Snow Shoeing Adventures

I grew up snow-skiing every weekend as a kid. We were the perfect definition of "ski bums," that is, until volleyball came along. It turns out Jordan skied a lot as a kid too -- perfect, right? A couple years ago we looked into starting back up with our old hobby, but the idea died abruptly when we found out the cost of a season pass these days is more than our monthly mortgage payment. And to our dismay, our ski gear from when we were 12 wasn't really going to work out either. End of discussion.

We had been dying to get up to our property after the first big snow to see how the views looked when everything was covered in snow. We also wanted to make sure we'd be able to make it up the hill in our car, which thankfully we did! So my Mom suggested we borrow her and Dad's snow shoes...

To be honest, I wasn't too thrilled and secretly thought snow shoes were kinda dorky. Sorry, Mom. But I am pleased to announce that I was completely WRONG! Not only is snow shoeing a lot of fun, it's also a great workout and such a fun way to take advantage of being outside and actually enjoying the snow! I know, I just said "enjoying" and "snow" in the same sentence. It's a Christmas miracle...

So we bundled up, took the pups with us and hiked all around our property! Here is Max getting ready to go. :)

Jordan blazing a trail for the pups on our future driveway... I love how the pups are both looking at me for the picture. We've trained them well. ;)

Little did we know, snow shoeing is a great workout, especially when the snow is powder! We ended up shedding some layers not long after we got started...

Ummmmm... we also didn't realize how bad the powder snow would stick to the dogs! They were such troopers and were having so much fun, but the longer we went, the more snow got stuck to them. Max got it the worst! Jordan was being the responsible one trying to help him while I was screaming/laughing and taking pictures...

I'm sorry, but is that not the funniest thing you've ever seen?! Poor guy! We couldn't get the snowballs off him so we had to wait until they melted on the way home.

Since we had so much fun snow shoeing the first time, we decided to go again the following weekend. This time we brought friends! :) Nicole, Marc, Steve, and Cassie (and their pups, Wrigley and Banks) came with us.

This time around it was super sunny and clear skies so we could actually see the views. The snow was also a lot more compact so it was much easier for the pups since they could walk on top of the snow instead of falling through it!

Our future home site view... LOVE IT!

The ladies...

The gents...

One of many wipeouts! For the record, I was the only one who didn't wipeout during our trip. Just sayin'... ;)

Jordan taking a little break and checking out the view...

I think snow shoeing has become one of our favorite winter activities! Even though we've only done it twice... ha! It is such a fun way to use our property in the winter, and it is so much more affordable than skiing. You really can't beat the seclusion of being up in the mountains with no one else around you... well, unless you invite your friends. :)

FYI: You can rent snow shoes and poles for really cheap at REI if you don't have some! And a brand new set is way cheaper than you might think if you decide you like it.

I'm pretty sure snow shoes and gear got bumped up to the top of Jordan and my Christmas list this year... hint, hint. ;)