Chester Woods, Eyota, MN

Saturday, January 10, 2026 at 11:28 a.m.; 25 degrees feels like 15 with 25 mph winds

I arrive at Chester Woods feeling proud for choosing to get out of the house when I could have stayed in bed all day.

​As I walk, I notice snow blowing off the trees, drifting like tiny crystals in a snow globe. They lead my eye up to the blue sky and back down to the smallest snow gems resting on pine needles.

As I hike, small details give me pause: tiny raccoon paw prints, very few human tracks, the glitter of fresh snow, and the ice hidden beneath. I linger before crossing onto the un-groomed trail, eyes drawn to the surface snow noticing it's textured like elephant skin.

I leave with the quiet realization that navigating snow and ice keeps me highly attentive to the ground. Even so, I am growing braver about winter walking, once again. I carry that bravery into my day.