Given a measure of inclement weather conditions yesterday we chose to skip our usual ramble through the woodland trails in the ravine. It's hard to say whether Jackie and Jillie missed their daily hike, they didn't seem to be pining for the out-of-doors particularly, given the penetrating cold that prevailed and the wind that bitingly accompanied it. Mind, the sun was fully out, sailing blissfully through an ocean of blue, which somewhat mitigated conditions. At least in the backyard. We knew it wouldn't much help in our comfort level in the forest.

We were reassured when we looked at the thermometer reading outside this morning, when we saw -12C, not the =22C of the morning before. The fact that the sun still made its full presence was equally reassuring. Not, however, the wind, which surpassed in nastiness even that of yesterday. We speculated we'd go out, but make it a short circuit, just get us all out, yet not too boldly challenge the extremes of wind-chilled icy conditions.

Early afternoon saw some moderation as we dressed for the outdoors, snugly wrapping Jackie and Jillie in sweaters, coats and boots. Oh, and ourselves as well, before heading out to traipse up the street, the wind blasting directly at us. There would be no wind, we told one another, once we reached the bottom of the ravine and embarked on the forest trails.

Our reliance on past experience failed this time. Somehow the wind managed to penetrate the forest canopy and the depth of the descent into the forest, and appeared to be enjoying itself maliciously whipping the underbrush, the crowns of trees, and anything in between. Since we happened to be in between, it was simply not possible to outdistance the wind, probing into our protective clothing as it sought to deliver as much discomfort as possible.

By this time, the sun had taken refuge itself behind gathering clouds, so the comfort of the winter heat emanating from its brilliant orb, and its mood-rousing light was not to be had today. Nothing, no set of weather circumstances, however, could possibly detract from the vision of a winter landscape. It remained intact and visually splendid. So much so that we decided to carry on and set aside our original decision to make today's outing just a relatively short circuit on the major trails.

We came across a friend who related to us the results of a casual search of hers. She thought she had detected the presence of two possible coyote dens, some distance from one another, and she took pains to describe to us their locations in the ravine. One of which was in the direction of a trail where a number of others had informed us they had had brief encounters with coyotes. The other close to an area connecting with the spot where a few weeks back I had been convinced I'd briefly seen an animal that looked distinctly like a coyote lurking behind a screen of trees, then disappearing.

We were also introduced, as we made our way further along connecting trails, to a very small terrier mix we had never before encountered. Not exactly timid, certainly holding her own, surrounded by our two impudent youngsters, she was 18 years old, and was in beautiful condition, albeit deaf. A bit further along we met with a man walking his daughter's dog, a standard size poodle, alert, quiet and friendly to a fault.

In the brief time we stood together talking, the poodle, just over two years of age, and an impressive appearing giant compared to our two, spent some quality time discussing canine manners with Jackie and Jillie, which the standard poodle quite exemplified, yet making little impression unfortunately, in our two little degenerates. Abandoning that tactful introduction to friendship, the big boy offered our two little squirts some quality playtime.