We had a surprise little snowstorm last night that a coyote walked
through outside our window. The world around him looks so peaceful and
soft.
This
morning, Shyla and I headed out into a murky world of fog and snow. A
fresh 4" of the fluffy stuff had fallen by the time we woke up, and the
world was eerily beautiful.
I
was on my snowbike, the most fun way for me to travel at this time of
year. Several of you asked about snowbiking and how it affects my neck
and wrists. Generally, it's absolutely fine. I have my bike specially
set up to suit my spine problems, and my back/neck generally feels
better after riding than before it. I think of biking as the best pain
medicine that I can take.
I've never had any wrist
troubles before this year, despite lots of snowbiking. I'm not sure what
caused the wrist problems. I'm still wearing wrist splints most of
the time, including during riding. My wrists are definitely improving,
so that's a good sign. Overall, I believe that biking helps keep me
strong, which in turn, helps stabilize my spine for everyday life. So, I
see it as a plus.
Back
to today's snowbike ride. The fog was otherworldly, and I felt as if I
could barely see the trail ahead of me. It was freezing fog, also known
as "pogonip", and it caused Shyla to build up frost on all her whiskers,
including her eye whiskers.
Some
of you have also asked about how Shyla's paws fare given how much she
runs in the snow. When the snow is fresh and soft, her paws are
absolutely fine. However, when the snow melts and refreezes, it develops
a crust that can hurt her paw pads. I've been rubbing her paw pads with
Bag Balm every day to keep them well moisturized, and it seems to be
warding off paw pad issues. If the conditions get really rough for paws,
both dogs wear boots. They hate boots, though, so I avoid boots when I
can.
I'm hoping for sunshine tomorrow both in the natural world and in my heart. A foggy worry has settled on me, as I contemplate the future and my health, and I hope that tomorrow is a better day in that regard.
Oooooo that last photo is stunning. I haveto say my MOM really like fog. Don't ask me why, she can't even explain it. But we both hope the fog in your heart lifts and disappears.
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Goose
Brr, I'm cold just looking at the pictures!
ReplyDeleteNola
That last photo should be on a canvas on a wall somewhere! What a stunner of a shot! I hope that some sunshine finds its way to you tomorrow, too. I know how much I miss it when I don't have it, too.
ReplyDeleteWow I have to agree the last one is incredible. I love the one of Shyla, ears flying and frosty face. I think it is very brave of you to be out there on your bike. I have never seen a snow bike. You have such a positive attitude!
ReplyDeleteAnne and Sasha
Love the photos of the snowy bliss...hoping very much that your worries are lifted soon and you can enjoy the soon to come spring flowers! Thinking of you my friend...
ReplyDeleteXoxo
Suebeedoo
Such beautiful photos!!!
ReplyDeleteBag balm on the footies- good idea.
We are right beside you all the way- with your health issues,
We send you hugs.
love
tweedles
Sending clear, warm sunshine from CA! And another kiss from Otto.
ReplyDeleteHow interesting about pogonip. I was also interested in your mention of bag balm. I've just started applying it to my Nikki's pads because they are always so horribly dry looking. I think of you often with your physical challenges. I know you'll continue to do the best you can for yourself. Know that you have many, many friends hoping for the best for you.
ReplyDeleteIt is a unanimoue vote. that last picture is wonderful.
ReplyDeleteWE hope you see many types of sunshine and light tomorrow.
It will be an interesting and educational day for you
Love
Bert
Love the last photo! So beautiful. So glad the bike still helps you. Just know we are thinking of you. :)
ReplyDeleteShe looks like a different dog, with the frosty whiskers.
ReplyDeleteXXXOOO Daisy, Bella & Roxy
She looks like a different dog, with the frosty whiskers.
ReplyDeleteXXXOOO Daisy, Bella & Roxy
Stunning pictures -
ReplyDeleteHoping the fog lifts out of your life soon and your health improves.
Woofs
Nadine & goldens Neeli & Elle
I like the foggy pictures! It's so fun to see Shyla running through the snow and fog, having a great time in what a lot of people would term "lousy" weather. We can learn so much from our dogs - enjoy the little things. We hope things are going well for you.
ReplyDeleteThose fog shots are beautiful. Fog is such an interesting phenomenon as long as you don't have to drive in it:)
ReplyDeleteHope there is an abundance of sunshine in your day today and all your tomorrows.
Gotta love those ears in that frozen whiskers shot:)
So amazing! We absolutely love your last photo. The beauty that surrounds you every day is incredible.
ReplyDeleteFrozen Shyla makes a great pupsicle :)
Hugs,
Lily Belle & Muffin
Love the last photo and the Shyla photo... you capture the essence of winter, both in play and in fog.
ReplyDeleteBe strong, be well. Hope the sun is shining today.
I have a bad hip and one knee that's had ACL replacement surgery and cartilage removal/repair. Biking is the only exercise I've ever enjoyed. I feel better when I ride than when I don't. The key, as you've discovered, is setting up the bike correctly.
ReplyDeleteBest wishes to you for fewer health worries. Best wishes and good thoughts, and I wish I could offer more...
Oh! I love all your snow and dog play photos! That would be a spirit lifter! I hope your test results are a lifter upper too.
ReplyDeleteThe momma just loves that last shot! I hate wearing boots too and when the snow thaws and refreezes, I have to wear them.
ReplyDelete-Corbin
Grat pics as usual...lots of snow but Shyla likes it.
ReplyDeleteWe got some today again and its very cold nights....
We love the frost on your eye whiskers, Shyla! What beautiful photos!
ReplyDeleteLove ya lots,
Mitch and Molly
Snow biking must be so cool! We are filled with the fog monster for 4 days now, all day
ReplyDeleteBenny & Lily