This morning I pretty much hit the trail at the break of dawn, and enjoyed every moment of my lustrous solitude. Didn't cross paths with a single snowmobile. It was still and quiet, and though there was a slight bite in the air when I started out, I had to strip off a few garments on my return. (Don't worry Pop: there was absolutely no nudity). X-country skiing is a great low-impact total body workout--but that's just gravy, because it's hard to tell you're exercising while in the throes of pure joy.