Finicky weather

Last year, I seem to remember a steady harsh winter, except for a few days that were a little warmer (30 - 35 degrees), sunny, with a blue bird sky and I was okay with that. This year has been a little different. Last week, our temperatures stayed above freezing for 3 - 4 days and it rained and sleeted, which melted more than half of our snow base. Bummer! Katja and I got in some wet hikes, but it wasn't much fun being outside. I guess we can attribute this to global warming. I'm sure there are some polar bears and bearded seals farther north that have it rougher than we do.
Now, the weather has turned again. The winds are blowing out of the North and Northwest, the temps have plummetted again and the snow is drifting something fierce. Yesterday, Katja and I went out for a long ski. I left Katja run free from the towline for a while and I climbed up to the top of the hill. It was a long strenuous workout, but it was worth the ride back down. My skis were a little sluggish in the snow for some reason. I finally realize why there are so many different types of wax for skiing in different temperatures, although I don't use any wax on my skis, I just slug along. I hooked Katja back up for our trip down the hill again and she was able to keep me moving pretty good. Sorry, no video this time. I was able to help keep us moving on the flats and slight uphills because I wasn't holding a silly camera.
By the time we got back down, Katja and I both had pretty wicked ice beards as you can plainly see. You can probably also see that Katja is recovering well and healing from her encounter with a gun earlier this year. I think she might have some permenant bald spots under her neck from the scars. Hopefully her fur will grow back and cover that so that it doesn't get frost bitten.
Speaking of frost bite, I'm not sure if we will get out today or tomorrow for that matter. The storms are really cranking right now and the drift is growing up to my window sill in my kitchen. It's goggle weather outside right now and since Katja doesn't have goggles, she prefers short trips outside to go to the bathroom and that's about it. Yeah, I know. She is a fair weather dog. I'm trying to toughen her up though.
Anyway, thanks for staying tuned. Until next time,
Happy trails!

Dirk and Katja