The Art of Exploration archive is where you'll find my past writings and thoughts. You are currently viewing a list of articles that were tagged in winter.

Emerald Lake Overlook

Published October 22nd, 2018 in Colorado

Somehow, I got it into my head that it would be a good idea to hike the Flattop Mountain Trail today. The forecast was superb, mild temperatures, gentle winds, and plenty of sunshine.

Ice Hiking in Ryerson Woods

Published February 21st, 2013 in Illinois

A few weeks ago, Nemo dumped about six inches of snow on the Chicago area before it ganged up with a Nor’easter to sucker-punch the East Coast.

Woodcut at the Garden

Published February 10th, 2013 in Illinois

The weather today can only be described as wall-to-wall ICK with an occasional outbreak of YUCK and BLECH. The temperature climbed into the forties but it felt more like the twenties.

Northerly Island

Published January 22nd, 2012 in Illinois

When my brother invited me to join him and his family for a trip to Northerly Island this weekend for some sledding and snowshoeing, I told him I’d be delighted to do so.

Lyons Woods

Published January 8th, 2012 in Illinois

In Lake County, the socio-economic status of a town is written all over its roads. The wealthy areas are blessed with roads as smooth as silk. The poorer areas are riddled with roads of rubble.

Greehouse Indulgence

Published February 7th, 2010 in Wisconsin

Today I indulged in more greenhouse escapism. It’s all an elaborate plan to avoid as much of the remaining winter as possible. Unfortunately, I’m running out of local greenhouses to visit and winter still has a firm choke-hold on the Chicago area.

Acclimation

Published January 3rd, 2010 in Illinois

This caliber of cold takes some getting used to. I thought I would ease myself into it by going for a short ten-minute walk to get acclimated to the arctic air.

Clear Blue Sky

Published December 30th, 2009 in Illinois

I awoke this morning to sunlight streaming in the bedroom windows. The whole room glowed with warm light. It was the first sunshine to show its face in over a week and despite the icy air outside, I was determined to enjoy it.

Old School Forest Preserve

Published December 5th, 2009 in Illinois

It’s been a real treat to be able to bike outside for so long this fall. I mean, it’s December for crying out loud and I can still ride the 12-mile loop to Old School Forest Preserve and back without risking frostbite or snowblindness.

Knee Deep

Published January 13th, 2009 in Illinois

A few days ago I started going for walks again. Let me be precise: outdoor walks, in the cold. This is an accomplishment considering I usually let January’s subfreezing temperatures and meager daylight confine me to the couch.

January Then

Published January 16th, 2007 in Illinois

Just ten short days ago I thought autumn would last until March and that (further deluding myself) a mild-tempered March would give way to a sudden burst of vernal warmth.

Fresh Start

Published December 31st, 2005 in Illinois

I’ve adopted a new tradition for New Year’s Eve. It requires no reservations, no fancy dress, no cash advance. I don’t have to wrangle taxis or drink cheap champagne or go home smelling like an ash tray.

Weary of the Wind Chill

Published February 19th, 2004 in Illinois

It’s four degrees outside. You can count them on one hand and have a thumb to spare: one, two, three, four. There is a severe lack of temperature happening outside the thin wall of my office.