Sad and Senseless

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.

Camping Again

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…

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. 

Let us know! Email torontothebetter@thestar.ca

Weekly Walks

It looks like another hot and sunny Saturday for our walk. Let’s think of shady options. L@8 to start and Tim’s to end.

Birthday Alert!

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

HBD

Best birthday wishes to Arlene and Cheryl who celebrate on Thursday and Friday respectively.

Another Notable Anniversary

Our beloved country is celebrating its 158th. Doesn’t look a day over 103. All the bombast from down south has made us even more proud. The true North, strong and free! 🇨🇦

Weekly Walks

It looks like temperatures are settling down, albeit still very summery. Remember to keep well hydrated and sunscreened. You may also wish to look into sun protective clothing which has the advantage of not sweating off. Here’s a link to one review of “best of”. Not an endorsement but a good place to start. I also found a shop online called Coolibar that had a wide selection of styles. USA made though, but they ship to Canada. We make no judgement. Again, just for reference. If anyone finds a Canadian source, please post in the comments.

So after all that, Saturday at L@8 and picnic table if it’s not too hot.

Races

A report from Rainer on a good short race:

We did a little 5km ‘fun’ run on saturday. Margy figured this a good way to get me going again.

It was the Shoppers Drug Mart Run for Women (downtown from Women’s College Hospital).

Well organized and a good downtown route … of course Margy beat me (again) and came in 2^nd in her age category … not PB times but respectable. Something I am sure some of the other 

Shore Thing ladies would enjoy.

Here is the link for next year’s event should you want to plan that far ahead.

From Ruth, something sooner (September 28) and close, but with a curious name.

Here is a 10K (and 5K and 3K) race in our backyard. The early bird cost is only $23.83, and amazingly, the quoted price includes the taxes and processing fees (rather than the shock of finding out that your advertised $69 entry fee has suddenly morphed into $75).

The name is rather unfortunate. Bimbo is a Mexican company with the Canadian rights to an amazing number of brands.  According to Wikipedia, the name is a combination of Bambi and Dumbo, the favorite movie characters of the daughter of one of the founders. You’d think they’d have thought a bit more about this choice!

Weekly Walks

The forecast is chancy at the time of writing, but leaning towards a good outcome. Let’s hope for the best🤞🏻. L@8 as temperatures are still reasonable in the mornings. So far…

Happy Birthday!

Rainer celebrates his Geburtstag this coming Thursday. Hope it’s the schöniest!

Island Walk In Review

We could not have asked for better weather. It ended well at the Island Cafe for a tasty meal. If you’re hungry, stick with the mains. The tacos are satisfying and intriguingly spiced. Just beware of agressive starlings.

Weekly Walks

L@8 with picnic table gathering post walk, right? Right!

Island Walk

It looks like we have a consensus, and cooperative weather.

The Island walk will be earlier than usual, so I have posted below possible departure times that may fit with most people’s desired distance and site seeing wishes. For more information and options, here is the full schedule link.

What is hoped for is that whatever destination you sail to, we will all end up at the Island Cafe at 6. Let me know either in the comments or WhatsApp if you plan on joining in as I will need to reserve for a group our size.

To purchase tickets online, click here.

Weekly Walks

Saturday morning looks PERFECT! Let’s get out there and enjoy the walk. Walk to Cherry Beach perhaps?

Birthdays

We have two celebrations on the calendar this coming week: first on Wednesday for Trish, then Thursday for Susan. All the best to both!

Weekly Walks

While the temperature has not reached the balmy levels some of us yearn for, it has been good for the gardens. Better yet, it has not prevented us from gathering to put in some distance as well. This Saturday promises to be cloudy and cool, so no shorts yet. Still, no rain in the forecast so that is good. See you all at L@8.

Plants

As most of you know, our no.1 daughter works as gardener and docent at Dundurn Castle in Hamilton. This Saturday, it’s their annual plant sale, starting at noon, and ending at 4.

Here is the write up from the site.

Looking for some interesting plants for your food or flower garden? Dundurn’s annual plant sale offers a unique collection of heirloom annuals and perennials from the Historic Kitchen Garden, including flowers, herbs, fruit and even pups of our grand blue agaves! 

Visit hamilton.ca/dundurn for more museum details & events

While in the Hammer, you might also consider a stroll along Confederation Beach. I understand there is a great place for French fries in the vicinity.

Island Walk

Plans are beginning to gel for the annual Toronto Island Walk. The date is set for the evening of Thursday June 12. Details to follow for the itinerary. And we’re watching the weather…

Toronto Islands Walk

By popular request, there will be an evening Toronto Island walk, at a date tbd. Still waiting for the warmer days…

…and waiting…

So far, the on-site restaurants seem to close too early, so we may still have to sit down somewhere on the mainland. I’m searching for a convenient location close to the docks. Suggestions welcome.

In the meantime, the Portlands are slowly greening and should be finally opened to walk through in July.

Weekly Walks

In the meantime, we can once again meet at Loblaw’s at the usual time. If it’s cool enough (ha!) maybe a spit stroll would work as the midges may be either done for or sheltering.

Will It or Won’t It?

All forecasts point to rain on Saturday morning. Not sure what all of you have planned for this Victoria Day Weekend, so it may be best to stick with Saturday L@8 and dress for the weather, or simply pass? Up to you… please sigh in to let us know either way.

Then again, forecasts have been known to change. 🤞🏻

Reading News!

Monday walk from Tim’s 2, 9am.