“Crunch, crunch” is the sound I have been hearing a lot over the last few days as I have tramped back and forth across various snowy terrain. One thing I have noted is that I find walking through snow is an exhilarating experience, especially when further snow is falling at the time and brushing my face. As I walked round today (dropping my bike off to be serviced, visiting the treasure trove of Oxford Central Library and treating myself to dinner at the dependably excellent La Cucina) I was pondering why this is.
I can think of three reasons that probably contribute to the feeling. One is the joy of making a noise (loved by children and exploited by toy designers). Secondly, it is harder work walking through snow and balancing across ice and so there is a hint of exercise high. Thirdly is probably the sense of danger; the conditions bring a level of hazard as even a simple fall can have long-lasting ramifications if you land badly. Doubtless my body chemistry has been responding to all three.
Anyway, no more walking today and probably just as well – heading back, I could see the snow sparkling and patches of water beginning to thicken back into ice as the temperature dropped for another frozen night around Oxford.
Want to add something? Please join the conversation about this posting (nb. Yahoo! account required to log into Flickr).