There are different types of snowshoes, and you need to match the type with the snow conditions. I've already shown you the large 'Huron' snowshoes. Then there are the mid-size 'Bear Paw' snowshoes, and the small modern plastic ones. These small snowshoes are really best for a packed trail, and the Bear Paws for mid-deep snow, but the big ones are best for truly deep snow.
On organized snowshoe hikes I always found it a waste of effort to wear either of the larger snowshoes, but as long as I wasn't breaking trail, the small ones were fine. They are a little more effort if you're the one breaking trail, but I never was 'cause I dragged along at the back! On a field like this with only 3 or 4 inches of snow, they're great.
So usually I just wore the small ones to go walking in the nearby woods with Roxie. They weight hardly anything and are easy to use. If it's your first time, you should maybe try them first on a packed trail if you're worried. With the big ones you do have to sort of lumber from side to side with each step.
These are a couple of other winter toys I used regularly. I had a big (44" wide) snowblower that was attached to the front of our lawn tractor which I used to blow out our drive. To be honest I loved doing that snowblowing.
Once I used aluminum-framed plastic snowshoes -- noisy and no flotation, so I never put them on again, I'll take wood-framed bearpaws any day. Personally, I'd much rather shovel snow or use the snowblower than cut grass.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great snow blower. That’s quite a roof rake too. You had great snow gear, FG.
ReplyDeleteWhere we live you have to!
DeleteI had metal ones but bigger than the ones you picture. They were still smaller than the bear paws, however.
ReplyDeleteI envy you guys with all that snow. It looked powdery in the photos. Hope it was.
ReplyDeleteThe snow blower, if we lived where that was a necessity, Hugh would so enjoy using one. I had no idea snowshoes came in sizes, and you choose which one for what snow depth or solidness. A snow rake, I honestly have not seen one for sale down here,but after consulting Google, see they are available, a 16 inch wide, 46 inch adjustable handle, on sale for NZ $ 62.00, or there is one on Amazon, but cannot be shipped to our address!!! I learn something about snow travel and removal every time I read your posts.
ReplyDeletethe first time I snow shoed was in deep wet snow. It was awful as the snow shoes did not stay even.
ReplyDeleteSo important to have the correct snow gear.
ReplyDeleteAll the best Jan
Operating a snow blower or a power washer.... those jobs always have willing volunteers ( mostly male).
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely line up of 'shoes'. By far, I prefer the two pair to the left in the picture, particularly the middle pair. I have a webbed pair that is very similar, as well as a wood-framed, plastic pair that work on sticky snow, but can be annoyingly noisy. Our roof rake was called into action during the recent thaw, when the snow crept, glacier-like, down over the back porch roof.
ReplyDeleteSome years ago we (as a side business) sold many different types of snow shoes to shoe companies in Germany. They used them for decoration and conversation pieces. They loved them as do many people do to hang them on a wall.
ReplyDeleteMy idea of fun would be driving the snowblower. Though I certainly can see the attraction of a walk in the woods on a clear, sunny winter's day.
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