Sometimes the cold can warm you...

Three layers and a heavy jacket could not ward off the cold on the beginning of our walk today. In between shots I had to warm my hands in my pockets. Even so Domino led me on some interesting detours, he seems to have a sense of where to find the best shot.

The forest is full of cardinals now, their distinctive voices giving them away but they are elusive as ever, so I eventually give up on capturing one on camera and resort to easier targets.

Domino continues with his training and happily dashes back to collect treats all along our walk. Its worked well to keep him from being so distracted.

Sometimes I stop just to admire the blue sky above the trees.

And sometimes the setting sun between them.

The chilly temperatures have laid a new thin layer of ice over the open water.

Even so, the chill is soon forgotten by all of us and we spend our time just relishing the crisp air and the sound of crunchy leaves and bird songs among the trees.

Sometimes I stop to throw fallen branches off the trail as though picking up after some elemental party, the wind has really left its mark everywhere.

And sadly even some forest giants have not been strong enough to withstand its blast.

The dogs turn back impatiently wondering if I am ever going to get moving at a pace they would like to keep.

As this is the first spring without our old girl, Ripley by our sides, we are able to explore on the more sheer drops on the cliff without worry. The pits have proven to be sure footed and cautious.

The views are best from these dizzying perches.

And I decide these will be great spots for lazy afternoons in the summer.

Perhaps this year we will make use of the more rocky trails.

The dogs are happy to finally be allowed to go where they have always been cautioned to avoid and they stay along the rock walls.

Oddly enough the wind drops atop the cliffs today and the sun seems to be intent on creating waterfalls even though the lake has frozen below.

Its oddly quiet and I realize that all the insects are still missing, I really look forward to the dragonflies and bees and all the other flying things that love the tops of the cliffs. Though there is activity enough with two happy dogs.

Where Charm goes, Domino is right behind.

Though they do sometimes pause to check out the forest down below.

Or perhaps to discuss their next move.

Whatever it was, it must have been a fun idea.

I'll never know for sure.

Regardless we set off back down the trail, much warmer than we all started out.

Wondering if there are any surprises along the way, but all I spot is an odd perfectly round hole drilled in a tree.

And its not until we return home that we capture any wildlife at all. The house sparrows have returned.

Just another walk in the forest, another romp with the dogs...but I can't think of a better way to end the day.