Opportunities presented upon the first snowfall

The first substantial snow accumulation in northern Michigan is an opportunity for myriad adventures and experiences unavailable to Michiganders at any other time of year. Scarcity means value, according to prevailing wisdom, so our experiences at this time of year must be highly valuable. Toward this (ad hoc, in the old tongue), we offer the following valuable opportunities attending the season’s first offerings of accumulated snow and ice.

Rediscovering what we had hidden

All those cold-weather garments were getting musty and weird in our basements and the backs of our closets. Even the ugly sweaters that are in plastic storage containers functioning as tables and/or shelves are desperate for air and light, despite their nearer proximity to more versatile textiles.

Here is one more opportunity to reshuffle — or reorganize, for those of us believing in personal progress — belongings and reassess needs.

Some of that summer-wear, too, might be more suited for donation than storage until next year. Will it still fit when it comes back into fashion? Will it come back into fashion when it fits again? (What’s in fashion? Please write us with your opinions.)

Refreshing dormant skills and practices

Defensive driving is useful all season long but only at this time of year are we all subjected to a crash-course reevaluation of defensive driving skills at some happenstance time and place.

One minute you’re navigating a major trunkline road, maintaining the speed of traffic. The next minute, the front-passenger wheel of the vehicle spears into a layer of partially thawed snow and ice.

Time slows down for the few seconds that follow, while the vehicle shudders and the front axle begins to drift out of alignment with the rear axle. Now muscle memory kicks in and...

Well, even the best drivers among us land in the ditch every once in awhile. Sometimes it’s unavoidable and best practice is to prepare for this eventuality too. For every trip in a car or away from shelter, wear or pack clothes warm enough for the weather outside the car, and a shovel to dig out of a potential snowbank.

Changing up routines

Walks, jogs and bicycle rides became much more risky all of a sudden. Now, a fitness challenge presents itself in clearing snow from the pathways we intend to travel.

We recommend a thorough round of stretches prior to this activity. Moving snow around utilizes very particular sets of muscles that are often not used — not in the specific combinations involved — at other times of the year.

We also recommend pacing oneself with great care during these first exertions: scoop lightly and stage the work. A back injury at this point in the season creates many compounded difficulties in the months ahead.

Once our residences and places of business are accessible once again, we are further presented with opportunities to change how we get from place to place: snowmobiles, snowshoes, cross-country skis and special traction for boots are all options once more and novel for a few days after a long hiatus.

Winter presents risks and challenges different to warmer months, so lean into your strengths and watch for opportunities.