That's a mighty big warning for one little garter snake :-) For your winter outdoor activity, have you considered camping? (In a tent, not an RV.) It needs a bit of equipment, but from what I understand there is a lot of crown land around you to spend time and enjoy nature.
I know, right haha.
I've been camping and like it, but my wife isn't into it. It would be enjoyable as a summer activity but not so much (for us) as a winter one. It gets way too cold here to be enjoyable for us. Ice fishing for the day would be as close to winter camping as I could do I think. I like the suggestion though.
Happy wife, happy life. And vice versa. 😀
Haha that's true. Most people don't say and vice versa though lol