I had a weekend of outdoor fun planned but the weather did not cooperate.  The skis, snowshoes, skates and kicksled were in my vehicle so I was ready for anything but even I don't venture out when there is a windchill that takes temperatures close to -30C.

I just checked the temperature and it is reading -24C.  There is an extreme cold alert on the website.  It is supposed to dip to -28C combined with the windchill which could take it to -40C.  Yup, too cold for me.

I do go out when it is in the mid -20Cs when there is no wind.  The air is crisp and fresh.  You can hear the frost snap and crackle.  The snow under your boots has a hollow sound to it.  

I go prepared.  I have a wind and waterproof pair of nylon pants that are lined with fleece.  The pants combined with a pair of underlayer leggings makes for toasty legs.  My merino wool socks are knee high.  They keep me warm and prevent my boots from creating 'duck feet' with my socks as I walk.  My boots are rated to -40C.  The touque that covers my ears combined with a neck tube ensure that my head stays warm.  The neck tube is tucked into the top of my down-filled jacket.  The jacket is the top layer of three; the first being a merino wool base and the second a wool cardigan.  My hands are covered with 2 layers as well.  A fleece pair of gloves that fit into fleece lined mittens.  I take some extra hand/foot warmers with me in case they are needed.  The hiking cleats on my boots have nothing to do with keeping warm but they do keep my footing secure when going up and down hills.

The part that gets a little tricky is when you need to make a pit stop at the outhouse.  You must maneuver through all the layers first of all but then when you open the lid of the toilet you are in for a frosty surprise.

This afternoon was too cold to venture out so I opted for a nap on the couch.  Now the wood stove is warming up the living room nicely so I think I'll hunker down with a good book or daydream of the upcoming camping adventures once the snow melts.