In any case, I have never hidden the fact that cross country skiing is still my very favorite outdoor (important word in this context) activity, but of course Nordic Walking comes in as a close second and it isn’t as seasonal as skiing, but a year-round activity.
This is Ania in March, 2010, at about 4,000 feet at the famed 'Upslope Outhouse' in Whitegrass
Last winter my neck of the woods, meaning northern Virginia was an absolute record-breaking-gorgeous-snowfall-cross country-skiing-paradise. Both Ania and I have skied on just about every trail and park in the area, from December, to early March. The highlight of the winter was a three-day trip in early March to the Whitegrass Ski Touring Center, where as usual the company and food were superb, Old Boldy was covered in snow so deep, that if you wandered off trail without your skis, you would sink in all the way up to your armpits. The sun was shining and the temperature was actually a few degrees warmer than it is today.
I am looking forward to another season of great cross country skiing. My new (steel-edged) skis, along with the new Rottefella Magnum, manual, NNN BC bindings are more than ready and itching to go.
In the meantime, I am actively pursuing the (second) best whole-body exercise activity, but dressing more and more as if I was actually skiing, while the temperature continues its downward slide 
are there risks for people that have slightly high blood pressure issues?
Lyndon, as with every exercise program, you should consult your physician ahead of time. Without knowing your health condition, I am not able to recommend anything, but in general terms, exercise and in particular relatively mild variety, such as Nordic Walking, should in most cases actually help controlling high blood pressure.
Please ask your doc and if you have any further questions as far as Nordic Walking, don’t hesitate to ask us. We are here to help.