Feb 16 2026
Chasing the Light
Usually I head for the woods when I go for a hike, but yesterday I responded to a different urge. The sun was shining brightly through a mostly clear sky and all I wanted to do was revel in it. So I headed for Kill Kare State Park, not far away, to tramp through windblown snow while basking in daylight.
It wasn’t much of a hike really, even though I parked my car just outside the park. That added a little road walking to my short slog through a half foot of snow. With temps climbing into the 20s and no wind, I was quite comfortable. I took my time. A dozen or so ice fishermen were out on the ice of Saint Albans Bay. Aside from their coming and going, I had the park all to myself.
Upon reaching the point I peered down Lake Champlain, seeing nothing but a snow-covered plain stretching all the way to the Adirondacks on the other side. The lake completely froze over earlier this week for the first time in years. Yeah, it has been a colder-than-usual winter this year, with plenty of snow and grey skies. But with ten and a half hours of daylight and temps moderating, it now feels like we are easing towards spring. I sat on a park bench completely free of snow, enjoying the sun’s warm caress on my face while contemplating that.
This morning the sky is breaking open again and temps are already in the high 20s. This afternoon the air could easily be above freezing. So I think I’ll set aside my literary work for a while and go outside for yet another hike, chasing the light. Springtime is well over a month away. Why mope around the house waiting for it? The light is all I need right now. That and a little fresh air.
