On Sunday, Ted and I woke up to a brisk (30°F) but sunny day. Wanting to enjoy it, we decided to take a winter walk in a nearby forest preserve. Just a short 15 minute drive from our house, there is a narrow strip of woods that makes us feel like we are father away from civilization than we really are. We’ve gone a few times in the Summer and Fall, but never in the Winter. Some of you might think we are crazy, but we bundled up and had such a nice morning that put us in a good mood for the rest of the day.

Here are some reasons why you should go outside and take a winter walk !

1. You get to enjoy the sound of cracking ice

Similar to the crunching of leaves in the Fall, every time I found a frozen puddle I would walk all over it to break the ice and hear a satisfying crack! Ted thought I was five, but it made me happy.

2. Pops of color

Not all of the woods goes brown and bare in the winter. There are plants and berries that retain their hue and add a beautiful pop of color to a dreary brown world. This moss below is a perfect example.

3. Shadows

With all of the leaves gone you can enjoy the shadows  the bare tree trunks cast through the sunshine.

4. Fresh Air

After being stuck inside most of the winter , breathing in fresh, cold air for hours at a time is a most welcome feeling.

5. Remember nature’s strength

I’m always amazed at the leaves and remnants of natural foliage that stick around from the previous Fall season. Somehow they overcome the harsh winter winds and cling in desperation to the branches that once gave them life. It’s kind of beautiful.

6. Signs of spring

Maybe you won’t see this in January, but its almost March here and you can see bits of Spring starting to creep through and reclaim the Earth.

So treat yourself and go on a winter walk — Go outside and share in the comments what you noticed about the winter world around you!