When I choose to trek off the beaten path, inevitably I reach a point during the trek when I find myself wondering “should I keep going or should I turn around”. Once again I found myself in this position while snowshoeing through the beautiful backwoods of the winter paradise around Tyaughton Lake.

Heading out from the cabin I strode up the snow covered lane-way, inaccessible during the winter months. Following some snowmobile trails had used proved easy-going until I decided to leave the well-groomed path and trek along a single track trail. Here began the challenge.

The terrain became uneven, unpredictable, and even perilous at times. This was caused by several days of freezing rain followed by a dump of snow. I did my best to deal with many unforeseen obstacles. After stepping into waist deep drifts a few times I soon learned to hug the tree line. Then I had to maneuver around and over several fallen trees, which is not an easy task with 36 inch shoes.  After doing a face plant in a snow bank I came to that decision point.

I wondered if I should turn around because the terrain was not getting any easier, or rise to the challenge and keep going. I must admit this was a difficult decision because I was travelling alone, there had been a number of recent avalanches in nearby areas, and visibility was starting to diminish as another snow system moved in.

On the other hand, I had been on the trail before, people knew where I was trekking, and it was only mid day with lots of daylight left.  After a short rest and a glug of water, I decided to keep going. Under these conditions indecision can be dangerous as hypothermia can quickly settle in.

Finishing my trek, grateful for another wonderful natural experience, I realized that wilderness travel has taught me to make assessments quickly and to keep moving.  I hope to remember this when I reach other decision points in my world which would ensure my life will never become hypothermic.

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