Spring Is In the Air – Almost

With rain and milder temperatures, are snowdrops coming our way soon? If not, at least another Bake-off episode from the same location, Welford Park Estate in Berkshire, UK.

Weekly Walks

With days mostly above freezing and rain, it looks like the paths and roads may be okay this Saturday. There is call for a bit of snow today (Thursday), but with luck, it will melt off and a sunny Friday will dry things up. L@8 and perhaps we may even see the springtime return of snowbirds. Just in time for Roll Up the Rim!

Weekly Walks

This Saturday’s challenge will be finding a walking surface that isn’t too slushy. Suggestions welcome. Perhaps the Boardwalk/MG Trail will work and we can check out the Winter Stations. L@8.

Weekly Walks

Based on the forecast, it seems Saturday will be a challenge if the predicted snowfall stays on the ground and isn’t plowed away. Let’s adjust distance accordingly. Looking forward to seeing all the L@8ers after a month away!

Cleats

Ruth sent along this link to a Consumer Report for ice cleats. Granted it is US centric but the info may still be useful as it’s likely most of these are made elsewhere than the USA and sold through Canadian retailers (such as Canadian Tire), for those who are concerned about the geopolitical aspect. That said, a quick search brought up this company that makes their own. Rip’s Cleats are manufactured in Dawson Creek, B.C. They are actually built by local seniors, retirees and stay at home families.

Birthdays

Big bold wishes to Lou-Ann on Sunday, and Dawn on Friday!

Creatures Feature

Weekly Walks

While we travelers enjoy high teens, Toronto walkers can enjoy a crisp -3°C with cloud cover on Saturday. L@8.

Next post will be from home. Can’t wait!?

Birthday Alert!

Best wishes to Barbara B. who celebrates on Thursday. 🥳🎉🎂

Creature Feature

Spanish pigeons are not shy.

Weekly Walks

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.

Moving On

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!

Weekly Walks

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.

Olá

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.

Weekly Walks

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.

Hair of the Dog

We were well represented in the annual Balmy Beach “Hair of the Dog” races. Congrats to all!

Weekly Walks

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!

Remote Posts

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?

Birthdays

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!

Resolutions for 2025

Any plans for races? Interesting travel/walks/hikes? Off-site destinations? Please share your aspirations either here or on WhatsApp.

Weekly Walks

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…

Birthday Alert

Best birthday wishes to Morgan on Sunday!

Weekly Walks

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.

2025!

Soon we begin another Shore Things year, with a great bunch of friends and more places to explore. Can’t wait!