The weather has turned ferociously cold. And the wind has made its flesh-slicing entry, exacerbating the icy temperatures that have descended on the area. This, following on previously moderately cold weather that brought with it a 15-centimetre snowfall. But that wasn't enough for nature's mischievous purpose in our traditional winter weather patterns. The snow was followed by freezing rain, then a day of rain when the cold relented briefly.

On its return we discovered a remaining snowpack topped with a fairly thick layer of ice. So when we're trekking through the ravine, trying to remain in the narrow passage produced by a reduced number of ravine walkers, when our boots stray they break through a surface ice presence stiff enough to trip the unwary. It's an exercise just to forge through areas that haven't been trail-pioneered; like stumbling through deep layers of sand; maximum effort for minimum traction and momentum.

When we went out yesterday we were careful to layer ourselves; fleece and down come in quite handy at this time of year. I normally balk at wearing headgear, but no longer. A thickly lined wool Peruvian-made hat that boasts ear flaps and an underchin tie is now a staple on these days. Neck-warmers come in handy. Our son even brought along hand-warmers, and they work quite well. But not for me, since I need the flexibility to dig into my pack for peanut distribution.

It was bone-chillingly frigid, even though the wind had abated, but we were well wrapped and proceeded along our usual route. No birds to be seen, no wildlife of any kind.

But there were some people out and about, people walking their dogs. Mostly large-breed dogs. Dogs we're familiar with, delighted to see one another, still in their puppy-stages of socialization. It's nice to see them romping about, oblivious to the cold, delighted to be out, curious about everything and everyone.