It was a sun-enriched day. But because it’s still winter, temperatures were chilly enough to require a down-filled puffy jacket atop a covering of fleece layered atop a long-sleeved wool T-shirt.

Let’s play a game.

CRATER LAKE NATIONAL PARK — The sense of solitude became evident with a sudden, unexpected sound.

The original plan was to hike a very pleasant loop Spence Mountain trail that begins at the Shoalwater Bay Trailhead, follows alongside the bay, climbs gently up Spence’s west flanks, then snakes downhill back to the trailhead.

BEATTY, Ore.— I opened the email.

The second time around was definitely better.

The mystery is solved. A former ranger at Lava Beds National Monument has ended the speculation on how did the Big Nasty, a trail at Lava Beds, got its name.

A steady chorus of rat-a-tats, like unseen carpenters working in synchronicity. Sounds and sights of bushes, suddenly and explosively fluttering. Birds as still as statues in distant treetops.

It’s 2021, guys. By process of elimination, that means we made it through 2020. Take a moment to celebrate, but be careful not to overdo it. Better to temper expectations.

Planning on downhill skiing or snowboarding at the Mount Shasta Ski Park? If it’s a weekend — especially a Saturday — be prepared.

Dave Potter was licking his chops as he focused on the sign showing the name of the trail we were cross country skiing on. Like an auctioneer he barked out series of ideas that he declared might be used in a story about our outing.

YACHATS — The weather forecast looked hopeful, with predictions of a sunny day followed by — uh-oh — heavy rains and blustery hold-onto-your-hat winds the day after.

The other night, I finished working on rental renovations and went for a run. Admittedly, I hate running, but the basketball and indoor soccer leagues that usually fill my winter nights are on hold, and if I go too long without exercise, I can’t sleep. So I ran.