As the winter cold extends over the week, we see fewer and fewer hikers, bike riders, and dog walkers on the trails.    When I arrived at the usually busy Kenna Cartwright Park trailhead area, there were no vehicles in the lots.    I hiked a loop route on the trails (Ponderosa > Big Pine > Tower), and did not see anyone until I was coming down the main route (Tower Trail) at the end.    Back at the parking area there were now 3 other vehicles.

The trails were snowy or icy, but I wore my microspikes over my hiking boots.

When it is cold, I use some guidelines to avoid having problems:

• I use the hourly forecast on Environment Canada to look for the best conditions for each day.
• I choose a route, based on the conditions, including the strength of the wind and the direction it will be blowing.
• On windy days I choose a leeward route or a forested route.    I avoid windy ridges and hilltops in the cold.
• I wear layers on the top and the bottom, with a “puffy” jacket on the outside.   Everything fits loose and allows for insulating air layers.
• I wear good hiking boots (Solomon Quest 4) with a stiff vibram sole and lots of room around the toes.  “Winter boots” are for light walking, not hiking.
• I wear microspikes on snow or ice and keep up a brisk pace.
• I keep the total time for less than 90 minutes, but most often in the 60 to 75 minute range.