The trails in the ravine have flattened out very nicely, thanks to the last several snowstorms which have filled in those tricky-to-manoeuvre places where back in January during the temporary thaw when the snowpack became slushy, footprints were sometimes etched deep into the snow in places, leaving veritable yawning chasms conspiring to trap the unwary hiker. More than a few people have found themselves with twisted ankles resulting from the chopped up trails.

But that's all behind us now, since those gaping holes have been nicely filled in. And although it's been horribly icy, temperature-wise, with more than a few days of miserable high winds driving the chill deep into clothing interstices, freezing noses and digits in the process, sunny days have ameliorated the situation, giving us at least a hint that spring is on its tardy way, or will be eventually.

Unlike the day preceding it, yesterday Riley was able to trot through the ravine without having to be picked up to ease his freezing little footpads. We knew we should have put his boots on, but thought we could get away with toughing it out, rather than irritate him with the process of getting them on.  Nor, given how well the snow has now been tamped down, did he accumulate those irritating iceballs stuffed deep into his pads, making his progress awkward.

Strangely enough, it was on Tuesday when the wind sent its nasty fingers of ice through our piled-on garments, stinging our faces and freezing our cheeks, that we saw a larger than normal number of people out walking their dogs. Walking quickly, though never loathe to stand about for a few moments, talking. Their companion dogs were invariably large and young and boisterously enthusiastic. Truth was, even at that chill temperature, it represented a break from our previously long spell of minus-16 to -20 Celsius that we've been coping with.

Yesterday we came across a young man we've often seen before, walking his happily energetic little Whippet, grace in motion, wearing his warm winter jacket. And accompanying them were two matched-for-cuteness little Maltese terriers. This was the first time in the ravine for the pair of white female Maltese, and they were excitedly veering about, seemingly everywhere at once.

When we come across scenarios like this, stand and talk with ravine hiking acquaintances, watch their companion animals enjoy the freedom to roam about in a natural environment, it adds considerably to our own enjoyment and the privilege we have, to do the same.