Finally, winter seems to have decided to return, offering us an auspicious glimpse of a lovely day arriving when we awoke to a bright morning, sunlight streaming through the windows. It's an axiom that in the winter, bright sun heralds a very cold day. And so, with the sun we welcomed colder temperatures. And some brisk wind to complete the day's weather. 

On descending from the second floor and looking out the front door, the prospect was even brighter. A thin film of overnight light snow covered the landscape. A dazzling combination we've grown unused to, of late, and very welcome. Of course, it's understood that even with a colder atmosphere, the warm strength of the winter sun would make short work of the light snow covering.

Even so, by afternoon when we took Jackie and Jillie out for their afternoon foray through the ravine, there was snow left on the forest floor. The combination of fresh snow and icy temperatures meant also that they would need their little rubber boots to withstand the cold on their tender, tiny paws. And it was abundantly evident that those icy areas that remained on the forest trails were even more treacherous than ever.

 

Evident by the sight of the slides people took venturing downhill into the ravine, evidently not equipped with slide-stopping cleats strapped over their boots. The light snow, given the cold that accompanied it, failed to stick to the ice. It just lay lightly over the ice. Had it been wetter it would have formed a bit of a rough crust over the ice for traction, but that wasn't the case. 

People venturing into the forest on a beautiful bright day with a light layer of fresh snow down, might not be aware that under that snow was glare-ice. Even those familiar with the conditions would not be able to make out where the ice lay under the snow and where it was safer to venture, without cleats. We saw ample evidence that there were many slips, slides and falls. With no ample snowpack as in a normal winter forest landscape to cushion the falls.

 

We did see quite a number of people out, and more to the point, familiar dogs. It was surprising, in fact,  how many familiar dogs were out on the  trails, outdistancing their human companions to rush over to Irving for cookie treats. They're so trustingly confident, it's a delight to witness them lining themselves up to await recognition and reward. Apart from enjoying the sight of our own puppies taking pleasure out of their daily rambles through the forest, other dogs' presence and personalities add to our enjoyment.