Journey Through Snow and Ice
Neither Snow, Sleet, nor Rain Will Keep Me from Walking
Estimated reading time: 2 minutes, 19 secondsAs I looked out from the warmth of my cozy one-bedroom apartment on that dreary February 6, 2025, the weather forecast loomed ominously, predicting snow, ice, and rain. As I was getting ready to settle into bed for the night, I couldn’t help but notice the dedicated team at the Augusta Mae Boutique. In the twilight glow, they were out braving the biting cold, meticulously salting their sidewalk, which was the deepest on the block. Despite the stillness in the air and the soft promise of snow yet to come, their determination to prepare for whatever the night might bring was truly admirable. As I drifted off to sleep, one question weighed heavily on my mind: Would I be able to walk for the 1,373rd consecutive day in the morning?
When dawn broke, I immediately rushed to the window, and my alarm jolted me from my dreams. A delicate layer of snow blanketed the ground, with a few lazy flakes still swirling down, and the biting cold made it clear that the temperature had dipped below freezing. I stood there, weighing my options: should I venture into this winter wonderland or huddle inside and wait for conditions to improve?
According to my iPhone’s weather app, the temperature was 32 degrees and rising at 6:30 AM. I looked out my parlor window over the Augusta Mae Boutique at the primarily clear sidewalk across the slushy street toward St. Michael‘s and whispered, “I can do this.” After tying my boots and zipping up my jacket, I picked up my hiking pole and carefully started my walk. My pace slowed from three miles per hour to two as I tiptoed across a thin layer of snow, much like my grandson Wes. I was determined not to fall.
As I walked down Riverside Drive, a man with two dogs stepped into the street while I remained on the sidewalk. I greeted him with, “Have a good day.” He paused and removed his AirPods, asking me to repeat what I had said. After I repeated my greeting, just as we were about to part ways, he asked, “Didn’t you receive an award?” I confirmed that I had. He explained that he had read about it in one of Cranford’s online newspapers. As he continued, he added, “Very inspiring.”
After walking, I realized I hadn’t asked for his name. I accepted that I would have to wait until next time. Ultimately, I walked only 5.5 miles near my home, completing the distance in two hours and twenty minutes. On any other day, that would have equated to seven miles. Some friends might call me obsessive, but with snow predicted for this weekend and the upcoming week, I will adjust my routine, just as I did today, to maintain my daily journey of faith and love.
In a recent text message exchange with my friend Arnold, he invited me to join him for a Snow Moon Hike. Having previously participated in hikes sponsored by the Great Swamp Watershed Association, I eagerly accepted the invitation. As per NASA Science, the Snow Moon or Hunger Moon was named so by indigenous people in the north and east of the United States. It was the second full Moon of Winter, the midwinter Moon. The Native Americans were far better stewards of the environment than we have been, and this year's Snow Moon Hike was more of a Snowless Moon Hike.
Super Snow Sunday
Neither Snow, Sleet, nor Rain Will Keep Me from Walking
Estimated reading time: 2 minutes, 19 secondsNo amount of rain, sleet, snow, or even the darkest of nights can keep me from my walk! This morning, I woke up to a cozy blanket of two to three inches of fresh snow, which gave me the perfect excuse to sleep in a little later. I wanted to wait for the sun to rise and ensure the sidewalks were safe for my daily journey.
As I stroll down Alden Street, I cherish each step, especially knowing that this daily routine will come to an end at least for a day or two in May when I undergo cataract surgery. With winter storms on the horizon, despite January being the warmest in recorded history, I’m being extra cautious—it would be a shame for my walking adventures to end with an injury.
When I returned home, I realized that I had walked 5.59 miles at a pace of two miles per hour, which took me two hours and forty-three minutes. This distance would have been close to an eight-mile walk on a snow-free day.
My conscientious resilience training has empowered me throughout my 1,376-day journey of faith and love. I strive to embrace a life of meaning and purpose with each step.
