Welcome to this week’s coffee chat, an occasional series where I talk about a local MI coffee shop and chat on Instagram about other current events.
Theme:
Winter Hiking Tips
What I wear (from inner most layer to outer most layer):
Legs: base layer of tights, (sometimes) additional cold gear base layer like long-johns, REI cold-gear leggings, water-proof hiking pants.
I found my hiking pants off amazon and they are absolutely amazing! I got a size M, I’m 5’3” 145lbs with wide hips and athletic build for reference. They fit perfectly with all my layers and keep me super warm! (Typically my legs always used to get the coldest when hiking, not with these guys!)
Upper Body: sports bra, north face cold-gear + wicking long sleeve, (sometimes) additional cotton long sleeve, 3/4 zip up fleece (usually by LL Bean), water-proof outer shell jacket.
It never hurts to layer, layer, layer. My core tends to get the warmest while hiking so I usually don’t wear much, but always bring additional clothes with me.
Feet: running socks, marino-wool hiking socks, water-proof timberland hiking boots, ice spikes
Ice spikes have been the absolute buy of 2020. These make winter hiking a breeze! They are especially necessary on any high trafficked trails, ice caves, or any conditions that seem the slightest bit slick. You can find the one’s I use off amazon (under $30!)
Head: I wear a super thick, double lined hat. I also usually have a big, chunky blanket scarf with me to cover my neck and face from the wind. (See picture below)
When to go:
I find the best time to hike in the winter is about 2 days after a snowstorm. Reason being, the roads are usually cleared now, so safer driving. Additionally, the trees are still coated in all that fresh snow.
It still very doable to hike while it’s snowing, especially if you’re in a forested area.
High winds are the one weather that I don’t particularly enjoy hiking in during the winter. I find that it just sucks the breath right out of you, makes the temperature drop drastically, leading to feeling cold much quicker.
The coffee:
Contrast Coffee
location:
600 N Third St Marquette, MI 49855
parking:
In front, on the street, as well as lots near by
hours:
Everyday 6AM – 7PM
thoughts:
Incredibly cute coffee shop! Good amount of indoor seating and tons of natural light. They have coffee and espresso drinks as well as a few light pastry items. PLUS a crepe station (what?!) with sweet and savory crepes.
Additionally, they have merchandise for purchase. Very friendly staff.
A must hit location if you’re in downtown Marquette! I highly recommend one of their signature drinks, Almond Maple (absolutely delicious). My dad loved another one of their signature drinks, Dirty Snowball, which is a blended ice drink that he consumed when it was about 18degrees outside (so if that helps to tell you just how great it was!)
The also have locations in Ironwood, Iron River, and Iron Mountain.
