James, of course, is joking. In real life, he loves winter; he reputedly even goes outside sometimes. Truth be told, winter in Philadelphia rarely lives down to its reputation. While it lasts (which isn't very long, really), it is sometimes pleasant, if not spectacular.
Listen to James: "Winter is the best season of the year. The blue sky in winter is unbelievable - you don't see it like that any other time of year. . . . People think they can't get around, but they can. They just can't do it at 80 m.p.h., that's all."
Dick James has the good fortune to work at a winter-wonderland theme park, a natural area with several miles of trails and a healthy snow cover. It is a description that right now can be applied to any number of easily accessible places in the region that, like the nature center, are open to the public. This weekend shapes up as a particularly good one to get out there and take advantage of them.
No winter storm or life-threatening windchills are anticipated. (No nuclear ravages, either.) Although an old-fashioned January thaw is due early next week, temperatures should remain cold enough to retain snow cover.
In addition, special winter walking programs are scheduled at a number of places, including the Tinicum Environmental Center, at 86th Street and Lindbergh Boulevard, and the Andorra Natural Area, in the Wissahickon Valley.
Why walking? Walking is perhaps the easiest way to enjoy winter. Besides, it's dirt cheap. No ski pants, no goggles, no rental fees, no lift tickets. Just footgear and clothing suited to the needs of the body. This weekend, a brisk walker might even work up a sweat.
