Seeing Snow for the First Time

Do you remember the feeling you felt the first time you saw snow fall? If you live in colder climates, chances are you don’t – simply because you were probably very little. You never had that feeling of wonderment, magic and beauty that is a snowfall. For all you readers in the warmer climates, that memory of seeing that first snowflake is probably more vivid.

I grew up in Massachusetts. All of my family lives there now. I’ve shoveled more snow and scraped more ice than I care to. Yet when I arrived in St. John’s, Newfoundland I was met with mixed emotions.

Staring out the plane window I knew it was going to be cold. And no doubt it was. Living in Florida has spoiled me as of late. My mind was thinking that I should be at the beach right about now. But looking out at the scenery as the plane taxied along this one-runway airport made me pause…it’s been years since I’ve seen snow. I can’t recall the last time it was. Perhaps when I went home for Christmas in 2007, but I’m not entirely sure.

Much to my surprise, I felt this childlike sense of awe as we made our way to the terminal; the anticipation of stepping outside and doing all those wonderful winter activities.

St. John’s, is situated amidst a backdrop of icy rocks and evergreen trees. It was that picturesque vista of a wintery wonderland. All that was missing was a mountain to ski down. I bundled up, stepped outside and all those memories of childhood came flooding back. I cleaned off the snow on the rental car, saw my breath escape in front of me and the fog on the windshield accumulate as the defoggers fought to catch up.

The next day I had to make a snow angel. I had to escape from the handcuffs of maturity and do something silly.

We often take for granted all that is right in front of our noses. That’s part of the mission of adventureswithben.com, to remind us all of the amazing world that exists beyond and right next door. Sometimes the smallest of moments are often the most special. Those times when we forget we’re adults. We ignore the bills, responsibilities and chores that come with age and return to that place where the possibilities seem limitless.

Thank you Canada for reminding me of that.

What was your memory of your first snowfall like? If you can’t remember, then what is your favorite activity to do in the snow? Add your comments below.

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