Episode 1/27

@ Joyful Sleigh Ride
Silky and Mulle have been given a free map to help them enjoy their Winter Tour! Before unfolding it, they read the cover:
Glacial Gliding
Your pet is welcomed in the morning by the jingle of sleigh bells, and two trusty brown steeds provide the transport for today's trip. Your pet will need to wrap up warmly for the ride! Along the way to the day's main event, the pets view winter flora transformed and beautified by frost, and they pass snowbound chalets. Today's tour provides an exciting opportunity to go paragliding! What splendid views can be seen while soaring in thermal currents high above the ground! After a safe landing, the day winds to its peaceful close of hot drinks, a log fire and another super house to explore.
Joyful Sleigh Ride
When pioneer Nebraskans wanted to travel somewhere fast, they waited for snowfall. That was the signal for sleighs to appear, making their winter journeys easier and very pleasurable . "The most pleasant of anticipations fill our hearts when we hear the merry jingle of sleighbells," said the Lincoln Evening News on 11 December, 1897, "or when someone tells us that the ice is thick enough to hold a horse." A horse-drawn sleigh, its bed partially filled with hay, was a luxury vehicle. The jingle of the sleigh bells and the merry cries of the occupants could be heard for a long distance over the empty prairie on a still, crisp wintry night. Early newspapers in the files of the Nebraska State Historical Society frequently mentioned sleighing parties in their columns.

Episode 2/27

@ Wintry Scenic Road
"BUZZ, was that last one we looked at a thorn bush with roses? Or a rose bush with thorns?" asked Silky.
Wintry Scenic Road
The most routine journey by road can be transformed into a beautiful winter wonderland by a fall of snow.

Episode 3/27

@ Celebration of Frost
“I’m going to have to spend a lot of time when we get back looking up what all these winter shrubs are!” said Silky to Choose a name.
Celebration of Frost
Freezing conditions over a period of several days leads to the growth of the most dramatic hoar frost formations. Fallen leaves and the twigs of trees are coated with beautiful crystalline creations clearly visible in the pale sunshine.

Episode 4/27

@ Lone Leaf
"It's turned a bit cold, Silky, I'm going to put my beanie hat on," said Sheba.
"Good scheme! I'll dig my scarf out as well," said Silky.
Lone Leaf
What makes a leaf, a single leaf, cling to
a barren winter-swept tree on a cool
rainy day in late February? Its fellow
friends having fallen months before with
winter’s first blast, swept away and
forgotten. O leaf, why do you cling so,
lonely on a branch,
clinging, vainly, foolishly,
not knowing when it is time
to let go?
Do you know something we don’t?
Is your destiny to be surrounded
by friends again when warmth and glow
return to the world? Are you to serve
a bigger purpose with your resistance
to the way things are or should be?
Or . . . can you just not let go, understanding
your time has come?
Agency, serendipity, resistance, complacency.
We’ll never know why that lone leaf clings so,
why other lone leaves on other trees
share mutual experiences all alone.cc (C) Ian Hochberg, 2018

Episode 5/27

@ Hip Hip Hooray!
“A picture of this would look lovely printed on Christmas cards, wouldn't it, Silky?” Cashmere said.
“It certainly would, Cashmere!" said Silky.
Hip Hip Hooray!
These red berries, or hips come from a large range of wild rose species. They are edible and high in Vitamin C. They can be bunched or solitary, on spiny or, more usually, hook-thorned arching stems. They can be found in hedges and deep woodland.

Episode 6/27

@ Snowbound Cabins
“What have you got in your tote bag, Flutterbye?” asked Tweety Pi. “It looks very full!”
“I’ve come prepared for anything snowy, Tweety Pi,” responded Flutterbye. “There’s snowshoes, snow boots, Wellington boots, ear muffs, a pair of grippy things—you name it, I’ve got it!”
Snowbound Cabins
Sometimes record snowfall buries buildings and homes! In some countries, when winter rolls around, the locals hunker down in their wooden cabins with log burners and slow-cooked stews.

Episode 7/27

@ Heliotrope Winter Tree
"I think I'll take a cutting of the plant over there," said Silky. "The label says it's 'vigorous' and 'fearless'."
jimkitty sniffed. "That's gardeners' talk for 'an invasive species that will take over your entire garden if permitted'!"
Heliotrope Winter Tree
This tree allows the winter landscape to burst into glorious life! The frost does little to diminish the vivid heliotrope hue.

Episode 8/27

@ Tree in Wintertime
Toto was distracted by the sounds of loud rustling as Silky unfolded a very large tourist map, in the course of which she succeeded in knocking Toto’s hat off. “Put that away, do!” snapped Toto. “We’re about to pose beside this amazing scene—the picture will be of your map if you don’t fold it up PDQ!”
Tree in Wintertime
Winters may be long and cold, but in the outside world some trees can allay that dullness and transform it into a place of natural beauty with visually arresting textures and colours. Everything combines to make an attractive winter scene.

Episode 9/27

@ Red Berry Branches
"How on earth do you identify what this is from the thousands of things it could be?" asked Zippy.
"Well," said Silky, "you go through a checklist. Like what sort of leaves does it have, how are they arranged on the stem, do they have stalks, what's its habitat; that kind of thing. I'll lend you a book when we get home."
Red Berry Branches
Red berries on shrubs and trees look cheerful in the wintertime, gleaming in the sun or accentuated with a dusting of snow. Some flora display beautiful fruits in late summer or autumn, which persist into winter and are a useful food source, attracting hungry birds. In a glorious display of crimson, scarlet or vermilion, their attractive berries adorn their branches in eye-catching clusters, which gleam like jewels in the sunlight.

Episode 10/27

@ Frosty Leaves
“Seeing these places makes me want to spend a week or two, Silky,” remarked Ada. "You know, experience in full what it's like to live here."
"Well, I guess that's the point of travel, isn't it?" said Silky. "To broaden your horizons and so on."
Frosty Leaves
Green leaves rimed with frost give a Christmassy feel to this snapshot of nature in hibernation until the spring.

Episode 11/27

@ Snowy Pine
“What’s this winter shrub called?” asked Trix.
“Er—I only know the Latin name for it,” said Silky and hastily changed the subject.
Snowy Pine
What could be more evocative of the Christmas season than an evergree pine tree in the snow?

Episode 12/27

@ Meadow Aglow
"Wasn’t it worth coming all this way, Silky," said Josie, "for this experience alone?"
Silky, admiring the scene they were now in, heartily agreed!
Meadow Aglow
Alpine meadows have a dense carpet of short grass and abound in brightly coloured flowering plants. According to the types of grasses that predominate, there are herbaceous, sedge, cobresia, and mixed-grass meadows. These meadows are used for seasonal grazing.

Episode 13/27

@ Jingle Bells Sleigh
“Ooh, it's just starting to get a bit cold, Silky!” said Mulrey. “Can you hold my map while I dig out my gloves?"
Silky good-naturedly took charge of Mulrey's possessions while he emptied his rucksack of a pack of sandwiches, a Thermos flask, a pair of galoshes, a bag of toffees, a paperback novel, a bottle of mineral water, an address book, some postage stamps, an assortment of different coloured biros, a bottle opener, a couple of old train tickets, a handful of golden and silver moles, a door key, some shopping receipts, a screwdriver, a bottle of multivitamins, a lottery ticket and a selection of rather battered sachets of salt, sugar and tomato ketchup before locating the gloves right at the bottom. These he donned and then Silky helped him put everything back in his rucksack.

Jingle Bells Sleigh
Trotting through the snow on a one-horse open sleigh
O'er the fields we go laughing all the way!

Episode 14/27

@ Winter Plant
“You know, I'd like to spend a whole week here, Silky!” said Cherokee.
"It's very nice indeed—but you never know, the next leg of the tour might be even better!" said Silky.
Winter Plant
Autumn has its own glory, with brilliant foliage and golden grasses. However, winter shrubs can appear skeletal as deciduous shrubs drop their leaves in preparation for winter dormancy. But come the spring, buds will appear and unfurl.

Episode 15/27

@ Snowy Conifer
“I could stay here forever, Silky,” said Mulle. “This is an amazing place!”
“Well, you never know what lies ahead, Mulle. I wouldn't be surprised if the next stop is even better!” said Silky.
Snowy Conifer
Coniferous trees typically do not lose their greenery in winter. Their leaves, often called “needles,” stay on the trees year round. Because of this, they are often called “evergreens.” These trees are well adapted to survive cold temperatures!

Episode 16/27

@ Soar and Explore
"This is fabulous, Emerald," enthused Silky. "I'll have this photo printed and framed and display it next to my ceramic puffin that I got in the little gift shop near Snow Beach and the model lighthouse from Transcia!"
"You'll have a fine collection of mementos, Silky!" said Emerald.
Soar and Explore
Give paragliding a go and experience the thrill of unpowered flight! Enjoy the weightless feeling of soaring through the skies with beautiful views at your feet on an unforgettable experience.

Episode 17/27

@ Gliding Galore
"seema, was that last one we looked at a thorn bush with roses? Or a rose bush with thorns?" asked Silky.
Gliding Galore
To dip your toe into the exciting world of paragliding, you can take a "tandem" ride with an instructor. While you revel in the stunning aerial views, the guide will launch your trip, expertly navigate invisible thermals and bring you safely back down to land.

Episode 18/27

@ Joyride Paraglide
“Seeing these places makes me want to spend a week or two, Silky,” remarked Starlight. "You know, experience in full what it's like to live here."
"Well, I guess that's the point of travel, isn't it?" said Silky. "To broaden your horizons and so on."
Joyride Paraglide
Experience the thrill of unpowered flight, enjoying breathtaking bird’s-eye views of the scenery below!

Episode 19/27

@ Tangerine Sunset
“Ooh, it's just starting to get a bit cold, Silky!” said Midnight. “Can you hold my map while I dig out my gloves?"
Silky good-naturedly took charge of Midnight's possessions while she emptied her rucksack of a pack of sandwiches, a Thermos flask, a pair of galoshes, a bag of toffees, a paperback novel, a bottle of mineral water, an address book, some postage stamps, an assortment of different coloured biros, a bottle opener, a couple of old train tickets, a handful of golden and silver moles, a door key, some shopping receipts, a screwdriver, a bottle of multivitamins, a lottery ticket and a selection of rather battered sachets of salt, sugar and tomato ketchup before locating the gloves right at the bottom. These she donned and then Silky helped her put everything back in her rucksack.

Tangerine Sunset
Just drink in this beautiful vista of the sun setting across a range of snowy mountain peaks! What an incredible view, whether you are on snowshoes, skis or are paragliding, to see the sky awash with pink and orange hues as the daylight fades.

Episode 20/27

@ Bashful Bear
“It would be great fun to camp in the snow overnight, wouldn't it, Fox?” said Silky. "In the morning you'd fill your kettle with snow and boil it suspended from a tripod of sticks, like they do in books."
Fox shivered. “Gosh! What books do you read, Silky?" she asked interestedly.

Bashful Bear
Aw, who can resist the pleading face of this forlorn little ted? He just wants to be picked up for a cuddle, and will be your friend for life.

Episode 21/27

@ Club Hub
“A picture of this would look lovely printed on Christmas cards, wouldn't it, Silky?” * Paco * said.
“It certainly would, * Paco *!" said Silky.
Club Hub
The dark earth tones of this room provide a warm, club-like interior and plenty of space to spread out, eat a hot meal and then pass under the graceful archway to congregate by the fireplace at the far end of the room.

Episode 22/27

@ Superior Interior
“You know, Cicero said 'If you have a garden and a library you have everything you need',” mused Princess.
"I don't think I've met Cicero," said Silky. "Is he on this tour?"
Superior Interior
The more uncluttered the environment, the more restful it can be. This formal interior in shades of cream and brown, provides a haven to relax in front of the fire, while the greenery "brings the outside in" and purifies the air.

Episode 23/27

@ Cosy Log Fire
“What’s this winter shrub called?” asked Barista.
“Er—I only know the Latin name for it,” said Silky and hastily changed the subject.
Cosy Log Fire
What bliss! Draw your chair up to the fireside and toast your paws in the glow of a real fire.

Episode 24/27

@ Hyggekrog
“Oh my goodness!” cried Baby. "Have you seen what's in store for us on this trip?"
Silky looked mildly alarmed. “It's not Granny Violet playing the spoons again, is it?"
"No! This looks really dangerous!"
Silky perked up, interested. "Is Fresco going to saw a pet in half? It's okay, it's just an illusion."
A snowball hit her in the face.
Hyggekrog
Curl up in an armchair in a nook of this cosy book-room with a novel or biography selected from the ample choice and while away a cold winter evening by the fire. Or just relax in the warmth with hot chocolate and watch through the window as the rain or snow falls outside.

Episode 25/27

@ Mellow Violin
Silky opened her rucksack to find her hat. Iolanthe could see Silky had a beret, a balaclava, a cricket cap, a Tam o' Shanter, a woolly bobble hat, a beanie, a deerstalker hat and a Peruvian chullo!
“Did you bring a Stetson too?” Iolanthe asked Silky.
Mellow Violin
In the dimly lit quiet corner of the book-lined study lies a violin, a beautiful shade of varnished red brown, an hour-glass shape with graceful, intricate curvature. Put a sheet of music on the stand and draw the bow across the strings of this rich instrument resonating its high yet warm, mellow tones.

Episode 26/27

@ Prink that Drink
Silky is tired out and ready to go home when Draco comes along. "Wow! You find a special prize!" says Draco. Silky turns round and found it was just behind them!
Frosty & Floral
The graceful petals of these winter blooms reaching up towards the sky complement the teal leaves with their pale mauve hue.
Prink that Drink
At the end of a tiring day, what can be better than relaxing with a hot, milky drink to help you unwind and send you off to sleep?

Episode 27/27

@ Glacial Gliding
Silky has enjoyed her winter tour and is now ready to go to her own snug, warm home. Orchid feels just the same!!
Glacial Gliding
Your pet is welcomed in the morning by the jingle of sleigh bells, and two trusty brown steeds provide the transport for today's trip. Your pet will need to wrap up warmly for the ride! Along the way to the day's main event, the pets view winter flora transformed and beautified by frost, and they pass snowbound chalets. Today's tour provides an exciting opportunity to go paragliding! What splendid views can be seen while soaring in thermal currents high above the ground! After a safe landing, the day winds to its peaceful close of hot drinks, a log fire and another super house to explore.
Silky has completed the quest! Please select another pet as visitor, so it can take part in "Huskies, Hijinks and Hygge"!