Dear Frosty, In the last three days I have done a backcountry ski loop in Huntington, a 12-mile run in Richmond, and another backcountry ski in Underhill. So, yes -- I have been doing less than usual.
I wouldn't blame the cold though. After the 12-miler, Alison went cross-country skiing at Trapps -- no dogs allowed. And, instead of a major undertaking today, we were only outside for a bit over an hour. Ali and Mark made some comments about my cold paws, but I think they just wanted to hang out in front of the wood stove.
I will say this. One group of skiers acted surprised that I was outside on a day like today (for out-of-town readers or those who didn't venture out of your homes, today was sunny, about minus-4 degrees, and still -- despite the forecast which, for a week, has been calling for Arctic-like conditions today... and apparently people actually paid attention to it without paying attention to what it was actually like out!) Even last night's local news made a point to tell people that one thing to take into account when the weather is like "this" is to make sure you bring your pets in. Anyway, after that digression, we bumped into a couple of groups who asked if it was good for me to be out or whether I should be wearing booties or mushing wax on my pads. Wax on my pads? I'd lick it off, duh!
Anyway, we had a fantastic time (and even bumped into another dog who was heading up just as we were approaching the parking lot). And can you believe it? One of the groups had left their dog IN THE CAR! Are you kidding me? You should have seen the look on his face. He couldn't believe his owners took him to the trailhead and didn't take him out. I'm sure they had their reasons, but I'll say this: no weather gets in the way of my schedule!
Oscar
