people who figure out these things, burns quite a lot of calories.  I looked up "walking your dog for an hour at a moderate pace" and the number of calories burned was listed at 207 (for a 125-130 pound person).  Not bad.

That was good news to me because walking is my second favourite form of exercise.  After several hours of  sitting at my desk working on interminable school assignments (Better be careful what I say in case my profs are reading this!)  a long walk not only loosens those stiff joints and muscles, but the fresh air clears my head and helps me to unwind.

A few days ago, after an afternoon spent hunched over my computer, I pulled on my heavy boots and coat ready to stretch my legs. Sensing adventure, my two Cavalier spaniels quickly sprang from their cosy beds and ran to fetch their leashes.  As we headed down the street, big fluffy snowflakes began to fall, clinging to my face and eyelashes.  By the time we reached the ravine, the scene was a perfect postcard: a Currier and Ives setting, silent, white and magical. 

 We walked for hours in the deepening snow breathing in the clear air and enjoying the peace and the serenity of the ravine..  The dogs raced ahead of me, their tails wagging, so happy to run and play in the soft, clean snow.

 I don't know for sure how long we walked but I suddenly realized the light was fading and  I wasn't quite sure where I was. 

Reluctantly, I hooked the dogs' leashes to their collars  and we followed the glow from the streetlamps leading us out to the street.  Eventually I figured out where I was and we headed home.

By the time we arrived home, my muscles felt more flexible and I, more relaxed.

I could sit down and figure out how many calories I burned, and how high my heart rate was likely elevated.  But I prefer to reflect on the mystical beauty of the ravine,  how happy I felt and how grateful I am to be able to enjoy the wonderful blessings of nature.