Week #9: Walking in the snow and trying to stay out of the gutter

Two for one this week. We headed to Door County WI this weekend and my wife mentioned that I should try snowshoeing. I checked around the Internet and found a place that rents out snowshoes for the day and found out that they have "snowshoe only" trails in the state park across the street. It was getting late in the day so we decided to take the kids bowling for the first time (we would snowshoe the next morning).

It was an old school bowling alley in Sister Bay. To our dismay, we found out they did not have bumper guards (which prevent children from getting gutter balls). But they did have this strange metal slide contraption, which made it easier for the kids to roll the ball down the center.

It did not stop MANY MANY gutter balls. The kids got frustrated a few times, but after all was said and done I think everyone had a good time. Thanks to the magical bowling contraption, our youngest child had the highest score (even though none of us broke 100).

The next day, I went snowshoeing for the first time. I drove to Peninsula State Park and parked the car getting ready for my 3 1/2 mile hike. I got out and while trying to figure out how to put on my shoes, I spotted two women walking up to the trail. I mentioned to them that it was "my first time". I am glad that I spoke up. They were great ladies. Susie "the expert" and Pam "the fellow first timer" and I hit it off right away. Susie actually put on my snowshoes for me and asked if I wanted to walk with them. So off we went with Susie showing her friend Pam and I the ins and outs of snowshoeing. It was great to have a guide and the three of us had good conversation throughout. They left a little before me and I finished the 1 1/2 hour hike by myself. I loved it! The hike was beautiful with oak and pine trees as far as the eye could see in all directions. I am especially grateful to Pam and Susie for the help and conversation. I hope to run into them on a hiking trail sometime soon.

I have included photos of me with Susie and Pam and some scenes from the hike. Also from bowling, I included a short video of my youngest knocking down a spare!