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Cliff Buchan
News Editor
It’s a 3 degree day in the St. Croix River Valley near Scandia and some thoughts drift to a sandy beach in Florida, or perhaps Mexico.
A brisk and biting wind from the northwest pushes the mind to the southern climes even more.
But in the mind of Courtland Nelson, the thoughts of a sandy beach, crystal blue water and sun-baked days are nearly nonexistent.
For Nelson, the sandy beach is replaced by a field blanketed in snow. The blue bird sky is equal to the deep seas. The fresh air that invigorates the mind is superior to wasting away in Margaritaville by far.
And rightfully so.
As director of the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Division of Parks and Recreation, Nelson is the state’s leading proponent of utilizing the great outdoors, be in on a sun splashed summer day or a winter’s afternoon when the temps and the snow falls.
“What a splendid day,” Nelson says, slipping on snowshoes near the St. Croix River on the eastern border of Wild River State Park in Scandia. “It doesn’t get much better than this.”
As Nelson maneuvers along the banks of the river, his poles digging hard into the snow, a hawk circles above. The wind that was teasing at the sky minutes earlier faded.
On this day in the park, Nelson is alone in his thoughts with the solitude of the day a blessing from the everyday grind of work.
A park playground
At 57, Nelson has come home to work for the Minnesota DNR. He grew up in Forest Lake, but moved on to college out-of-state and landed state park jobs in Arizona and Utah before being lured back to his home state and his hometown where he once again lives.
On this day in Scandia, Nelson serves as a spokesperson for the state park system, but also as an advocate for staying fit, no matter the season. Nelson was an active runner for years, competing in numerous 10K races over before knee problems curtailed his running.
Today, Nelson stays fit in the warm-weather months with a steady diet of bicycle riding. In the winter, he is frequently on cross-country ski trails or pulling the snowshoes from the cargo hole of his Dodge and setting off for a winter’s hike.
“People should not view the end of November as the end of the outdoor recreation season,” Nelson said. “People should just get outdoors.”
There are multiple winter activities that can get people out to burn off calories and enjoy nature at its best.
Nelson relishes his time on skis or snowshoes, often with friends or family, or just on his own as a way to wash the mind of the daily wear and tear.
For others, it is simply a daily hike or a structured outing that can include bird watching or exploring for other members of nature’s wild family.
While state parks are excellent locations to undertake many of these events and find structured activities and park officials with the expertise to help, many can be accomplished on your own ors from your own home, he says.
Be prepared
Nelson’s advocacy for enjoying the outdoors comes with a couple of footnotes. While getting out is a way to enjoy the state and improve fitness, there are a couple of things everyone should consider before starting.
Be prepared for winter, Nelson says, and do some advance planning to understand what you are about to do, what you may need and what activities are available.
No one should strike out on a winter’s outdoor activity without fully understanding what you are beginning, Nelson says.
Having the proper winter clothing and knowing how to dress is high on his list. “Be prepared for winter,” Nelson said.
On Nelson’s snowshoe and ski outings, he dresses in layers and wears clothing that wicks away the moisture from the body and keeps him comfortable. By dressing in layers, clothes can come off and go on as needed depending on the activity and the day.
Pants and tops that will break the wind are a wise choice, he says.
Good footwear and warm socks are also essential to keeping your feet warm and dry.
Gloves and mittens are also critical, as is your head gear.
“Your chances of having fun go up, if you dress right,” Nelson says.
“The less the cotton (clothing), the better off you are,” Nelson adds.
Nelson is also a firm believer in carrying a fanny pack that serves as an emergency kit of sorts. Nelson’s five to seven pound pack contains matches, a small flashlight, a bottle of water, a compass, some high-energy foods including trail mix and a small blanket “just in case,” he says.
The gear can come in handy should you encounter trouble. “It is more likely that you will run into someone else who is in trouble,” Nelson said.
Nelson always carries his pack around his waist when he is out, be it snowshoeing or on a hunting trip. For someone traveling alone, the backpack is a must, he says.
Homework
Taking the time to research and study an activity of interest will go far in making sure this is what you want and that your destination is right, Nelson says.
“Do some planning ahead of time,” he says.
That can be done in a variety of ways.
•Internet sites can provide a wealth of information on state parks and other non-state facilities.
•Telephone calls can work equally as well by allowing you to talk to park personnel or facility managers to get a feel for your possible destination.
•Read brochures for details and related information.
•Talk to staff members in person at any facility or park to find out what is available and if rental equipment is offered, or if you need your own gear.
“Try to make it a pleasant experience,” Nelson says.
Getting outside in the cold of winter does not have to be an impossible task, he says. With the right attitude and an understanding of what is needed to enjoy the outside, improved health and fitness can be achieved by taking to the trails of a state park on a cold day in January.
“Let’s enjoy these five months of the year,” Nelson says.
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