TRAIL CONDITIONS: Monday morning, trail smoothed in anticipation snow.
The ski and snowshoe equipment for Crossroads’ Ski For Free program is housed in our Maintenance Building, but many families, wisely, stop by the Collins Learning Center to use the restrooms and bubbler before heading out. Some of the kids come dressed in snow pants and puffy jackets and they look almost as chubby as winter chickadees.
I guess I always just assumed that chickadees get fat in winter. Most birds do. But no. Like children in their puffy winter coats, chickadees just appear chubby because they fluff their feathers—they literally wear down jackets. Researchers tell us that birds have almost twice as many feathers in summer as in winter.
And birds have an adaptation that humans lack. Their extremities do not get cold, even in extreme weather. That is weird because their legs and feet do not have feathers. You’d think they would freeze.
Bird feet are covered with scales have few nerve endings and no sweat glands. With active humans, a lot of the clammy chill of winter comes because we sweat. So serious skiers often wear special underwear and sock liners designed to wick moisture away from the skin.
But much of the time, kids’ feet get cold because their socks are just not thick enough….or else, they are too thick for tight ski boots. It’s sort of like outfitting Goldilocks: outdoor socks should be not too thin, not too thick, just right to insulate the feet.
Birds don’t need foot insulation. The blood vessels in their legs and feet are quite different from ours. The arteries (which carry warm blood from the heart) are interwoven with the veins (which send the blood back to the heart.) This complex net of tiny blood vessels of birds acts as a heat exchange, so a bird’s extremities stay warm. And if that isn’t enough, a bird can always stand on one foot for a while and tuck the other foot into the warm down near its belly.
So when folks come to ski or snowshoe, they probably should avoid bulky coats, but rather, dress in several light layers. Most folks generate so much heat by exercising, they end up shedding their top layers. But a warm hat with ear protection, and several layers of socks and gloves are highly recommended.
Our volunteers (members of Friends of Crossroads and Door County Silent Sports Alliance) help fit folks with the boots, poles and skis for skiing, but those planning to snowshoe should wear their own boots. And check the Crossroads website (www.crossroadsatbigcreek.org) for trail and weather conditions. We do not lend equipment when snow conditions are poor or when the wind chill is below -13 degees F.
If conditions are favorable on Sunday January 31, folks can see Crossroads in a different light when the Door County Silent Sports Alliance offers a Moonlight Ski from 6:00-10:00. Enjoy a beautiful evening of social cross-country skiing on the groomed trails and warm refrechments afterwards. Equipment is available for those who don’t have their own. Fat (tire) bikers are welcome on hiking trails only.
Crossroads is a donor supported preserve welcoming learning of all ages to programs in science, history and the environment. The Collins Learning Center located at 2041 Michigan, is open 2:00-4:30 daily and during special events. Trails at Crossroads, Big Creek Cove and our Ida Bay Preserve are free and open to the public. When there is snow, walkers are asked to avoid designated ski trails.
Thursday, January 21
1:00-3:30 Ski For Free
The Crossroads Ski for Free program lends, free of charge, an array of ski and snowshoe equipment (much of it brand new!) in sizes to fit age 3 through large adult on Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays from 1:00-3:30. When trail conditions permit, go to the Crossroads Maintenance Building where our volunteers will fit you with equipment, share a few pointers and a trail map and send you out the trails. When you have finished, return the equipment and enjoy a cup of hot chocolate. This program is sponsored by Friends of Crossroads and Door County Silent Sports Alliance.
Friday, January 22
2:00 Friday Film: Video: Lecture: Landscaping with Native Plants
Learn why using native plants in your landscaping is important to wildlife. Free and open to the public. Lecture Hall. Collins Learning Center.
Saturday, January 23
1:00-3:30 Ski For Free
The Crossroads Ski for Free program lends, free of charge, an array of ski and snowshoe equipment (much of it brand new!) in sizes to fit age 3 through large adult on Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays from 1:00-3:30. When trail conditions permit, go to the Crossroads Maintenance Building where our volunteers will fit you with equipment, share a few pointers and a trail map and send you out the trails. When you have finished, return the equipment and enjoy a cup of hot chocolate. This program is sponsored by Friends of Crossroads and Door County Silent Sports Alliance.
Sunday, January 24
1:00-3:30 Ski For Free
The Crossroads Ski for Free program lends, free of charge, an array of ski and snowshoe equipment (much of it brand new!) in sizes to fit age 3 through large adult on Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays from 1:00-3:30. When trail conditions permit, go to the Crossroads Maintenance Building where our volunteers will fit you with equipment, share a few pointers and a trail map and send you out the trails. When you have finished, return the equipment and enjoy a cup of hot chocolate. This program is sponsored by Friends of Crossroads and Door County Silent Sports Alliance.
6:00-10:00 Moonlight Ski !(Conditions Permitting)
Folks can see Crossroads in a different light when the Door County Silent Sports Alliance offers a Moonlight Ski. Enjoy a beautiful evening of social cross-country skiing on the groomed trails and warm refrechments afterwards. Equipment is available for those who don’t have their own. Fat (tire) bikers are welcome on hiking trails only.
