Hey!! HEY!! Hey!! Hellooo 2023 Dunn County! What's Up!?!

When One Door Closes, Another Door Opens - Snow, Snoow, SNOOW-Snoweshoing, Snowman Building, Sledding, Skiing, Snowmobling and Skating, You Know The Fun Snow Stuff ❄ 🛷⛸☃️ ⛷ ❄

As the saying goes, when one door closes, another door opens for new opportunities, adventures and surprises along the way. So as we say goodbye to 2022 which for some may have been difficult or of sorrow and grief and are in hope of a more optimistic and uplifting journey in 2023. While others overall had a wonderful and wildly successful year in 2022, some couldn’t wait to slam the door on 2022. Than there are those that probably wanted that door open a little bit longer so their abundance of treasured moments and successes can overflow into New Year's door 2023.

Each and every one of us traveled a different journey in 2022. Some made bold moves while others made subtle changes in their life to thrive toward your goals or ambitions. Some took a small step out of their comfort zone to discover a new hidden talent or take on a new challenge. Others had to make sacrifices in their life for a loved one or for themselves in order to achieve long term success or just to make ends meet. Many Birthdays, Anniversaries, Engagments, Graduations, Retirements were celebrated along with arrivals of a new addition to the family, a beautiful baby boy or girl. Some may have had fond memories made while taking a family vacation or going to a family reunion. Than there is the struggles we encounter in relationships, finances, school and work.

I personally look at my struggles along with my successes as learning experiences. Instead of looking at them as bad or good experiences, I look at those experiences as learning experiences. To put a fresh perspective on those experiences to learn from, grow from and become stronger as a person with more wisdom under my belt than I had before. When I reflected upon this past year, I looked at what improvements I have made or need to make. The big and little leaps of faith I accomplished to find out what else Heavenly Father had in store for me. Sometimes our failures leads us to new opportunities. While with those successes we acheived we can become overwhelmed with higher expectations.

I had a chuckle when I came across this cartoon above illustrating a group of people poking at door number 2023. Like most of us we do not know what to expect behind door number 2023. We are not sure what we will face or pop out in front of us in door number 2023. The best way to approach door number 2023 is having an optimistic and positive outlook. With a humble prayer to Heavenly Father asking for guidance, direction and inspiration to help you get through anything that comes your way with faith. So goodbye 2022 and Hello 2023!!

At this time of the year in Dunn County we usually see that lovely white snow, Snoow, SNOOW!!!! And when I see snow I most naturally think of all the fun stuff you can do in the snow. And there are plenty of places to go in Dunn County to venture out in the snow. If you are into cross-country skiing a great place to go is at Hoffman Hills State Recreation Area, 730th Ave, Colfax which has 707 acres of preserved and restored wooded hills, wetlands and prairie with areas mapped out with cross country ski trails for all levels. This particular location is also great for snowshoeing as well. As a reminder, all skiers over 16 years of age must have a state trail pass.

Another location to take advantage of in both worlds of cross-country skiing and snowshoeing is at Red Cedar State Trail right off of State Road 29 after crossing the Red Cedar River bridge if your heading west toward Spring Valley and is adjacent to Lucette Brewing Company. And on January 27th, 2023 there will be a Candlelight Ski from 6 pm to 9 pm at the Red Cedar Depot at Red Cedar State Trail. There will be three candlelit trails to choose from as follows: one for snowshoeing in which the snowshoes are provided by Mayo Clinic if you do not own a pair, one for cross country skiing with limited ski rentals by Stout Adventures, and one candlelit trail for your walking adventure. Plus enjoy hot chocolate and a warm fire to gather around with your family and friends after your adventure in the snow or while waiting for a pair of snowshoes to become available in your size. I personally been to this fun event a few times with my youth group from church and I must say it is a blast even if your not a pro snowshoeing. And I highly recommend getting there at the very beginning of the event to ensure you will have a good selection of snowshoes in your size to choose from if you do not own a pair. Even if you do need to wait a bit for snowshoes, it is always fun getting into good conversations with our Dunn County neighbors. AND, if you want to learn more about the Red Cedar Trail and Hoffman Hills go to redcedarhoffman.org

OK, who loves speeding down a snow hill on a toboggan or sled!?! It’s truly a blast if there is more snow than ice on those hills right now. It is very difficult walking up the steep hill with your sled at hand battling with the slippery and crunchy icy snow! Hopefully, we will start getting more snow in the forecast than the mix precipitation we have been encountering. Anyway, when those perfect snow sledding conditions arrive, here are some fun spots to venture out to. Dunn County Snow Park located at 620 17th St. SE, Menomonie which is on the east side of fairgrounds in which there's a really nice hill that the water tower sits on. Climb up the hill with your sled at hand toward the water tower and take the high adrenaline sled plunge! Of course, as with any hill, sled ride at your own risk. I personally went down this intiminating hill and I must say is quite exhilarating but going up the hill is quite the workout! if your not in the mood to whip down the sledding hill there is an outdoor skating rink not to far off from the sledding hill on the east side of the fairground to test out your ice skating skills. There is an indoor ice skating rink as well but is usually occupied by youth hockey or figure skating lessons.

Than there is ah, may you call it a drainage ditch sledding hill run at Wolske Bay located on the southeastern side of Lake Menomin which leads you right onto the lake. Sounds like a snow and ice adventure(Yes, we can have that adventure in our own backyard right now). And once again, if you rather go ice skating than dare the sledding hill you can experience really cool ice skating paths created in the bay and can get ice skate rentals in the warming house.

There is another spot to venture out to in the tune of ice skating in Menomonie at River Heights Park, 615 24th Avenue which is basically a large open play area located between River Heights Elementary School and adjacent residential neighborhood. The ice rink is maintained by the city in the winter. Just a note that there is no lights or warming house at this location for your ice skating adventures.

For all you snowmobile enthusiasts out there according to dunncountysnow.com the latest trail report declared all Dunn County trails opened on Friday, January 6th, 2023 at 5 pm. There is active logging along Trail 18 Northwest of Colfax and there are no signs up as of yet but will be visible along Trail 18 soon. The Dunn County Snowmobile Association maintains the dunncountysnow.com website with the trail reports of the conditions and status of the trails if open, partially open or closed. So according to the latest report, it's time to hit the trails with those snowmobiles and enjoy the winter wonderland to discover in Dunn County.

I must admit it's not the kind of snow to build that ultimate snowman from the latest mix precipitation we have been dished out with by Mother Nature. But, if you cannot wait until we get hit with just pure snow in the near future you can still make a snow iceman with those lovely egloo plastic block makers. Instead of making egloo forts you can stack them high to make a ice blockhead snowman ⛄ Just a creative thought for those itching to build a snowman in their front or backyard.

January truly can be a magical place to explore the many great winter wonder landscapes of Dunn County. Whether on your snowmobile, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing or just traveling in your car. There truly is much to discover in the winter in Dunn County.

From one Dunn County Neighbor to another - Happy Winter Trails❄

Laurie J Christianson

Bulletin Board Moment