Ready ... Set ... FLOW!

Chilly does not begin to describe Catskills' weather in mid-January. Sub-zero night time temperatures  have caused ice jams in most larger bodies of slow-moving water.  Still water transformed into hard water weeks ago. While ice-fishing enthusiasts are thrilled with the conditions, dog-accompanied hikers are not. 

The West Branch of the Delaware River in Walton.

Even the most weather-resistant dogs can not withstand the bitter winds - not to mention the frozen paws.

With the slightest sign of hiking-conducive weather (sunshine, temps above zero and no wind) we hit the trail.

The 20-minute mark arrived with Charlie Browne limping - not a good sign. The paw wax did little to protect him from the biting cold. 

Yesterday, a mid-season thaw began - evidenced by floating puzzle piece ice on the West Branch of the Delaware River.

This weekend temperatures will climb into the 40s. We are now seasoned by Old Man Winter and will shed our "big" coats, and instead don hoodies and sweaters. 

That's how we do winter in the Catskills.

*Between hikes, Lillian Browne writes about the environment, politics, crime and business in Delaware County. She is a NYS licensed outdoor adventure guide exploring the world around her, one step at a time, with her dog - Charlie.