All seasons worth exploring

Living in North Idaho, making the most of your weekend does not mean sleeping in and spending the day watching the world pass you by.

Stop complaining about daylight saving time and take advantage of that early rising sun. There are many great hikes still to be done and consider the drive just a chance to let the day warm up a bit.

As the snowflakes were falling one recent morning, it was a good reminder that what you wear is No. 1 in having fun outside this time of year.

Years ago a friend of mine introduced me to "the two-sock system," great for not only warmth but to prevent unwanted rubbing.

Simply layer light socks first and wool socks second, escaping from your favorite striped socks can be hard. Investing in some wool socks, $12 plus for a pair, can seem outrageous. Trust me it's worth it. Don't worry too much, they even come in stripes.

If you can imagine being too hot on a hike in November then you probably already wear thermals.

Thermal layers under your clothes are so much more than that cute cotton long underwear you wear around the house.

No cotton all winter could be a good challenge for many of us. Polypropylene, synthetics and wool are what to look for when shopping for these mid-layer wonders. Rarely you will catch me without them on, no matter what day of the week.

Beyond these two must-dos, just stay dry by not wearing cottons, always packing a rain coat - or what some call the "North Idaho Rain Coat," just an extra in the car - and spare socks.

Limited amounts of Vitamin D are still out there, so get what you can, then come home, curl up on the couch and enjoy a warm beverage. All seasons are worth exploring.

Corrie Bouchard recently returned home to Coeur d'Alene after two years working at Old Faithful Yellowstone National Park and then being a ski bum in the Rocky Mountains in Colorado.