Best wishes to Barbara B. who celebrates on Thursday. 🥳🎉🎂
Spanish pigeons are not shy.
Saturday looks promising, cold but sunny. And daylight is getting longer. L@8 is the place and time. We will probably just be settling into Seville when you head out.
It appears the rain in Spain is mostly in the plain. Here in sunny Barcelona, we are happy to enjoy 17°C for the next few days at least. As I write this, that’s 30° warmer than what is being endured in Toronto. OMG!
For Saturday, expect somewhat “warmer” conditions, still cold, but not as bitter as when this post is being written. Please share any pics you have with me so we can compare and contrast.
This is the first of the remote posts. Temperatures in Lisbon are much milder than Toronto, sunny and about 12° to 14° C during the day. Below is our view from the mini-terrace. More details and photos on the group WhatsApp.
Saturday is calling (should we pick up?) for snow, temperature about 1°C. L@8 for a trudge of your choosing. Sounds appealing! Still, always feels good when it’s done.
We were well represented in the annual Balmy Beach “Hair of the Dog” races. Congrats to all!
It seems like we are coming out of the deep freeze in time for L@8. Predictions say snow on the ground by then, so dress for the conditions!
Although it is now travel season, posts will carry on as best as possible starting next week. There may be travelogue pics, at least on social media. Please send me local info (Winter Stations maybe?), and if you’re also away, maybe some shots of your own travels for the blog?
We are kicking off the new year with a pair of celebrations: Olwyn on the 8th and Jan on the 10th. happy birthday to both!
Any plans for races? Interesting travel/walks/hikes? Off-site destinations? Please share your aspirations either here or on WhatsApp.
The cold is back for this Saturday, so dress well. The roads ought to be generally ice-free as there will be a few days for evaporation/sublimation, but do have a peek outside before heading out. A reminder to bring along your cleats/IceBugs/YakTrax even if you end up wearing regular trainers and leave the gripper shoes in the car. Also always have your health card—or image on your phone—on you when walking. JIC…
Best birthday wishes to Morgan on Sunday!
We hope everyone had a great holiday gathering with family and friends. We can catch up on the deets this Saturday at L@8 for what so far looks like okay conditions – near or above freezing and no precipitation until mid day. Depends where you look.
Soon we begin another Shore Things year, with a great bunch of friends and more places to explore. Can’t wait!
It was a cold evening for a walk last Thursday but well worth it! The Well is an interesting destination, and unexpected at least for me. For those who have not been, imagine a mall with a roof but open to the outdoors. A hot today stand was gratefully patronized. A short walk after took us to City Hall to see the lights. Fingers and toes did finally thaw on the subway ride home.
Saturday will be cold but sunny, so sunglasses and long johns de rigueur (never thought I’d write those two things in one sentence). We might have a potential new ST or two, so let’s make them welcome. L@8.
If people would like to walk on Boxing Day (Thursday) before or rather than braving the shops, we could meet at 9 at Tim’s 2.
All that is left is to wish all Shore Things and loved ones the best for whatever celebration this season brings. Just two more Saturday walks before 2025!
Maligayang bati to Eva who celebrates on Friday of next week (the 20th). I hope my Google Tagalog is correct.
Unfortunately, the paths in the valley were too treacherous for safe walking, so it was called off after barely 30 minutes.
Brunch was good though.
We’ll be back when conditions improve.
As posted last week, there will be a Thursday evening walk (December 12) in and around The Well. If you live in the east end, you can catch the 6:28 PM GO train from Danforth Station platform #1 to Union, then walk to The Well from there. Or meet the GO crowd at Union Station upstairs in the Great Hall under the clock at 6:45. Return will take us to City Hall for twinkly lights, the onto the TTC home. Dress well, they are predicting a sharp drop in temperature.
We are gathering as is the ancient custom at Loblaw’s at 8. It is heartily suggested to bring along in your cars your YakTraks/IceBugs or whatever other secure footwear, even if you choose to wear a less grabby shoe, based on first impressions. You can always leave them in the car should they not be needed. Lesson learned from last Sunday.
Winter is definitely here, and since we will have days above freezing and nights below, the roads and sidewalks may be icy. Please make sure you have the best footwear for traction.
Coffee at Tim’s after.
For those wishing to carpool and living in the east end, shall we rendezvous at 8:30 in the Earl Haig school lot, sort ourselves and head out from there? Those who prefer to take themselves to the Brickworks directly, we can meet at 9 on site.
On Thursday evening, some walkers are planning a walk in and around The Well. One option is to catch the GO train from Danforth Station to Union, then walk to The Well from there. There is a train leaving Danforth GO at 6:28, so for anyone interested, let’s meets on the westbound platform #1. If that is not convenient, and/or you prefer to TTC, we can muster at Union Station upstairs in the Great Hall under the clock at 6:45.
From Lee Scott via Ruth, this news:
One of our favourite annual events! The Hair of the Dog 9k race out of Balmy Beach has its registration open! JANUARY 1!!!! Note that if you register your lunch is included. You can buy an extra lunch ticket for someone who is not racing.
Rainer sent this link to a great article by Sun columnist Laura Unger about the health benefits of walking … of course all the Shore Things should know this … Still a good fast read!
Barb S. celebrates her birthday on Monday, so let’s all send one of our most dedicated walkers our best wishes.
Barring truly adverse weather, the next offsite walk will be on Sunday December 8 at the Evergreen Brick Works. As earlier suggested, carpooling would help as the parking is not likely free, and we can meet at the Brickworks at 9. According to the website, the cafe is open at 9 and the market at 11.
It appears we are finally getting winter weather as of this weekend, just in time for December, so please make sure you are suited and shoed to match. Selection of route will depend on road and wind conditions so we can decide when we convene at L@8. Perhaps the Distillery District? Not as spectacular as at night but still nice.
Follow-up caffeination at Tim’s (their service seems to have improved recently btw). 🤞🏻
We are the Shore Things 