Diamond-Cut Life

We’re in the full grip of winter, not just here in Portland Oregon but in much of the country. Given the impact of our heating bills on both our wallets and carbon emissions, tomorrow’s post will be “How To Slash Your Heating Bill”. And given that many roads are impassable to vehicles right now, today I’m offering tips for walking safely in snow and ice. More on coping with winter here.

My husband and I hiked a three-mile round trip yesterday in the snow to visit my mother-in-law Joan at Providence Hospital. I loved the physical challenge and I gained more insight into how people traveled in snow for most of human history. As fossil fuels run out and it becomes more costly to burn carbon, I think we’ll be traveling back to our walking roots:).

*     *    *    *     *     *     *     *     *

Wear hiking boots or the sturdiest shoes you own. Fashion be damned! Don’t try walking on ice in dress shoes or any shoes lacking traction. Wool socks are a must for warmth (the one time I wore cotton instead I was miserable).

Allow extra time and walk slowly in snow and ice. Be willing to be late, and to tell people it’s because you chose to stay safe. Call ahead to advise people you are walking and may arrive late.

Consider using walking poles. They are inexpensive and make walking in snow and ice much easier and safer.

Try not to carry much–you need to leave your hands and arms free to better balance yourself. If you have to carry things, I suggest a small backpack — but don’t become top-heavy.

Use a stomping motion to break through the upper crust if possible. Heel-first works well here.

If you can’t break through the crust, walk flat-footed and have as much contact with the ground as possible.

When on a slope, plant your feet sideways. This greatly increases your traction.

Bend your knees a little to improve balance and response to slippage.and take smaller steps than usual increases traction and can greatly reduce your chances of falling. Stop occasionally to break momentum.

Get your hands out of your pockets and use your arms for balance. If you have to carry packages, distribute the weight of them evenly.

Be prepared to fall and try to avoid using your arms to break your fall. If you fall backward, tuck your chin in so your head doesn’t strike the ground with a full force.

Remember to bring your cell phone, and have it within easy reach.

Get help from someone who is walking securely – or offer to help a person who is wobbling. Never be ashamed to ask for someone’s arm to help you across a slippery or deep spot. I have a happy memory of helping an elderly, overweight, very wobbly coworker walk to her front door after getting out of a car. I held her arm tight against my side and stomped merrily through the crust for us in my hiking boots. I’m almost certain she would have fallen without help, but poignantly, she had not asked for help. I needed to offer it to her.

Thanks to my coworker Robin M. for sharing many of the above tips.

Related Posts:

• Winter Storms: Slow Down, Snuggle In
• Nature On Its Own Terms
• Bike. Walk. Joy.