The winter-hardy folks of Otsego County have ample respite from this daunting season during February. The upcoming Cooperstown Winter Escape Weekend and last weekend's Winter Carnival offer uplifting outings to break the monotony of identical daily forecasts.

The Chocoholic-Walkaholic Chocolate Walk is this Saturday, Feb. 15 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. In a sweet combination of efforts, The Walking Example Group (WE GO), the Cooperstown Rotary and the Cooperstown Chamber of Commerce have designed an invigorating pedestrian tour of the village of Cooperstown, punctuated with chocolate samplings at twelve local inns and merchants.

A brisk walk and good chocolate are both reputed to release "feel good" brain chemicals.

If so, then they must surely provide some immunity to the "cabin fever," common this time of year. Chocolate tastings are 50 cents each, or $5 for all 12 stops. Proceeds benefit WE GO and the Cooperstown Rotary. Chocolate Route maps are available at the Chamber of Commerce office and all designated stops. For more information call the Chamber at 547-6015 or WE GO at 547-2893.

On Sunday, Feb. 16, join Anne Geddes-Atwell as she walks on water. Taking full advantage of frozen Lake Otsego, Anne will lead all comers on a tour of the lake from a unique off-shore vantage point. Remember to bring your camera!

The Walk on Water tour begins at 10 a.m. from the Otesaga parking lot. A split pea and ham soup or white chili lunch will be available en route. To reserve a spot and for more information, call Anne at 547-5895. First priority for lunch is given to those who call ahead of time!

Donations requested. A complete listing of Cooperstown Winter Escape Weekend activities, including this Sunday's moonlight cross-country skiing, is available at www.cooperstownchamber.org.

Aldous Huxley said, "My father considered a walk among the mountains as the equivalent of churchgoing."

On the Cap Smith Hike last Sunday morning I felt the full impact of that quote. Taking on Chicken Farm Hill Road, around the K-9 training center and down the face of Star Field was challenging, revitalizing, and in the fellowship of the other hikers, soul-satisfying on a sunny winter morning.

With the magnificent views of the lake and village, the deer in the distance and silver flakes of snow gently blown from the tree branches, even the cold faded away. Many thanks to the Masons, who did the preparatory work, led the group and provided lunch.

Unlike an unpleasant tenant, we cannot evict winter. It will stay as long as it darn well pleases. So, bundle up - enjoying it is the best revenge.

Brenda Berstler is the founder of the Cooperstown Walking Example Group.