Yes, winter can be very cold around these parts and one, usually, wishes to stay home and spend the weekend under a blanket with a hot cup of coco and a good movie or a book instead of wandering around in wilderness. However, such excursions can be very rewarding, providing they are short ;D. We have done such trips outside the city in bitter cold quite often over the years. And yes, you could say we have masochistic tendencies ;D, but the reward is in being able to experience beautiful places in extraordinary conditions. The air is crystal clear, the light quality completely different than during other times of year, the sunset colors - different as well. Sometimes there is a bit of fog associated with freezing cold as well. Such was the case one cold February day, last year, when we decided to head out to Elk Island, when temperatures were dipping below -30oC and wind chills were even colder. Even our dog, usually very happy to wander around wherever you take him, was not impressed with the conditions and was very eager to come back to the warm car after only few minutes. I admit, by the time I took my last photo I could not feel my fingers. It was well worth it, in my opinion, because it was quite beautiful. But, you should judge for yourself ;D
Kasia
