There was quite a build up to the last 36 hours of wintry wonder here in the Lowcountry. Gas tanks were filled. Folks checked their stock of batteries and bought firewood, bottled water, bread, and milk (though I've never understood why one buys milk when they expect the power is going to go out). Jim Cantore of the Weather Channel arrived. Social media went nuts. People created hashtags like #Snowmageddon, #SnowMyGosh, and #SnO-M-G, when really ones like #IceIceBaby would have been more appropriate. Charleston closed schools before the first drop of precipitation arrived and sent her workers home early. And then we waited. It was probably a good idea.

I always imagined snowshoeing to be a difficult thing. I pictured wicker baskets tied to my feet and frequent face planting. This being my first winter in Colorado, I have a lot to learn. I’m working at a gear store that functions as a bike shop during the warmer months and transforms into a ski shop in the winter. I understand bikes, but the looming transformation to the ski world was intimidating. People stop in the store frequently just wanting trail info-we should put a tip jar out for all the tips we give to travelers. I could talk the talk when it came to hiking or mountain biking advice, but I've had to listen in on my coworker's conversations to learn the way of the winter wanderer. I've learned that Denny Creek to Brown’s Pass is the go-to recommendation for snowshoeing around here. I think I once advised some cross country skiers to give it a try. Oops.

There’s nothing like seeing a kid who, two seconds before, was recoiling in disgust work up the gumption to reach out a tentative hand and touch the snake reclining on your arm. Usually their reaction is either one of relief (whew—I made it out safely, now I can check that off my list of dangers to face), or one of surprise (wow—it isn’t slimy!).

Put down your weapons, residents of New York, Chicago, New Orleans, San Fransico, and the like. I'm not saying you don't have fine cuisine or a celebrated culinary history. But, give Charleston her due. This is a great place to eat.

New Years is often a good time to reflect on what the past year has taught us. Why not jump on the bandwagon? Here are some of the things Traveling Ink learned in 2013. 1. Baby turkey vultures nest on the ground. There's no need to "rescue" them when you find them there. 2. It is ill-advised to break-in Chacos while climbing your first fourteener. 3. The Cetus LV is the Cadillac of kayaks. Don't test drive it first unless you have a few thousand to spend on your self-propelled cruiser. You will just be disappointed. 4. Poogan's Porch makes a mean fried chicken. 5. Shooting skeet and lighting retired Christmas trees on fire is an entertaining way to spend a birthday (or any day) in the south. 6. Camp Happy Days is an amazing place. 7. And, if you are ever lucky enough to happen on a giant pod of dolphins, by all means, jump in the stinkin' water.