We often visit Hyak Lake on snowshoes. It's a short trip that provides an introduction to the cold season and an opportunity to make sure our gear is all set for the months ahead. This time it would also serve to introduce one year-old Odin to snowshoeing.

Rather than the usual route, we decided to try a new route up the still-closed ski slopes. It's amazing how much faster it is to snowshoe, even in deep snow, when the way is clear of logs, trees, holes, and other perils. I still prefer the more wooded route, but this was a nice change on an early Sunday morning.

When we finally did leave the skiers' land for the forest it was only a short descent to the lake. Treen and Odin had a marvelous time chasing sticks, chasing each other, and getting posed by Scott. He's a master at getting the dogs to do what he wants. I wish I could do it, but I don't have the patience after years of trying to finnangle the kids into the right position. (Also, I didn't have the bag of treats in my pocket.)

Although the clouds were close to becoming fog we had enough visibility to keep track of everyone and know which way was which when it came time to leave. The walk down was a blast, finding deep snow in pockets still untouched by skis or snowshoes. Odin definitely learned some lessons about the challenges of snow adventures and Treen was reminded of some of the lessons she should have learned in the past.

Now winter can begin. And as long as this snow doesn't melt until next summer we'll be all good.