Do Eskimos really have the largest snow vocabularies? For years, linguists have theorized that Eskimos in fact have accumulated the largest vocabularies in regards to snow, also known as the Sapir-Wharf hypothesis. The main idea being, that the more you know something, the more you experience it and the more you think, see, and touch something the greater your variety of language around it. Since Eskimos have vast experiences with snow, the idea that they may have the most varied and complex ways to describe it sounds logical.
Over the years "The Eskimo Vocabulary Hoax" has countered this hypothesis, stating that Eskimos in fact do not have the largest snow vocabularies. Linguists behind the Hoax theory point out that several Eskimo languages (Inuit, Yupik) vary their root words by adding any number of prefixes to them. By changing their root words in this way, Eskimos have dozens upon dozens of ways to really describe anything, not just snow.
So it seems that Eskimo languages are really more flexible in the way that they create vocabulary by adding prefixes, not that they have the largest snow vocabularies. Although the idea behind the Sapir- Wharf hypothesis still resonates with me. Based on the winter we have had here in New England my snow vocabulary is certainly growing (up to 12 different words!). Care to add to the list? Let me know what I am missing...
The only reasonable way up Mount Tecumseh in the winter begins at the Waterville Valley Ski area. We decided to sneak a quick hike in on Christmas Eve since we had the day off and figured the trails would be relatively empty.
Fortunately, since we had already hiked this peak over the summer we knew exactly where to find the trail head. It can be slightly tricky if you haven't been to the ski area yet. Over the summer there was some sort of running/biking event going on with roads closed all over the place making it a bit tricky.
Christmas Eve was very, very cold up north. Winter hiking its tricky because nearly the whole way up your sweating like a madman carrying all that gear. Somewhere near the top some random part of your body starts to get cold- your nose, your pinky, one ear- and you have to stop and layer up some more. This is a huge reason that I prefer hiking with just one other person in the winter. Groups stop frequently and it is hard to stay warm enough while waiting and cool enough while hiking.
The trail was nicely packed down and snowshoes were not required. We wore our Microspikes which were perfect for the trail conditions. The entire way up we didn't bump into a soul although the grinding of the chair lift could be heard in the distance. Near the top the wind was humming and the temperature dropped very significantly Views to one side of the mountain could be seen while hiking up and on the summit.
The climb overall was great. My legs screamed on the climb and my lungs cleared right out with all that freezing cold fresh air. Hikes like these make me feel so much more alive.
Winter is a great time of year for spending some time outdoors- ice skating, ice hockey games, making snowmen, sledding, and making snow angels. Here's how to stay warm outside:
Eat-- One of the easiest (and most fun!) ways to stay warm outside is making sure your have something (but not too much!) to eat. Being hungry zaps your energy. Fatty and nutrient rich foods such as nuts, yogurt, and cheeses help. When I am on the move (hiking, etc.) I prefer high calorie drinks- hot cocoa, smoothie type drinks, tea and gatorade mix, etc.
Focus on Extremities-- Lots of heat escapes from our extremities (think head and feet). Keep your head covered with hat and hood will keep you a lot warmer than you would think.
Keep Moving-- Sports such as ice skating, sledding, and making snowmen (it's a sport!) involve moments of being sedentary. Staying moving helps your body stay warm from its own heat. I find that moving is a sure fire way to get my feet warm again!
Drink-- Stay hydrated as being dehydrated zaps energy very quickly outdoors.
Stay Dry-- This can be tricky if you are trying to stay moving. When you are wet, especially if you are wearing something that doesn't wick or dry quickly your body rapidly loses heat. Stay dry by wearing layers so you can remove them as you heat up. Wear only wicking fast drying clothes and change out of wet clothes as quickly as possible
Warm it up-- find other ways to stay warm such as using hand or foot warmers
Think about your feet-- So much heat escapes from our feet! Think about it--- your feet are touching the ground which is covered in snow and ice. Wear snow or pack boots if possible, smartwool or wool socks, and two layers of socks if they'll fit.
Layer up-- Having a lot of layers on is key to staying warm. You can remove layers as you heat up and put on layers as you cool down. You can also remove any layers that are wet.
Think wool-- My personal preference is wool. I find even the thinnest layer to be incredibly warming.
Hot Water-- Hold onto a thermos of hot water (warms your hands). Drinking from it slowly will also help maintain a warmer body temperature.
Stay tuned for future posts- staying warm winter hiking and staying warm winter camping!!
Via Kinsman Ridge Trail from Ski Parking Lot Number 1 on the list!
Read all about the winter list here and check on our list from this summer here.
In stark contrast to the crowded summer months, Cannon Mountain was a quiet cold peak on the day we officially started our winter list. We parked in a practically empty parking lot and were greeted by some fairly bare ski slopes. Just south of the notch there was no snow to speak of, but looking up towards the peak of this 4,000 footer we saw plenty of white.
The trail itself was covered in snow around 4-6 inches that was already packed down. The initial climb was slippery with ice over the snow and any bare rocks. Microspikes solved this problem easily and the trail became more and more snow covered as we went up in elevation.
Sticks and branches from recent windy weather covered the trail for the beginning of the hike and was quite bothersome. Fortunately, for anyone else planning to go- we ended up clearing the way for you!
I've been digging Marmot's Driclime Jacket for climbs
Cannon Mountain was one of our first hikes this summer as we began the list and we suffered through the steep climb. While I admit to some suffering on our winter attempt it was much less!
We had wet snow falling on us throughout the hike making for challenging conditions. The top was windy and cold but manageable Clouds limited views somewhat. One thing I love about winter hiking is that going down is always much faster. We hightailed it back down in no time and only bumped into one other person walking their dog the entire hike. SO much different than the summer months. I love winter!
I purchased the Marmot Women's Zion Jacket because I am a softshell loving freak. I love softshells and wear them constantly adventuring and going out and about town. When I first spotted the Zion jacket online I wanted it red but eventually settled with the black color because of the contrast zips and stitching. It's a lot more subtle and easy to sport everyday.
I've worn the Marmot Women's Zion jacket a handful of times on different types of outdoor adventures- from apple picking, dog walking, wind blown mountains in the Presidential Range of New Hampshire, and in windy, snow blowing cold in the White Mountains. Here's how the Zion holds up....
Marmot Women's Zion Jacket: Fit
I've long been a huge fan of Marmot (maybe the biggest), particularly their softshells. I literally have softshells from Marmot that I have worn daily, for years, that look brand new. They're incredibly durable and well worth the money. I caution you to really pick something that suits you though- and isn't just a trend or the latest color. Marmot's stuff isn't cheap and it lasts for years so you may as well get something you are crazy about- and will be just as crazy about in five years.
Lately, I've notice that Marmot's cuts have been getting slimmer and more athletic- not a lot of room for layers in some of their pieces. I was nervous about the Zion jacket since I ordered it online and couldn't try it on ahead of time. Fortunately it fits me well and I tend to be a solid medium in everything by every company. The fits is just slightly athletic in the waist, but allows room for some well thought out layers. The arms are nice and long and stay put while you wiggle and fuss with gear, gadgets, and climbing up stuff. I really love how the zippers are placed slightly higher than your usual pocket. Overall, good clean fit.
Marmot Women's Zion Jacket: The Elements
I started bringing my Zion jacket along this fall as we tackled all the Presidential's in New Hampshire. These mountains are home to Mount Washington, where some of the worst weather in the world including fastest wind speeds ever recorded can be found. We hit some big winds on these hikes including sustained speeds of 45-55 mph and gusts of 75 mph (these knock you right over).
The Zion was crazy bomb proof on these hikes. The hood is perfect in so many ways- it comes right up around your face with tons of ways to fasten it down tighter. The material itself felt amazing against these winds. The winds blew-- I even fell down a few times from it-- but the jacket completely blocked the elements for me. I tend to layer very carefully- so I am sure this had some part in it too.
Marmot Women's Zion Jacket: Final Thoughts
We just started our winter hiking list a few days ago. Our first hike of the season was cold and snowing and the jacket held up nicely for me. As I brave some new elements I'll let you know my final thoughts on the jacket- particularly the waterproofing.
Disclaimer: Product Reviews are based on opinion only and are not intended to condone, encourage, or promote a product. Some products are sent to me by the manufacturer or affiliates and are mine to keep. I mention this specifically on products sent to me. Compensation and/or product and/or services never interfere with the review of the product. Otherwise, products and services are purchased by me for personal use. The jacket was purchased by me.
Yesterday we spent the day hiking in our newly purchased Kahtoola Microspikes. We've used Stabiliciers for years and I have to admit are now decidedly fans of the Microspikes. My initial thoughts on how the Microspikes hold up under fairly extreme snow and ice conditions are below.
Microspikes: Fit and Function
We've used the Stabilicers for years on winter hikes and been sorely unsatisfied. Those sneaky little things used to slip off our feet constantly. After trying the Microspikes for only one hike I can already tell a HUGE difference in fit. The Microspikes actually stay on my feet with no adjusting. This is a great thing because when you are above treeline and the elements are pounding you- you really don't want to take your gloves off and fiddle with your footwear.
The packaging for the Microspikes includes detailed sizing info and we followed it to the letter. Since we mainly use foot traction with our bigger winter pack boots we carefully choose the correct sized based on the package and while it seemed a bit big at first- they fit perfectly on our big winter boots. Definitely take into consideration what you plan to use for footwear when buying and sizing these.
Microspikes: Traction on Icy Conditions
First and foremost, let me explain that I don't think Microspikes are the kind of traction you need while walking your dog around town. Microspikes actually need ice and snow to work or else you're clunking around in something unnecessary For the type of activities we engage in- the Microspikes really held up. They were excellent on a mix of plain ice, snow on top of ice, icy snow, and compact snow.
Microspikes: Final Thoughts
My impression so far is that the Microspikes foot the bill for the type of equipment I need while hiking. I love that they stay on and don't need to be constantly adjusted. I found the sizing to be accurate, but careful consideration and reading of the packaging is needed. I'll post my final thoughts on the Microspikes in the coming weeks and include durability, portability, and more on conditions and fit. Stay tuned!
Disclaimer: Product Reviews are based on opinion only and are not intended to condone, encourage, or promote a product. Some products are sent to me by the manufacturer or affiliates and are mine to keep. I mention this specifically on products sent to me. Compensation and/or product and/or services never interfere with the review of the product. Otherwise, products and services are purchased by me for personal use. The Microspikes were purchased by me.
We started our newest adventure! Today we hiked Cannon Mountain a fairly steep but short hike. The mountain is a well known ski area as well. It was freezing cold and snowy the entire hike. Outside of Franconia Notch (the Notch for short) it barely snowed! More to come about this hike and the Winter List soon!
We've been pumped for winter since it means the start of a new list. While we still have 11 more peaks for our 4,000 footers list, we're starting the Winter 48. Essentially we'll be completing all the White Mountains 4,000 Footers during winter.
Winter really changes everything for hiking the 4,000 footers. Streams and rivers that are typically crossed with shoes off and pants rolled up become a major make or break moment. The worst weather in the world brings it in the winter. The winds are regularly strong and now become a windchill factor. Roads are closed for the winter sometimes adding five to six extra miles to an already long hike.
So tonight we celebrate with whiskey and jalepeno poppers as we tackle a new challenge. Here's a list of other smart winter adventures that may peek your fancy...
Build an igloo
Dig a snowcave
Ice skate on a lake
Climb up a mountain just to sled down it
Throw snowballs for your dog
Scoop up your own all natural snow cone (food coloring too!)
The White Mountain 4,000 Footers are a collection of mountains nestled in the White Mountains of New Hampshire that are all over 4,000 feet. Ranging in height from just over 4,000 feet (4,003 feet is the first peak) to over 6,200 feet (Mount Washington).
The White Mountains of New Hampshire is home to some of the best hiking, camping, and backpacking in the country. Thousands flock to the peaks and the rivers throughout the year, but particularly during the summer months. By last count thousands of peakbaggers have tackled the 4,000 Footers during the typical hiking season (spring, summer, fall, etc.), but under one thousand (I read this in a recent newspaper article, but have not found a definitive number online) have completed the list in the winter.
The winter list has fewer hikers for numerous reasons. Throughout the year the Presidential Range of New Hampshire (part of the 4,000 Footer list) is known for some of the worst weather in the world with some of the highest wind speeds ever recorded. Average wind speeds are regularly over thirty miles per hour with hurricane force winds occurring during just about any month of the year. The Observatory records and studies these unique weather patterns.
Challenges of the list include severe weather including high wind speeds, heavy snow fall, mixed precipitation, roads closed for the winter adding mileage to already difficult climbs, shortened daylight, and well frankly more challenging climbing with heavy packs and heavy boots.
Our official start date:
We started our 4,000 Footer list this past summer and accumulated amazing memories and 37 peaks- read about them here. List from AMC here. We started the winter 4,000 Footer list this year on December 22, 2012. Any peaks we have already summited in the winter have been tossed out and we've started completely from scratch.
One of my favorite things about fall- the ibex tent sale. Seriously fabulous deals on seriously fabulous clothing. Sign up for ibex's emails if you are an east coaster and mark your calendars in advance.
We have had the mildest winter here in New England. It started with a bang in October and a foot of snow that knocked out power for close to a week in some areas. Since that time we really haven't seen that much in the way of snow and temperatures have stayed relatively warm for long stretches at a time.
Even though I have been spoiled with a very mild winter, right now I all I can think about is mud season (my brother's favorite time of year!). I am ready to get my garden ready, my mountain bike tires muddy, and have to constantly wipe my dog's feet down.
And before the snow melts I need to make me one of these fancy shelters. I'm still a bit torn over what would be the most comfortable type of snow shelter versus which would be the easiest to build. From what I've been researching it seems that the quinzee type of shelter might be a bit easier to build since you just pile all the snow up and dig out a little hole...
These days I seem to only post when it snows out here... The only days I tend to have off are the ones that I physically can't drive into work for...Here is what we like to do in the snow..
Misty has a fondness for the snow. She doesn't love the cold, but she REALLY loves the snow. Biting it. Tasting it. Scrounging in it.
"Come on. I need to find that pesky mole," she says. "Whoa, it's windier than it looks."
"It has to be here somewhere"
"How does my hair look?"
"Snap. I'm going to have to shake this one out."
"I'm going to close my eyes and when I open them it is going to stop snowing."
Just writing to wish you all a great week. I've been busy and stuck in the day to day lately- but hope to break free soon. I hope you all break free even sooner than me!
Good things are in store this week I can just feel it....
Misty and I have been enjoying the snowed in life today. A little ol' Nor'Easter hit today and dumped a ton of the white stuff on us. Since I've been suffering through a winter cold- we haven't had much of a chance to play in it yet-but sometimes Misty can't wait...
