Snowshoeing (Journal)


Billy Petersen
Professor Williams
12/16/19
Snow Shoeing

              Late November can bring unpredictable snowstorms in Western Michigan. Lake effect snow occurs when cold a cold air mass moves across long expanses of warmer lake water. Luckily for me, my house borders the southern tip of Lake Michigan which is perfect for large amounts of lake effect snow.

              Every year my mom and I snowshoe on the beach of Lake Michigan. This year we woke up early as the sun was rising to experience the first snow fall. When I woke up a thick blanket of snow covered the ground. Large snowflakes sparkled in the distance as I stared down the coastline. Frozen waves laid motionless forming ice caves along the beach. The snowshoes allowed us to float on top of the soft snow instead of sinking into the powder. My dog, Kane, ran fearlessly through the snow carving fresh tracks for us across the sand. Small snowflakes sprung up from the ground as his paws dug into the ground.
             
              We continued our hike moving from the beach to a wooded area. The sun was now shining, and small icicles started to melt. The smell of evergreens drifted throughout the air reminding me that winter is coming. Two small deer stood silently observing my mom and I as we walked through the forest. A stick crunched under my foot spooking the deer and they galloped through the forest.

As we approached our house I started to reflect on our hike. Going to school in Texas limits the amount of time I get to see my family. Snowshoeing allowed me to reconnect with my mom and enjoy time in nature. It’s amazing how being outside, away from the distractions of society, can allow you to reconnect and share memories with someone.

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