A variety of options await the weekend explorer in North Carolina this weekend. Take note of seasonal changes in a nature journaling class at Weymouth Woods, check out the overwintering bird population on Greensboro’s Lake Townsend, or take advantage of the recent cold snap and Ski North Carolina!
In recognition of the fact many of you have a good deal of flexibility through year’s end (no school, no work), we expand the definition of “weekend” to include the rest of the year. And, in accordance with Mother Nature of late, we expand the definition of winter adventure to include polar plunges where you’re more likely to need suntan lotion and a cold drink than a fleece blanket to warm yourself in.
Today is the first full day of winter (it officially kicked in last night at 11 minutes before midnight). Ironically, for those of us who live to be outside, the winter solstice sets off a round of brooding over short days and long, long nights.
In fact, the winter solstice marks a turning point that should have the sun worshipers among us rejoicing. Starting today, we start to gain back vital sunlight, seconds a day at first, then, starting January 11, minutes. (In fact, we’ve already been gaining sunlight at day’s end since Dec. 7.) Whereas sunset today is at 5:05 p.m., on January 11, it will set at 5:20 p.m., at 5:52 p.m. on February 11, and at 6:19 p.m. on March 11. Two days later, on March 13, Daylight Savings Time kicks in, at which point we’re back to slipping out early for an after work adventure. (To further follow the sun’s return, check out this site, which includes a countdown clock to the summer solstice.)
Even though it’s the first full day of winter, there’s growing light at the end of the tunnel.
About the only thing this weekend won’t be good for: skiing. Temperatures could hit the mid-70s across much of the state, weather suitable for, say, a 5K at Wrightsville Beach. Or a plant ID hike in the mountains. Or maybe hanging out after dark and watching the sky spark with the Geminids meteor shower.
There are lots of ways to celebrate Halloween this Saturday. You can go the traditional route by dressing as your favorite explorer (Alferd Packer?) and shaking down the neighbors. Or, you can dress up for a paddle race at the coast or a bike ride (or two) in the mountains.