It seems that no matter what the groundhog sees on February 2nd, the next two months are bound to be full of glimpses of spring and days of terrible weather. Depending on where you live, these months can be some of the most awkward times of the year, along with late fall. You never know what weather you’re going to get or what activity you should plan to do. However, there are still ways to enjoy the more awkward times of the year.
Check the Weather
This seems like a no-brainer, but before you start planning your ski trip or another activity, make sure to check the weather. You’ll want to make sure that the conditions are good for your plans and you are well prepared with the clothing and equipment you’ll need. For example, if you are planning on mountain biking and the forecast shows rain, plan on bringing a raincoat and goggles. Checking the weather may also help you plan or change your plans if necessary… which brings me to my next point.
Have a Backup Plan
Weather can throw a wrench in your plans, so as you plan an activity, plan a backup as well. If the snow isn’t good enough to go sledding on the day you had in mind, have a list of hot springs you can go enjoy instead. Horseback riding, hiking, disc golf, or mountain biking are other alternatives for an off-season day. If the weather disappoints, it’s nice to have a backup plan.
Make a List of Indoor Activities
Some days, the weather is too extreme to enjoy anything outside—like during a hailstorm, blizzard, or intense wind. On those days, it’s nice to include some indoor activities included in your backup plan that remind you of the outdoors. Some activities to do indoors include rock-climbing, swimming, or even simply making s’mores over a stove.
Don’t Store Your Gear…Yet
If you keep your off-season gear tucked up in a hard-to-reach area or storage, you might consider leaving it out a little longer. The weather might surprise you and you may find yourself wishing for gear that’s already put away. If you have space somewhere out of the way, like a spare room, garage, or shed, consider leaving your equipment there until it’s time to put it away.
Try Something New
Though it may be the off-season for something in your repertoire, there is still plenty to enjoy. Off seasons and awkward times of the year can feel frustrating and make you stir crazy, which is why it’s the perfect time to try something new. There are plenty of clubs and communities that can help introduce you to new interests, activities that can keep you occupied during awkward times of the year.
Don’t let the off-seasons and unpredictable weather mess up your plans. You may have to be a bit creative, but the awkward time of the year can be rewarding with memorable experiences and new activities. So, don’t let the weather keep you indoors!
Photo by Markus Spiske on Unsplash
