Over Thanksgiving weekend I helped my dad take in a dock for the season. Winter came a lot quicker than I think most of us were expecting this November, and we were a ways behind schedule as the lake had already begun to freeze. If we were on time, this process would normally involve one of us putting on a bathing suit and getting in the chilly, fall water, but we were a ways beyond chilly.

The best method we discovered was to gently walk the supports back and forth like an Easter Island head. Holding onto the dock piece we were able to rock it left and right, slowly inching it towards us through the ice until we could pick it up without getting in the water. The dock pieces were heavier than normal thanks to the snow that survived our brushing efforts, but we eventually got them put away for the winter. The next morning we awoke to five inches of fresh snow and the relief that we already finished our winterizing efforts.

Taking a dock and a fishing boat out of a lake in the snow was a funny experience and a stark reminder that time flies—this year is somehow already almost done. I’ve already written a post calvin piece about how much I enjoy winter, and the sight of gently falling snow has been exciting, but I can’t get a nagging thought out of my head. Last winter was the most excited I’ve ever been for spring. I spent hours scouring Google Maps for parks and green spaces I could explore once it got warm, and I made a checklist of places to visit in the spring on my phone.

Spring came as it always does, but my thoughts strayed to summer quicker than I would have liked. I wasn’t checking parks off of my list as frequently as I was hoping to, and I guess I thought the warmer weather would open up some more recreation options. Summer heat then had me wishing for cool autumn days, and then as the days shortened I figured we might as well start winter already. I discovered a cycle:

My favorite season seems to be the next one.

Looking forward to the future is hardly a bad thing, but it has recently been at the expense of the present. “I’ll make it there next year” has become a reason to not go this year. I’ve been writing seasons off before they’re even done. Now that winter is here, I’ve had to stop myself from thinking about spring.

So, in an attempt to appreciate this winter before it’s gone, which will be much sooner than it should be, I thought I’d share some of my favorite winter feelings. Maybe a deep breath and some patience before I start to plan spring hikes will help me appreciate this winter more.

***

We used to make an ice rink in our backyard every winter. I’m surprised none of us ended up as hockey players with how much we skated growing up. Plywood sheets stopped most of the hockey pucks but we would always find a few in the grass in the spring along with our dog’s frozen tennis balls. Using the boards to stop our momentum and tumbling out of the rink into the snow became more and more fun as the shoveled piles of snow increased in size with the growing winter. My dad would string Christmas lights above the ice, and skating quietly at night, illuminated only by Christmas lights is a wonderful feeling.

***

Downhill skiing is one of the main reasons I love winter. I’m generally not an adrenaline junkie, but comparing top speeds on the slopes is a lot of fun. In some ways I love the lift rides up the hill just as much as flying down them. Closing my eyes and resting my head on the side of the lift chair, I feel the small pinpricks of snow on my wind-burned face. The gentle, comfortable cold lulls me into a daze as I sit and listen to my friends laugh and talk next to me. Nearing the top of the lift, I open my eyes to the blue-tinted night and feel the most alive I’ve felt in a long time.

***

The crunch and gentle resistance when leaning the back of your head into the snow while watching snow flakes fall. Laying gently in the snow and feeling the quiet of the winter woods after everyone else has gone inside.

***

Stomping into the mudroom after sledding on the nearby empty lot. We called it Bus Hill. Living on a dead end, we walked to the corner to get picked up for school, and it was the best sledding hill in the neighborhood. Tree roots made for great jumps, and sliding into the road didn’t matter if there wasn’t any traffic. Coming home, we’d get a kettle going for hot chocolate or hot Tang (does anyone else outside my family drink hot Tang?). Poking frozen blueberries back down to the bottom of the mug as they slowly float back up.

***

I currently have a lot of “I hope in 2026…” statements running through my mind. I really hope I can better appreciate the days and little moments without feeling like I’m wasting time, this winter especially. Spring will come when it comes, and that will be great too.

Nathan Hilbrands

Nathan Hilbrands (’21) graduated with degrees in geography and environmental health and conservation. He is currently working for the Allegan Conservation District as a watershed technician. He enjoys collecting National Geographic issues that he rarely looks at again, playing disc golf a lot without improving, and trying new board games.