Richard McCann - Ok I thought you were extracting the Michael - we do sometimes in parts, of Canada, reach 40 plus degrees, but not where I live. As for the winter temperatures - we had a "warm" minus 2 celsius to-day. Normally about minus 10c at this time of year. As for meeting Bears - how many Kangaroos do you meet when you go out for a walk in the city ? I know the seasons are reversed north/south. _ Temperatures below Zero are normal in the winter - you learn to live with it, however when there a freezing wind the temps can feel as low as 20 to 30 degree below zero. You don't want to go outside then. cheers - g'day des.