For me it is simple, I enjoy being out side. I get bored if I have to sit inside all the time. So, summer I hike, canoe, boat trip with my wife. Fall, I deer hunt, hike. Winter I camp in the snowy timber and hike. Spring is fire wood processing time.
I used to cold camp with little more than hatchet, bedroll and a wee bit of canvas - those days are over for me now. I also rarely pull a toboggan with tent, stove and supplies through the bush. However, I do enjoy hiking with my dog Jake 1- 4 miles a day, 4 - 6 days a week in the winter. It is beautiful and changes all the time. We read animal tracks, see where owls or hawks leave bird angels in the snow ( evidence of mouse predation ), listen to the hollow echoes of crows and jays … the songs of the pileated woodpeckers, then rest up at winter camp. Jake rests on my cot, I get the fire going in my wood stove ( in snow trekker tent ). I read my book, boil some water for coffee or hot chocolate, some times white pine needle tea. I enjoy some camp chores like collecting and processing fire wood, then rest again sitting by my warm stove sharpening my old axe. I like to watch the sun sparkle on the snow. I like to watch the sun set when deep in the timber … pink and orange sky behind the tall dark trees with white snow on their branches.
We hike home 1/2 to 1 mile in the quiet of the winter woods, occasionally serenaded by coyotes. Once home, I stoke the wood stove, set winter clothes to dry near it and start supper. I can not think of a better way to spend winter days. Also, I never see a neighbor, and there are no bugs. It feels like … freedom.
Jake loves any outdoor adventure, even winter camp or winter treks.
Bob.