Spring

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Early Spring Means Shoulder Season

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It’s shoulder season out there. Spring as we know, doesn’t come to the mountains until mid-May, when things finally green up.

But by now, one can pretty much take it for granted that a lot of energy of winter is diminished as each day becomes harder for it to be cold with the sun’s angle growing stronger.

Lots of mud and “surprise” snow in the mountains will be left for some time, but eventually it will dry up and green up too. Figure May 10th to be safe.

Green Up Date

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The Green Up Day is when leaves start popping out from the trees.

Green Up Date

Heat

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Most of the winter, I keep the main gas heat in my apartment set at 50 degrees, only turning it up to 55 or 60 degrees during periods of exceptional cold to ensure pipes don’t freeze. I don’t like wasting heat, because it’s expensive and a waste of fossil fuels that are non-renewable.

Warm

I am glad that the winter heating season is almost over. Sometimes I’m cold, but I’ve never seriously thought about leaving the heat much hotter. I could have it warmer if I turned on the electric heat upstairs, but I avoid doing that as it’s the most expensive form of heating, and I don’t need it. I’ve also considered a small space heater for my desk, but I’ve never gotten one, in fear that it will increase my electric bill.

Downstream

I enjoy the fresh air, even if it means more noise, followed hot and humid nights. But the breeze is nice, as is getting out and spending nights down at the park or breathing in the fresh air. I don’t do the air conditioning thing, preferring to save money by using less energy, and spending more time outdoors, enjoying cold beverages.

Where to hike during mud season …

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Frosty Morning

Many hikers do not look forward to hiking in mud season, especially when your up to your ankles in mud and your chewing up the trails and making mud wallows worse by pounding your feet through them. Some trails are well drained or are hard rock, but many turn to slop this time of year. Barn boots can keep your feet dry, but it’s still tough on the trails, and mud ain’t fun to walk any distance in.

Yet, there is a good but often overlooked alternative. Road hikes!

Many state forests and WMA have good roads that are drier and stable compared to the trails. Just because they are gated and or impassable by motor vehicles, doesn’t mean the won’t be a bad hike. Seasonally gated roads can be particularly delightful once the snow is gone, you’ll very rarely see anyone in mud season once you walk past the gate.

Also any country road can be a very pleasant walk with good views but watch for dogs off leash passing homesteads, especially on roads that don’t see a lot of pedestrians in this area. Don’t think your necessarily limited just to strolls in state forest roads during the mud season, sometimes the country lane just beyond the state land can offer stunning views, especially across open farm fields and homesteads.