Safe Winter Walks

Winter is here and with it slippery conditions. As we know from our walking friends, there is a real risk of injury as we are outside for a longer than usual time compared to many other people. Here are things to keep in mind to minimize the risk.

• Watch the weather forecast carefully, particularly for days where a freeze follows a warmer day
• Sidewalks at the end of driveways are especially prone to icy patches from the runoff
• Walk with a buddy
• Have your phone with you at all times
• Consider indoor walks (PATH, treadmill) when conditions outside are treacherous

Anti-slip footwear is also a big help. There are a few choices and approaches.

• Add-on chains/cleats, such as Yak-Traks. Pros are cheap, easy to find (Shoppers) and fairly effective. Cons is they can slip off and get lost, and not as accommodating when conditions go from snow and ice to bare asphalt.
• Embedded anti-slip treads, such as Vibram’s Arctic Grip and Mark’s IceFX. These are more versatile for various surfaces, including wearable indoors, and provide some enhanced grippage, depending on the surface. However, this type of shoe can be more expensive and harder to find. For running shoes, Saucony seems the one to get (Peregrine Ice+ and model Razor models). Amazon seems to have a good selection.
• Studded soles, such as IceBUGs. The most positive grip of any shoe I’ve tried. Downside is they are the hardest to find, can be pricey, the studs will wear off in time (so far so good though for me) if you walk on mixed conditions and not recommended to wear indoors on hard surface like tiles and terrazzo.

No perfect solution but with a mix of caution and the right gear, it can be safe to be out there.

Weekly Walks

We are watching the forecast carefully for Saturday’s offsite walk. Road conditions will be similar wherever we go, but there is some concern wind could play a factor. It will feel cold regardless, so dress well. The Highland Creek path is sheltered by trees which could mitigate the wind chill so is still in play, but keep checking the comments, your email and WhatsApp should the situation change.

Brunch is definitely on.

Potlucky

Tomorrow we will be gathering as we do yearly to catch up and perhaps plan ahead. If not, at least we can eat and drink together. Everybody wins! All the details have been sent via email and WhatsApp, so unless there are last minute questions, we will see you all in person Saturday evening.

Birthday Wishes

Yup, it’s a double event, with a coda. Not only do we celebrate being assembled on Saturday, it’s also Libby’s birthday so we can ensure she receives many best wishes in person. We can also provide Ruth advance congrats for her day on Wednesday the 16th.

Scarborough Walk Next Week

Details of the offsite walk have been emailed and WhatsApped out. Let’s hope for good weather. Libby has raised a concern about part of the route being inaccessible, so we’ll look into that and confirm asap. It may be simple enough to rearrange a slightly different path. Fingers crossed.

Weekly Walks

The weather app says, “A mix of clouds and sun early, then becoming cloudy later in the day. High 8C. Winds W at 25 to 40 km/h.” Okay, then. A good opportunity to bank some negative calories to counterbalance those consumed at the potluck. 8:00 am, the uge.

Potluck Almost Here

One more post before the potluck! The details (time, place, offerings) have been emailed to you and are on WhatsApp. If you can’t find them, just leave a comment and I’ll send them directly.

As we want to reduce our environmental footprint as much as possible and make the tidy-up as efficient as possible, please bring your own plates, glassware and cutlery. Napkins too!

We could use a few more helpers for set up and clean up. If you can, it would be very appreciated. Please let Trish know through the comments or contact her directly, thanks!

Another Offsite Walk and Brunch

For those interested, an offsite walk is planned for November 19 along Highland Creek Trail to Lake Ontario. Again for privacy, the details on where and when to meet will be emailed, and posted on WhatsApp separately, along with the brunch location and a map. We will follow the same model as last time, with an earlier start for longer distance walkers and a half hour later for a modest choice. Please let me know if you’re interested in the comments, WhatsApp or email reply in Google Groups.

Races Anyone?

Helen forwarded some race/event information that could be of interest.

The Bagpipes are Back!

Perfect Day for the Meadoway

A baker’s dozen were able to walk the Meadoway and have brunch (with a substitution for the latter). It could not have been better for a Fall walk. If people want more of these off-site walks, please say so in the comments. Anywhere in particular?

Birthday Wishes

Next Thursday marks David’s birthday so let’s all wish him the best!

Weekly Walks

Again a lovely forecast for Saturday so let’s make it a good turnout! Hallowe’en costumes optional.

Meadoway

It looks like a good group will be walking the Meadoway this Saturday, followed by a hearty breakfast. Final details on attendance, meeting place and time have already been sent via email and WhatsApp. If you don’t (or do) see your name on the list erroneously, get in touch with me directly or reply to this post in the comments. The weather at the time of this writing is very favourable.

For those wishing to walk shorter or longer distances, I have put in turnaround points for that.

Birthday Wishes

Happy birthday to Deanna who is celebrating today! Whee! (Late addition as this one wasn’t on the old digital calendar. Fixed!)

And..

Big and loud “Happy Birthday” to Stacey way out in PEC! Hopefully her new house is closed in as the cooler weather is here.

Calendar Call

Helen is starting work on the annual calendar and is desperately asking everyone to send in photos for inclusion. Please also let her know if you are interested in one. If we can get this done asap, there may be a slim chance to have them at the November gathering.

Gathering

The list of attendees is slowly growing. Please check the list of potluck contributions sent to you via email and WhatsApp on Wednesday. As the “shared” spreadsheet is not working for all, please respond either on WhatsApp or to the Google Group email to add or change anything. Thanks!

Weekly Walks

If you’re not joining the Meadoway group, Loblaw’s is still it for Saturday morning. Please do sign in either way so we know to expect you.

Meadoway Update

I have emailed out via Google Groups the names of those planning to walk on Saturday October 22. It starts at 8:30, and location info is included in that email. If you did not see it, let me know in the comments and I can reach out directly. Currently, brunch is expected to be at 10:15, and unless I hear otherwise, I will reserve tables to accommodate, if I can. TBC

Potluck Gathering

A few people have used the shared file to indicate what they are hoping to bring to Trish’s for the Gathering. So that we have an idea of attendance, even if you are unsure what it is you hope to contribute, please enter your name in the first column, or failing a workable link, confirm you are coming in the comments here and I can add. Thanks!

Please also bring any thoughts about races or getaway destinations for interesting walks. There is an appetite (heh!) for that.

Is It a Stretch?

A few of us have enrolled in weekly Yoga classes at Stan Wadlow in the East End. Classes are Monday morning and, after only one class, it looks like it will do some good. There are still spaces and it goes to mid December. The code is 4081558.

Weekly Walks

Saturday morning is supposed to be cool (10ºC) and sunny, promising a great day for Fall colours. Last week, the walk took us to the lookout over the Don Valley, and perhaps that might be worth a repeat? Please sign in and let us know your intentions.

Gobble Gobble!

A food-intensive weekend is coming up, so what better way to mitigate that than a brisk Fall walk?

Gathering Update

The gathering for November 12 at Trish’s place is getting organized. Please get in touch with her directly if you can help with the setup. As far as food is concerned, I set up a shared spreadsheet for everyone to add their contributions, and confirm their attendance. Please find the link in our WhatsApp feed.

Meadoway Walk Soon

The walk and breakfast are still on for October 22, starting exceptionally at 8:30. For privacy reasons, our starting point will be posted in WhatsApp a few days before. Please get in touch if you can’t access and we can text/email you directly with that information. Also, very importantly, please confirm your attendance so an adequate table (or two) can be reserved. Saturdays are busy at the restaurant.

Birthday Celebrations

Happy birthday to our own Energizer Bunny, Val, who is celebrating on Monday! Isten éltessen sokáig!

Weekly Walks

Sunny and seasonably cool is in the forecast for Saturday so come on out and shake to (turkey) tail feathers. There may be a Monday morning walk from Tim’s 2 at 9:00 am. We will give thanks for both!

OH My God, October!

It’s a glorious time to get out there and walk, with the Fall colours, and he fresher temperature. A good time to drag out the garments kept in the bottom drawer and make a walking fashion statement. Orange is the new black?

Meadoway Walk & Breakfast

Just a reminder of the Meadoway walk on Saturday October 22. We may start a bit later (8:30) to give everyone extra time to get to Scarborough. If you are interested, please confirm via the comments so I can reserve an appropriate table at Gingerman’s.

Goodbye To Our Visitor From the East

We hope as many of you as possible got to catch up with Lynne during her visit here this past month. She is now back in Plymouth, but promises to return.

Weekly Walks

Saturday promises a mix of sun and clouds and seasonably Fall-like conditions. As travelling people return, we hope to see more of you out this weekend as we’ve missed your company and want to hear all about your adventures . Do sign in!

Traveller’s Diary

A few of our people have been out and about, far and wide, so here is a slideshow sampling. Please check out their Facebook pages for many more stunning pics.

On the Home Front

Closer to home, our local walks continue through the city’s network of parks and playgrounds, giving us license to act childish.

Birthday Wishes

Helen is celebrating a major milestone this coming Wednesday! Let’s all wish her the best!

Annual Gathering Update

It looks like all is set for our annual gathering on November 12 at Trish’s place. Pot luck and BYOB as usual. Things should get thing rolling around 6:00 PM. Any further details will be shared on WhatsApp and direct emails as needed.

Meadoway Walk & Breakfast

We are looking ahead to a walk along the Meadoway on Saturday October 22. The details (where to meet and time) will be sent via WhatsApp and email closer to the date, and a reminder on the blog the week before and on the day prior. Following the walk, we plan to all convene for a delicious breakfast at the Gingerman.

Weekly Walks

Saturday morning looks good so far (mix of sun and clouds) but definitely cooler. It may be time to put the shorts in storage and bring out the jackets. Let’s all gather as we do.

Look Who’s Back!

Nice to have our friend back after almost a year away. She won’t be out this Saturday, but possibly on the 24th?

Meanwhile, in the valley…

Here’s another group of walkers, doing their thing in Taylor Creek Park.

The Great Gathering

Plans are beginning to percolate for the annual get-together. Dates and location will be announced shortly.

Happy Birthday!

Best wishes go out to Nikki on Wednesday, who may be celebrating in Europe. Hey, there are worse things!

Weekly Walks

Saturday’s forecast is for temperatures in the high teens at 8:00, and low to mid twenties by the time we finish, partly cloudy. Should be good for some intensity, right? No changes to time and location, both before and after.

Attendance will be taken.

…Kidding…🤪