Perpetual Ruminations

The Wicked Wind Whispers & Moans

Yesterday was still frigid, and last night brought wind chill advisories. Today, the sun was shining, and the temps climbed into the upper twenties. With the cold, yesterday was a good day to go shopping, and my wife and I made a day of it.

Today, with less cold and ample sunshine, was a good day to take the dogs over to Gendalough State Park. But before we could head out on our adventure, we had some work to do. Once our work was completed, we enjoyed a nice lunch, loaded the vehicle, and drove over to the park.

By the time we got there, the wind had picked up. We bundled up, let the dogs out, and started hiking while they ran, sniffed, and explored. We walked down a blocked-off road, heading straight into the wind, and it didn't take long for our faces to freeze in the wicked wind. But once we reached the trees, they blocked the wind somewhat, and by turning our backs to it, we were able to let the dogs continue their fun.

Walking back was better since the wind was at our backs, and soon we were back inside the vehicle with the heater going. The dogs still had a lot of energy, so we drove to the other side of the park to hike on one of the hiking trails. (The park grooms them for cross-country skiers as well as winter hikers.)

There were more trees to block the wind here, so it wasn't as cold. But, with the wind gusting near forty miles per hour, the trail was drifted over, and we weren't able to go very far. It was enough to tire the dogs and us out. We again had to walk into the wind to get back to the vehicle, and despite the temperature being in the twenties, the wind chill was wicked cold as it whispered and moaned through the barren branches of the trees and drifted snow across the trail.

I'm not complaining despite the wind; it was nice to be outside in the fresh air. We had also dressed for the cold and wind, but my fingers got pretty cold. I stopped on the way home and purchased some warmer gloves. I also want to find a pair of windproof mittens to put on over the gloves when we do our winter hiking.