Moonlight Ski

I’ve been in Michigan for a little over 3 years and there is still so much to explore. I’d heard of Burchfield Park, but had never been. But when a notice for a Moonlight Ski came up in my feed, I thought—I’ll go! This kind of thing was right up my alley.

For the past week I’ve been skiing at the Meridian Township Historic Village. The distance—both on the ski and from the house to get there were perfect for after or before work jaunts. Of course, on the sub-zero, sub-human cold days, I didn’t go. When I did, I’d be out for 40-45 minutes—not sure of how far I trekked. There were numerous trails that weaved through the woods and a ditch called Muddy Creek that laced the paths. Also a couple of picturesque footbridges over the creek. In fact, everything looked picturesque and gift calendar-like under mounds of glittering snow.

The Moonlight Ski was at Burchfield Park, so here was my chance to check that out. It was far driving in the late late afternoon. I missed a turn and had to retrace. Made it there by 6 pm just as the sun was fully gone. Little lanterns marked the trail through the woods and by the Grand River. It felt very Zen shooshing along from light to light. But as it grew darker—especially in the woods—there were gaps where it felt like I was hurtling downhill in darkness. Indeed I was, at least the downhill part, not so much the hurtling. In the darkness I sludged past a guy who had fallen. I was just glad I didn’t accidentally roll over him. I tried to encourage him as he flailed—“You’ll get your feet under you.”

He wasn’t there as I lapped back.

It was a mile-long loop and I did it four times.

I begged my eyes to adjust in the intermittent darkness as I contrived to stay in tracks and on track. It was so much fun—just me and the quiet and the occasional downed skier. I felt so fresh and alive! Vital and open to the elements. When I finished, I had a glow in my cheeks, which stayed there during the snowy ride home. Slanted, wind-driven snow in my headlights.

At home I changed into clean long johns and fixed a mug of coca and a small plate of cookies to eat up in my loft bed, snug under the rafters. I sat there with blankets over me and said to myself: I feel happy.

this and following pics from Historic Village, not Moonlight Ski, because, of course, too dark