The Rideau Valley Conservation Authority is keeping close tabs on the watershed before deciding whether and when to cut the (ice) keys on the river in preparation for the ice floes that will inevitably float downriver and over the Rideau Falls. It's a spectacular sight, to see those huge slabs of ice tip over the falls and splash massively into the river below, on their downriver spring route. Those huge ice slabs initially hit the water with a resounding boom, sending sprays of ice-cold river water upward, then they submerge, and finally float to the top of the water again to resume their long journey, gradually melting the while.

This year's snowpack and depth of ice accumulation is unusually high. Coupled with the fact that the usual 'January thaw' failed to materialize this year as it does most winters -- when a week of milder temperatures intervene and we experience an appreciable melting of the snowpack -- so conservation authorities are warning people living in flood-prone areas that they may soon be facing unprecedented flooding. Without doubt, people living in vulnerable areas will be busy soon, sand-bagging their properties in hopes of escaping flood damage. It is a frequent occurrence.

When we headed out yesterday for our afternoon ramble in the ravine it was with the knowledge that we will soon be having milder temperatures and the snow surrounding us will gradually disappear. Winter's back hasn't yet been broken and there are as yet few signs of impending spring, but it's imminent, simply not yet appreciable. The temperature at its high yesterday rose to -6C, with lighter wind under a sunny sky. It was, in fact, the perfect winter day. Our faces still became rigid with cold, increasingly so, as we made our way along the forest trails; the wind, it's the wind, it's always the wind.

On the other hand, as a social occasion for Jackie and Jillie it couldn't have been better. We came across some hiking friends and their dogs; quite a few, in fact, which meant that a general hectic romp was in order, a passel of happy dogs chasing one another about, while we stood briefly passing pleasantries with others.

The passageways we regularly shovel in the backyard after each snowfall to accommodate Jackie and Jillie, and our driveway remain stubbornly icy, the product of intersections between extreme cold and moderation, snow and freezing rain interacting. But the thick ice surface on the road leading to the ravine has relented thanks to sand and salt and what little traffic this street gets, finally transforming the glare ice to a less firm surface allowing us traction, and giving us some relief from a fraught balancing act.

One of our friends cautioned us yesterday as we met on one of the trails, that we're expecting another 10cm snowfall within the next few days. Coinciding with another delightful occurrence, daylight saving time imposed on all us hapless and unappreciative residents of this country. Just as well we can enjoy so many delightful distractions to give quality to our lives -- such as good health, beautiful landscapes and the willingness to embrace each season for its unique attributes.