Coming shortly after Rogers Center's Winter Living Celebration will be two of our area's highly popular winter events. The NYS Crappie Derby at Whitney Point Lake, followed by the Oxford Lions Club's Perch Derby at Chenango Lake. Events such as these help motivate people to escape the mental lockup that's often referred to as “cabin fever” and to get outdoors in the fresh winter air.
Sometimes we get a mental block at this time of the year and the thought of bundling up and facing those cold temperatures is sufficient to keep us in a nearly hibernating mental state. I'm often amused that once people dress sufficiently warm and venture out, they discover they can actually enjoy being outside in what the National Weather Service calls the “Dead of Winter” period, which is January 4 to February 4.
One doesn't necessarily have to be an ice fisherman, skier or other popular wintertime enthusiast to leave that stale indoor air behind. Just being outdoors, walking and enjoying all the sights and sounds that go with organized winter events can be refreshing in itself. You don't have to turn the outing into a marathon event by staying out most of the day, but just spend whatever time you feel comfortable and not feel any unpleasant chill. Of course there will be some days that the temperature and wind chills will be worse than others, and you'll want to limit the time you spend outdoors. Conversely, there'll be others that are comfortably moderate to be out for longer periods.
If you don't have any wintertime outdoor activities you do regularly, you might want to consider photography. Winter, with its blanket of snow, can produce some spectacular images, especially early and late in the day if the lower sun angle generates outstanding light and shadow effects. Days when a fresh snow fall clings to trees and shrubs is another opportune time to get great photos. Many of today's digital cameras have special auto settings for wintertime shooting against an all-white backdrop. Two things to keep in mind – cold temperatures drain battery energy quicker than normal, and don't carry your camera inside your clothing where it stays warm. This will cause its lens to fog up when it's exposed to the cold air.
Staying warm in the winter outdoors starts with a warm hat, then goes to gloves or mittens and, lastly, warm boots or insulated shoes over heavy socks. Keep your body extremities warm and it's much easier to keep your entire body warm. Chemical hand and body warmers are also a great aid. Polarized sunglasses will cut the snow glare and avoid eye strain and even a headache often associated with long-term exposure to bright glare. Applying a light layer of sunscreen lotion to your exposed facial areas will help avoid sunburn and windburn. And avoid overdoing whatever outdoor activity you choose since your energy level is sapped faster in cold weather, just as it is in hot weather.
Some creatures were designed by nature to hibernate in winter. Humans were not. So keep the following activities in mind and also consider being on the other side of your home's door once in a while. Otherwise, winter can be a darn long season.
