Zen and

the Art of Snowshoeing

Story and Illustration by Greg Crawford

The word, “Zen” is bandied about rather loosely, the Zen of this, the Zen of that. Most of the time, the association is inappropriate. But not always. Trying to define Zen is like trying to grab a fistful of smoke, but let’s see if we can achieve at least a little enlightenment. Ha! Ha! Little Zen humor there! Ummm… Very little.

Whatever. Zen is a form of Buddhism most commonly associated with Japan, but its origins were actually in 6th-century India. An Indian monk named Bodhidharma introduced Zen Buddhism to China, which is where a couple of Japanese priests said, “Whoa! Cool, dude!” and subsequently brought it to Japan in the late 12th century. One of the priests, Eisai, established the Rinzai School of Zen Buddhism, and the other, Dogen, founded the Soto School.

In its purest form, the goal of Zen Buddhism is to attain spiritual enlightenment, to achieve one-ness with nature, called satori, through meditation. The Rinzai guys sit crosslegged for hours contemplating the meaning of baffling riddles called koans. Like, what-is-the-sound-of-one-hand-clapping kinda thing. Yeah, make ya crazy, right? The Soto guys like to meditate on sacred works of Mahayana Buddhism. They all believe physical exertion enhances your chances of achieving enlightenment. You empty your mind of conscious thought – no, watching Fox News is not the same thing – and enlightenment flows in. Well, maybe it trickles in until you get good at it.

Okaay… and all this relates to snowshoeing, how?

Patience. I’m getting there.

Anyone who’s ever gone for a walk knows that it doesn’t take long for you to find a rhythm in your stride. Runners call it “getting in the zone.” Walking, or running, are forms of meditation in a way, and finding that zone is a sort of satori. Call it satori lite. When you’re through, you may be a little tired, but you’ll feel good. Exercise releases endorphins in the brain, and those little endorphin thingies are what induce the feeling of euphoria. Yeah, it might be euphoria lite, but still.

Now, snowshoeing is really just X-treme walking. You strap baskets on your feet and trudge through deep snow until you attain satori… or have a coronary, whichever comes first. Naaah, just kiddin’. You won’t have a heart-o-rectomy unless you do something stupid, like trying to run ten miles your first time out.

So. Think Zen. Empty your mind and find your rhythm. Become one with the forest, lose yourself in the snow-muffled susurrus of the wind whispering in the bare branches, and – WHAT??? You’ve never been snowshoeing before? Well! I guess we need a little remedial snowshoeing tutorial.

Snowshoes are almost as old as feet. The earliest humans to encounter snow in the northern latitudes wasted no time in figuring out that bent wooden boughs laced with rawhide dispersed their weight over a wider area and provided what snowshoe enthusiasts today call “flotation.” Differences in terrain and forestation dictated different shapes for snowshoes, but they were all variations on either the teardrop shape commonly called “Alaskan,” or the tailless “bear paw” configuration. Most of the modern snowshoes are modified bear paws, but there are designs with vestigial Alaskan “tail.” The mid-range models feature lightweight aluminum frames with heavy-duty flexible plastic, or reinforced rubber webbing. Some of the high-end competition shoes are of injection-molded Nylon. The cheapies are plastic. They all come in several sizes for different weight ranges, and, given the simplicity of their purpose, sport a surprising variety of harness designs. The best snowshoe harnesses are simple, impervious to cold, and easy to manipulate with gloves on. The hottest snowshoe brands on the market this season are Atlas, MSR, Redfeather, and, of course Tubbs. For years Tubbs was the standard in snowshoes, and they still make a fine snowshoe.

Most modern snowshoes are actually marked “left” and “right.” The harness buckles will be on the inside of your foot so errant branches in the trail can’t undo them. The ball of your foot will be strapped onto a pivoting footbed that allows a natural stride. The underside of the footbed, and the heel area, will have a heavy, spiked cleat so you don’t slide backwards down a slope, or lose your footing on icy spots.

If you just want to dip a toe in, so to speak, to see if you like snowshoeing, you can rent a pair of snowshoes from Base Camp Outfitters, located on Route 4 right across from the Killington Road. They only rent snowshoes for use on their specially designated snowshoe trails at Mountain Meadows Cross-Country Ski Area. Call Mike Miller at 802-775-0166. Once you try it, you’re sure to love it, so you can also buy a pair there. They carry a full line, plus any accessories you may require. You can also drop in to Joe Jones Great Outdoors at the bottom of the Killington Road (802-775-7598), or at their store down on Woodstock Avenue – which is Route 4 East – in Rutland (802-775-9989). Mountain Travelers, also on Woodstock Avenue (802-775-0814), also carries snowshoes. Mountain Top Resort Ski and Snowshoe Center in Chittenden has snoweshoe and cross country ski rentals and sales, plus an extensive trail network, and they can be reached at (802) 483-6089.

Snowshoeing demands considerably more exertion than skiing, so you’re going to work up a sweat. Be sure to dress in layers, with the layer closest to your skin made of a fabric that wicks away moisture. Warm boots with good ankle support are a must. Nothing takes the fun out of being outdoors like frozen tootsies. You may feel more secure with poles to help stabilize you. Make sure the poles have large baskets so they don’t just sink into deep snow and throw you off balance. Bring plenty of water and an energy bar or two. You’re going to burn some calories out there! Allow adequate time to get out of the woods before sundown. It gets dark in the woods much sooner than it does in open areas, and getting lost in the woods at night ain’t fun. Neither is frostbite, so don’t take unnecessary chances. If you go into the woods at noon, head out by 2 or 2:30.

Recreational snowshoeing is not about getting from point A to point B as fast as you can, unless you’re racing. The great thing about snowshoeing is being able to take your time, pausing for however long to appreciate the beauty of the forest, to spot animal tracks, and sometimes to watch the animals themselves. That’s where the Zen comes in.

We live in a frenetic world where we are surrounded by a relentless cacophony of constant communication, but we insulate ourselves from any real contact with nature, or other people, with a pocketful of gadgets that demand a Pavlovian response whenever they buzz or jingle. So, for once, just leave the damn i-pod, Blackberry, cell phone, or whatever-the-hell at home. Experiencing a snow-covered forest is not enriched in any way by letting Green Day inflict permanent hearing loss, or texting a step-by-step account of your walk. Free yourself from the electronic interface between you and life! Down with the Matrix! Yaah-ha-ha-ha-ha! Sorry. Got a little carried away there for a minute. Ahem…

It is still possible to find a bit of wild country where there is no traffic noise to pollute the natural soundscape. Once you’re well into the woods, stop. Close your eyes. Listen. You’ll hear the trees creaking, a blue jay or two screeching a warning, and probably some feisty little red squirrel scolding you for breathing his air. Now, without moving too much, open your eyes and look around. Try to spot the squirrel, or the jays. This is their world. Try to move through it with a harmonious rhythm. Try to make your breathing keep time with the wind. Be aware of your peripheral vision; a lot happens just outside your line of sight. A grouse in the underbrush, a flock of turkeys making their way up a hill, maybe even a deer in the shadows of a hemlock. But, most importantly, take your time. Slow down. Don’t just look. See. There is a difference.

If you’re lucky enough to go into the woods after a good snowfall, the pristine silence will be beautiful. A sunny day will make remarkable shadows, but even on an overcast day, there will be subtle gradations in the shades of white, the purple of the shaded areas, and there is no blue more exquisite than the blue of ice cascading off a rock formation. One gadget you could allow yourself is a camera. Everywhere you look, you’ll see a scene worth recording. You don’t have to go all Ansel Adams, just bring a little pocket point-and-shoot. You’ll be glad you did. If you step off the trail and just stand quietly for a few minutes behind a small fir tree, the wildlife that fell silent at your arrival will stir once again, and you just might get a once-in-a-lifetime photograph. It requires patience, but it’s worth it.

All this snowshoe talk has made me eager to strap mine on and go out for a hike. So, I’ll see you later!

Super Sunday

By Cathy Miglorie

In case you’re thinking, am I like Rip Van Winkle? Did I fall asleep after strangely dressed men plied me with too much liquor and miss the Super Bowl? The answer is no. The 2010 Super Bowl airs on February 7, the latest calendar date ever for the game to be played. This year’s game is a first for the New Orleans Sains, while the Indianapolis Colts head there for the fourth time. Game time is 6:30 p.m., but everyone knows that the party starts much, much earlier than that. In Killington, which is renowned for its après-ski and nightlife, our local establishments outdo themselves on Game Day. Up and down the Killington Road, there are big screens galore, and enough beer and chicken wings to give Bourbon Street a run for its money.

At the Pickle Barrel, the fun starts on Friday, February 5, when Lost in Paris takes the stage for two nights. Perfect prelude Sunday night’s festivities- you’ll be so tired of rocking out that all you’ll want to do is hang out at one of their three-level bars and catch the game. Ramunto’s Brick & Brew Pizza, in Bridgewater, starts the party early, too. On Saturday, February 6 they host The Burlage-Paul Band’s CD release party for a Super Bowl warm-up. Both Guy Burlage and Victor Paul were original members of the popular New England band Seabird.

Of the top 10 most watched television programs of all time, nine of them are Super Bowls. Mogul’s Sports Pub and Restaurant, a Killington icon, is a sport’s fan dream, as well known for their ribs and burgers as for being the place with all the big-screen TV’s. Come early to get your seat on Super Bowl Sunday, the place is always hopping for the big game. At the Lookout Taven, you’ll find a comfortable mix of bar and restaurant, with a game room that has a pool table plus pinball and video games to keep the kid in all of us busy. With 5 HD TVs and others located in strategic locations for your enjoyment., it’s a great place to catch the Saint’s maiden voyage to the Super Bowl.

Wholly Guacomole! Did you know that 8 million pounds of guacamole is consumed annually on Super Bowl Sunday? You’re sure to find some at other sweet spots for Game Night in the Killington area. Try Charity’s, with great food and drink specials throughout the day; the Wobbly Barn, where Super Bowl fans will keep the house rockin’; or local favorite the Grist Mill. Outback Pizza and the Sante-Fe steakhouse offer the Outback Shuttle, a free ride to and from their establishments so that you can party safely. Call 422-FREE. Oh, and 14,500 tons of chips are eaten along with that guacamole-make sure you get your share.

If you're already thinking ahead to Super Bowl snacking, chances are that chicken wings and pizza are in the picture. Super Bowl Sunday is second only to Thanksgiving in the amount of food consumed, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. At Super Bowl gatherings across the country, millions of Americans order takeout or delivery food from a restaurant—58 percent order pizza, 50 percent order chicken wings, and 20 percent order sandwiches or subs. If you’re craving wings but don’t want to bother making them yourself, go to Casey’s Caboose- they are one of the kings of Killington wings.

Who Dat? This season, the Saints have become American idols with just about everyone except Colts fans and the oddsmakers. And since New Orleans is synonymous with food and drink, borrow a little of that voodoo magic and have a N’awlins-style Super Bowl party of your own. Play some blues music, mix up some Hurricane’s and grill up some Cajun-seasoned shrimp. Here’s a fun fact-Super Bowl Sunday is the biggest winter grilling day of the year.

Super Bowl fans spend more than $50 million on food during the four days prior to the Super Bowl. Lucky for us, the Killington region has some great places to spend your share. The Killington Market is an old pro at catering Super Bowl parties. Call them early to place your order for wings, pizza and assorted platters. Phat Italian has “the cheapest, coldest beer in town.” Check out their select Wine & Cheese room or duck into the Beer Cave. They’re Killington’s only Italian deli and---They Deliver! If you’re one of those people who like to plan ahead, stop by Price Chopper in Rutland before you head up to the mountain and pick up one of their Super Bowl specials. They offer “the ultimate party game plan” with specials like four lbs of chicken wings and two pizzas for only $25.

Whether you’re rooting for the Colts or the Saints, please party with caution. Don’t be one of the 6% of Americans that call in sick the Monday after Super Bowl. Take some antacid---there’s a good reason why on that same Monday, antacid sales increase by 20%. And don’t forget your designated driver. More drivers are involved in alcohol-related accidents on Super Bowl Sunday than any other day of the year (except St. Patrick's Day), according to the Insurance Information Institute.

In the spirit of The Big Easy, enjoy your Super Bowl Sunday. New Orlean’s largest local newspaper, the Times-Picayune, called the spontaneous citywide party after the Saint’s January 24 win New Orleans’ biggest communal celebration since WWII.