It looks like we may have another destination to walk towards now that Biidaasige Park in the Portlands is open. We skimmed by the north edge last Saturday but still have the interior to explore. A straight there-and-back to Cherry street is just over 7 km. No doubt if we do more of the park, we can get in our usual 8-10 k. Here a few images if you missed them on WhatsApp.
Weekly Walks
Perfect weather is forecast for Saturday so we expect EVERYONE to be at L@8. Right!?😃
Pool Party Reminder
Just a gentle reminder nudge that the annual potluck pool party is August 9.
That’s the common reaction to the news of Mr. Fauja Singh’s death at 114, killed by a hit and run motorist. Some of us got to meet Mr. Singh while competing at ScotiaBank race when he had just turned 100.
GTAHiking
A few of used have crossed over to hiking as a related activity, and walked the Bruce Trail for instance, but did you know there is a group that promotes trail hikes closer to home? Ruth sent me a link to the Oak Ridges Trail Association.
ORTA was started by volunteers in 1991 with the aim of creating a recreational trail system spanning the entire length of the Oak Ridges Moraine. In collaboration of STORM (Save The Oak Ridges Moraine), the Metro Toronto and Region Conservation Authority, and Hike Ontario, ORTA has established a system of over 280 km of main trails, complemented by over 87 km of various side trails.
Some of the trails are a bit further out, but many are within a short drive out of the city. When you go to the website, scroll to the bottom, and click on Featured Trails. That will take you to a page where you can filter by desired location (Scarborough, Vaughan, Pickering, etc.) or just browse and see if anything appeals to you.
Maybe a possible weekday or Sunday offsite walk?
Friendship & Benefits
Rainer sent this link to a Washington Post article recently republished by the Toronto Sun. It focuses on walking of course, but emphasizes the extra health benefits of Japanese Walking, or interval walking (Lee Scott alumnae will recognize THAT expression). Of course, Shore Things know the greatest benefit of walking is the friendships it creates.
Weekly Walks
It looks like conditions will be ideal for a walk this Saturday. Let’s meet at Loblaw’s as usual but perhaps we can try going south west towards the brand new Biidaasige Park located on Ookwemin Minising (formerly Villiers Island). We’ve caught glimpses of this development over the past few years, but now we get to see it close up.
As usual, a group of us made it out to a provincial park again this year for the annual Shore Things camping getaway. This time, we’re at Balsam Lake. Food is delish as usual, and lively conversation.
Plus friendly critters.
Dry…
…and wet.
Toronto Star Looking For Testimonials
Thanks to Ruth for spotting this!
In a city always on the move, walking offers a rare chance to slow down — to notice things, to reconnect, to breathe. Whether it’s part of your daily commute, a mental health ritual, or just how you explore new neighbourhoods, walking can quietly transform the way we live in Toronto.
As part of our Toronto the Better Walking series, we’re working on a feature called “How walking changed my life” — and we want to hear from you.
Has walking helped you through a tough time? Sparked a meaningful connection? Shifted how you see the city — or yourself? Maybe it’s become your go-to way to unwind, or your path to somewhere entirely new.
Whatever your story, if walking has made a difference in your life, we’d love to hear it.
Happy birthday and bon anniversaire to Leverne (next Thursday) and Marie (vendredi prochain).
Pool Party Reminder
It’s just barely over a month away from the Shore Things annual pool splasharama! In case you missed it or forgot, Saturday August 9, rain date the 10th.
Weekly Walks
L@8 for a perfect summer day walk. It looks like it will be tolerable in the morning, although high 20s by the afternoon. Let’s stick with Tim’s for after, as the AC helps for cool down.
Creature Feature
Seen on Ward’s Island where we had our walk and dinner a few weeks ago. Is there interest in another one later this summer?
We are the Shore Things 