Please Welcome the Vernal Equinox

Next Monday, we can look forwards to the days being longer than the nights—yay! One can already see daytime temperatures creeping above zero most days, and if the forecast is to be believed, perhaps even a few nights.

Weekly Walks

Saturday looks to be gusty and slightly below zero. However, following rain on Thursday and Friday, then freezing overnight, it may be hazardous.

Let’s play this one by ear.

If it’s a go, perhaps open roads with no puddling are better, rather than streets and sidewalks with driveway runoff. We can confer on the best route at Loblaw’s in the morning. Sunday is similar for temperature but less windy. Otherwise, there is still the PATH (not as nice but better than nothing).

Art Installations on the Beach

It’s that time of year again, no not Roll Up the Rim (although that too) but time for the Winter Stations on Woodbine Beach. Some of us have already been there, but for those who’ve been away for any number of pleasant or accidental reasons, this Saturday may be a good opportunity to see them. More info on each installation can be found on the official website linked above.

Afterwards, we are convening here for coffee and cookies.

Nah, just kidding!

Weekly Walks

Besides Saturday (same time, same place as usual), here is a reminder that there are weekday walks that you can join.

• Monday morning 10 am (could change to 9:30) from various locations–Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Times 2) so you’ll have to check WhatsApp to know where.
• Tuesday morning at 8 am, often from Tim’s 2, sometimes from the Shoppers on Kingston Road. Check WhatsApp Shore Things Lite (ask Jan if you are not on this group).
• Wednesday at 9, Tim’s 2 again
• Thursday morning at 8, same as Tuesday

If in doubt, leave a comment on this site and someone from the groups will reach out.

Thank You…

To all for the kind words and sympathy for what has been a tough week on a personal level. As many of us have likely been through similar experiences, I know you get it. Being out on the streets with you is a welcome and wholesome way to put aside the sadness for a while.

Had Enough Of the Fluffy Stuff?

The forecast for Friday is predicting a significant accumulation—10 to 15 cm, perhaps even up to 30—which might make walking Saturday morning rough, particularly if the streets and sidewalks are not fully cleared. Another PATH walk? Or you can fly away to somewhere warmer as a number of us have done. Witness the following report from Margy and Rainer.

With the type of weather we are having in Florida we decided to get back into doing a few races. My concern was whether my knees would be able to handle the stress. We have just finished our second 5km (the Gaspirella Classic in Tampa) big event with over 20,000 participants doing 5km, 8km, 15km, half and full marathon. A hot, hot, hot day and the course was so crowded it was tough trying to get any speed up. The good news is my knees managed the course and Margy beat me to the finish line …. again.

We had fun doing the race and the beer at the finish line was just perfect to cool down. Nice medal, wild t-shirt and the postrace party went well. Will try to do a few more races to see if I can get the knees better.

Thinking of all you training in the cold, wet snowy conditions … Stay healthy

Weekly Walks

As mentioned above, Saturday could be a trudge fest, so options are:

1. Get out there with a spunky attitude, good clothing and footwear;
2. Defer to Sunday hoping the roads have been cleared;
3. Walk indoors;
4. Stay home and drink coffee or tea in a comfy chair.

For option 3, car pooling could either be from our place (you know where) or Loblaw’s. Share your preference.

Weekly Walks

Busy days for this writer so this week’s post will be brief.

Despite seeing the back end of February, which turned out milder than expected, winter roared back for one final 🤞🏻 hit. The possible freezing drizzle announced at the time of writing, along with cold temperatures, may make walking Saturday morning challenging.

With that in mind, and as Helen is champing at the bit to get walking in safe conditions again after a break (literary), at least two of us will do the PATH this Saturday. Granted not the most exciting walk but better than nada. Let us know which way you lean.

Saturday morning may be cold and blustery so dress well if you plan on walking and sign in!

Middle Earth, Ontario

Leverne sends this link for some great walks. Look out for Orcs!

https://www.narcity.com/toronto/8-magical-hikes-near-toronto-that-are-like-taking-a-trip-through-middle-earth#

Birthdays

Tuesday is not only Valentine’s Day, it’s Dawn’s birthday too! Show her some love with good wishes!

Kibosh on Travel

The blog will continue to be posted locally as our travel plans are definitely off. Good news is we get to see you on the streets every week. Remember to wear safe footwear if you go out, and give yourself permission to miss a walk if you don’t feel conditions are secure.

Weekly Walks

Saturday’s weather is looking good, although below freezing. At lot will depend on how well the Thursday rain drains off or freezes, so please check in for updates.

Again!?

As most of you have probably already heard, our girl has broken the other one. While this did not happen on a regular walk, it reminds us to be extra cautious at all times! Getaway plans are being revised, so for now, posts will continue to be done locally.

Birthdays

Caught these two just in time! Please wish Barbara and Lou-Ann happy birthdays on Monday and Thursday respectively and in that order. You might have to shout a bit for Barbara as she is on the other side of the Atlantic right now, where we had hoped to be before the incident shown above occurred. As for Lou-Ann, best wishes can be delivered in person. I believe she is part of the Wednesday at Tim’s 2 contingent, but please check the comments and WhatsApp group for confirmation. HBTY!

Weekly Walks

A polar vortex is descending upon us, the back end of which will definitely affect Saturday’s walk. The forecast predicts temperatures will feel like the minus 20s, so if you decide to still brave conditions, dress very well, including face coverage, mitts (not gloves) and wooly everything. On the plus side, things will begin to warm up in the afternoon, and may be much more clement on Sunday, if that is an option. Sign in and opine.

Snowbirding

A good number of Shore Things are away, which will result in a thinner turnout for the next month. That is it may be, we are an enthusiastic munch, right? To make things interesting and by popular request, this Saturday will be an offsite walk.

Sorry for the late notice, but since our numbers are few right now, it seemed a good opportunity. We will be walking through Mt. Pleasant cemetery (apparently kept well plowed) and possibly brunch at EggSmart at O’Connor and Donlands after. Note: start time is 8:30, rather than 8:00. Parking details still being worked out. Check WhatsApp and your email.

And on the topic of getaways, I will be trying my best to keep the blog up will away too, so please send me news and pics for the remote version!

Weekly Walks

See above for Saturday. During the week, check in on WhatsApp for pod activities. I believe there is a group walking Monday and Wednesday.

Together at Last

It was a good week for people who haven’t seen each other for a long spell to finally get in step. Great to have Eva, Kim and Lou-Ann, who had been kept away due to other commitments, join the Tuesday/Thursday Lite Brigade ( albeit on a Wednesday this time). Also, Sharon who has not walked on a Saturday with in months braved the chilly temperatures to walk and do the Timmy’s thing! Hope to see more of this!

You’ll Never Walk Alone

A significant number of Shore Things will be away starting now and sporadically for the next few months, so please sign in here and on WhatsApp to let everyone know if you need someone to walk with. Pods that have weekday walks, also please let others know when and where you meet for otherwise orphaned walkers to join, if you can. That would be appreciated and safer too!

Weekly Walks

Saturday looks to be precipitation-free, and not windy, so okay conditions as long as good grip shoes are worn as the temperature will be just below freezing. We will assemble at the usual. Any route requests?

So This Happened

As many of you noticed, I missed a few birthdays in last week’s post—since fixed—but in my defense, there was a major event that had most of my attention.

And For Those Who Like to Rock…

I am not referring to the tiny chair in Friendly Giant’s castle. Rather, for those of you who enjoy live music but aren’t on social media, you may have missed the announcement of two shows where this blogger will be playing with the Wayling James Band. The first is this Saturday the 14th at Grossman’s, and the second later in January on the 26th at the Dakota Tavern. Hope you can make it.

Weekly Walks

Bundle up for Saturday! It is supposed to be sunny, but crisply cold. Mittens and long-johns for sure! Usual time and place.