When Winter Vacation Breaks Into Reality

From inside the helmet, the world wizzes by in a blur of greens, browns, and whites. I can hear the hum of the warm engines whine as they climb a steep snowy hill tossed with earthy debris flung from the tracks of previous riders. We pass a sign nailed to a pine, chiseled with an arrow pointing left and the words “Toffte 7 mi.” The smell of sweat, crisp winter air, and exhaust from the sleds waft inside my helmet. A smile broadens on my face and a sigh of relief expels from my slightly chapped lips; the first snowmobile trip of the year.

As most avid snow advocates, I have been waiting patiently for the barometer to drop and the snow drifts to form. With the New Year already begun, it is hard to believe that the ground is still brown with dead grass instead of white and piled high with snow drifts. Many people, including my family, have loaded up and gone looking somewhere else to locate the snow that once used to cover Minnesota and North Dakota to get their fill of winter sports. This year, that means trailering the sleds to the Duluth, MN area to fill the need to ride at least once this year.

Dodging low evergreen branches, reacting to bumps and dips in the State Trail, and concentrating on one’s next move is almost like a game. Planning strategies as to how fast one can take the curve, how far to lean to counter balance the weight of the sled and the correct speed to keep from rolling or losing control. The mesmerizing task of always planning ahead, looking for obstacles in the path, and gaging the distance from the other riders becomes second nature. While surrounded by my other travelers, my brother and my father, my thoughts are isolated inside my helmet and I am able to be alone.

Winter break for many means no more class, no homework or exams to worry about, putting in as many hours at work as possible, spending time with family and friends, and other activities that are hopefully relaxing. The sleds wind around a steep curve and to the right an opening in the pines shows a distant view of a large North Shore mountain peak dotted in dark tree clumps and an abundance of heavy snow. The peaceful feeling of knowing there aren’t any pressing deadlines or appointments to be kept matches perfectly the feeling the scenery displays in the thickly wooded area near Grand Marias. The mind wonders through thoughts, ideas, and replays past events commonly known as day dreaming. With the blur of the thick forest rushing by and the pull of the engine bumping over ruts in the path, the forest becomes timeless.

A trio of passing snowmobile riders decked in gear sporting their favorite brand raise their hands holding up gloved fingers as they pass letting us know how many riders are in their group. With the sight of other people, they break the alternate reality of this hidden world and it triggers a thought about seeing my friends when break is over. My mind wanders more as to tasks that need to be done back home at my apartment. Did I get rid of the milk and left overs before I left for break? Sighing, probably not. Then, taking into consideration the amount of laundry that needs to be done and the thought of a work schedule clouds my vision. Weaving between large fallen branches, the sled clips one large end on the track and jostles my attention back to the task of driving. With the mind still reeling, it calculates the amount of days before class starts for this semester and the books that I will have to purchase. Thinking faster, thoughts begin to branch off each other thinking of more responsibilities that have been forgotten and the disheartening realization that winter break is almost over. Ironically, as this last thought sets in, I realize my group had driven out of the woods and onto the packed parking lot where we had started the journey earlier that morning. The day dream of a hidden paradise with no commitments, duties, or responsibilities came crashing down as the reality of day-to-day activities returns to its rightful spot of deserving my full attention.

My advice going into the New Year as school, work, and obligations resume, look back at the peaceful isolated world that was created over break. Be thankful for the amount of time, memories, and people that were able to be help create the perfect day dream. As reality’s everyday tasks fill and consume your time in the next coming weeks, indulge yourself in the daydream of the winter break you all created. Soon, the next day dream will be of spring break. The time is counting down.

Photo by Katie Glen

#College #WinterBreak #Communication