The all-day rain of several days back when the temperature managed to get above the freezing mark failed to melt much of the accumulated snowpack in the forest, but it did add considerably to the icy conditions underfoot. Which is more than ample reason to wear cleats over winter boots when venturing along the forest trails. Negotiating our way up and down the hillsides would be a real problem without the trusty grip of those cleats.

When we come across others out on the trails not wearing cleats and it's clear they're experiencing difficulty in the slippery conditions we mention to them the necessity of wearing cleats. Many of them smile sheepishly, tell us they've got cleats, just haven't bothered putting them on, not aware of just how hazardous the conditions have turned, since they're not regular trail-hikers.

Jackie and Jillie manage just fine, as dogs are wont to do. The temperature has fallen considerably since that modestly 'warm' spate of days and we were out yesterday afternoon when it was -7C, a bit of wind, and the sun appearing from time to time, although early dusk was close by. Glimpsing the sun setting through the canopy of trees is always an especial treat, one peculiar to this time of year. Sometimes the camera will capture the sun's blazing rays, more often it does so imperfectly.

We came across several other hikers and their dogs. Susan came along with her two dogs, but she was far behind us and out of sight far below where we stood after having crossed the first bridge over the creek and climbed the hill she would have to clamber up herself. Despite which Jackie and Jillie could detect their presence; sound and/or smell always alerts them long before anyone comes into our field of vision at a far distance. When we reached the top of that long hill intending to keep to the trail along the ridge where the ravine falls away on either side, we turned back and saw nothing, but Jackie and Jillie resorted to their usual high-pitched greeting of friends' approach.

Soon, as we paused, we could see Susan's two dogs, a Portuguese Water dog and a black Labrador mix, taking a short-cut up the hill halfway between the bridge fording the creek and the trail. They were abreast of us in short order, and though our two are very familiar with them, the behaviour of the Lab alpha female always alarms them. Their own vocal greetings are invariably responded to with deep growls as the Lab edges into them assertively, 'teaching' them their place in the order of bully tactics.

Invariably, Jackie and Jillie respond by asking desperately to be picked up, up and away from the intimidating black dog. Whose attention, thankfully, is soon diverted elsewhere. We also soon came across another acquaintance walking his two small black Lab mixes, friendly little fellows, whom the much larger Lab immediately intimidated as well. Jackie and Jillie were much relieved when we finally parted company and went on our way through trails connecting other than where Susan was headed.