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Julie's Nature Notes
Mid Winter Greetings!
On February 2nd the Groundhog told us that we were in for six more
weeks of winter. Don’t loose hope, Spring Equinox is right around
the corner! The days are getting longer now and that means there
is lots more time to get out and about so the late winter blues
don’t get you down. It’s time to think about getting out for some
Snowshoe fun! For some trivia, check out the History of Snowshoeing,
then get out there on some of the fun outings we have planned.
There is much to learn from the animals how to cope with the long lasting winter. On my latest adventure
into Kananaskis Country, we were lucky enough to actually observe 80 or more Elk. They live in the valley
near Kananaskis Village. Experiencing them in the wilderness is very different than seeing them in Banff.
According to some story tellers, the “teaching” of Elk is survival through the staying power of stamina. Elk
pace themselves, even when out-running a wolf. Seeing them was a good reminder as we made sure to pace ourselves so our legs wouldn’t turn to rubber as we hiked to Rawson Lake.
On a recent snowshoe outing we followed at least two different Moose tracks. We were sure to follow where they had been, not where they were going. We did not want to cause any problems for them or for us! The Moose symbolizes Self Esteem. We had an opportunity to experience the teaching of Moose on this
outing thanks to the great company who had walked the frozen marsh before us!
So, if you didn't get out Cross country skiing this winter, don't worry there is still
time for snowshoeing! The weather is a little warmer and there are more hours of
sunlight. Modern snowshoes have changed a lot as you will see from reading the History of Snowshoeing. They
are no longer made from wood, so they are now lighter and easier to use.
The History of Snowshoeing
Prehistoric Origins
No research on the subject specifies with exactness who invented the snowshoe, not even what people or culture created it first. "The snowshoe seems to have appeared at an earlier period than the wheel. The earliest documents date the advent of the wheel around 3,500 B.C., whereas the ski already existed in quite a sophisticated state around 6,000 B.C., as proven by this engraving of the stone age found in Norway."
From the sophisticated aspect of the ski, it is logical to think that the "snowshoe"was invented first, in order to make the natural movement of walking on snow easier without sinking in,
even before thinking of sliding on it. It is also plausible to think that man inspired himself with the active
fauna in winter in order to observe how the animals were able to move around efficiently on the snow without sinking into it. Then, he must have tested various materials and various forms in order to optimize his floating.
During several thousands of years, the snowshoe was an object of prime necessity, strictly necessary for all peoples confronted to winter to hunt, trap, move around on short and long distances, communicate, discover and survive.
This excerpt is from History of the Snowshoe in Canada. The rest of the article is also an interesting read. You can find it at
History of Snowshoe in Canada
Enjoy!
Register For A Snowshoe Adventure
Snowshoeing into the Wilds
Learn to read the wildlife tracks and signs on this "off trail" snowshoeing adventure. How do the animals get through the deep snow. Take the snowshoes and your imagination off trail and learn to read the signs and tracks of our wild neighbors while making new tracks yourself!
Date: February 21, 2010
Time: 10 am to 3 pm
Location: Upper Kananaskis Lake
Cost: $65 includes snowshoes
Register Now!
Snowshoe Adventure
Try this last chance to embody winter and discover your love of winter wilderness.
Learn more about wildlife in winter and great locations to snowshoe on this fun
outing in Kananaskis country!
Date: March 14, 2010
Time: 10 am to 3 pm
Location: Mt. Shark
Cost: $65 includes snowshoes
Register Now!
While snowshoeing you will gain tips and pointers on winter safety. Learn to break trail in the woods, how to
get up easily if you fall down and the energy saving uphill and fun downhill techniques. In addition we offer a
great opportunity to learn about animal signs and tracks in the snow.
For trail conditions in Kananaskis Country check out the
Kananaskis Country Trail Report
Before you head out, drop into the Kananaskis Visitors Information Centre in Kananaskis Country for up to date information on road, trail and weather conditions.
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