We missed the presence of the sun yesterday; the only time we saw it was when it was prepared to set and the sky began clearing in the early evening. Our tromp through the forest trails in the ravine yesterday was a long one since we decided to forge on despite the wind cutting through the relative warmth of a 0C afternoon. Surprising, since the interior of the forest is usually guarantee that no wind will penetrate to the degree it does at street level.

Today's colder temperature that hovered around -6C, when we decided it was time to pay attention to our puppies' expectations was colder, but with the advantage of having the sun out in a wide blue sky. Yet the wind was even more invasive today than it had been yesterday, so we dressed accordingly and expected little mercy from the elements. Just as well we didn't, since despite inner layers and an outdoor robust windproof, down-filled jacket for each of us the wind sent its unwelcome, probing fingers everywhere.

Opposites abound in nature as they do everywhere and with anything; the wind that makes creatures so uncomfortable is also capable of creating fascinating scenarios in the landscape. Its insistent power much in evidence as it swept through the forest, lifting and distributing fine, semi-opaque veils of snow from bough to forest floor.

There were times when little crusted lumps of snow thrust from their lofty perches fell on us as we made our way along the trails -- in the process of making acquaintance with our heads or shoulders -- doing so with a notable thump. With enough force to startle Jackie and Jillie with a leap-back of surprise any time they happened to be the target.

We'd had another light dusting of snow fall in the early morning and it too like the somewhat heavier fall of the day before, left a silky texture of snow atop the tamped-down trails that ensured boots would slip and slide on the trail surfaces, all the more so on the ascents and descents. Making for good enough reason that we never remove the cleats pulled over the soles of our boots.

 At those times when the sun managed to penetrate briefly through the thicket of forest to be glimpsed like a flare-up of an over-heated furnace, the light was blinding. Yet irresistible as a potential photograph highlighting the exquisite beauty of a winter forest, the backdrop of silhouetted trees, the glittering sun and its rays falling softly and briefly across snow-packed trails.