I've just discovered a new toy! Let me back up, usually about this time of year I'm lamenting the fact that I live in the land of forever winter (aka Wisconsin) and pining for spring. Right now in Central Wisconsin we have somewhere in the neighborhood of 15-17 inches of snow courtesy of last weekend. However, for today at least I'm not complaining. Why? Because my aunt lent me that new toy I was talking about, a pair of snow shoes!

I've tried them out and have come to the conclusion that snow-shoeing (spelling anybody?) is much more akin to climbing stairs than walking. But the real fun behind this is that we have a field behind the house where the snow has drifted to a height somewhere above my knees; very hard to trudge through, but oh so much fun to trek on top of! It's kind of like being instantly 3 feet taller which in my case is like being 8 feet 7 inches instead of the customary 5' 7". I got to step over a fence that is usually up to my armpit and tower over all the adolescent pine trees. Unfortunately, I have to find some snow shoes for my dog because while I was hiking up top she had to plow her way through behind me in snow higher than she is tall (she's a smallish lab mix). While I was quite tired at the end of a half hour she was completely exhausted!

So, if you've never tried it you should find someone to borrow a pair of snow shoes from. At least if you live in a climate that allows for it!