Frozen ground + rain = black ice.

A simple equation with treacherous results. I was rushing for the train, with no idea about the rain let alone the frozen ground beneath. Three steps was all it took... I have absolutely no idea how I slipped — but fortunately weeks of training paid off. Instead of landing on my back I came down fairly softly on my side, laptop bag and suitcase in hand. I had a camera backpack on my back. I was fine and the luggage — contents included — stayed undamaged. I walked the rest of the way downhill on the grass, because the pavements and road were like glass...