Any tips for winter walking?

[James Stewart]

Esther,

In Burlington, Ontario we face winter conditions from about late November
to about late March.  This year's been particularly kind to us.  There's a
bit on winter tips in the Dec. issue of our newsletter at :
http://ntfp.globalserve.net/sds/dec.htm .  

Generally I find the ice crampons you mention *much* more dangerous for the
average person to wear - on black ice they tend to act more like ice skates
than a traction aid and very few attach securely.  Much safer to wear good
soled boots.  If you are just facing a mixture of some ice and snow, there
are slip-on "rubbers" that the sport of curling has.  They use them when on
the ice, but not wanting to slide.

Deeper snow may require more exertion but is safer to walk through - you
have more traction and will have a cushion to fall into.  As with any fall,
try to stay loose rather than rigid.

If you've ever watched the "Natives of the North" walk you'll have noticed
they've adopted that "shuffle" that means both feet are pretty close to the
ground at all times.

JS

James F.L. Stewart
Burlington, Ontario, Canada
:CAPS Newsletter: 
 http://ntfp.globalserve.net/sds/current.htm

"Too often, people who want to offer sound advice 
         give us more sound than advice."
                 --Alfred E. Neuman