Tag Archives: ravines

A Weekend of Awesome . . .

Toronto, Why Canada?, , ,

There is a song that says Spring is coming; a slushing, a splishing and splashing, drip-dropping, occasional gurgling and gushing, that sings of Spring breaking free of Winter’s grip, long before the greening begins.

This last weekend reminded me yet again of why I love this city!

On Saturday, a five mile, ice-cleat clad, walk through the ravines in thaw; part ice, part slush, part a crystalline softness for which I have no name, sparkling in the glorious, strong sunshine that reaffirms how far south Toronto actually is. How could we follow that but with hot chocolate and brownie roulade at Xoco Cava?!

On Sunday, the shore, bustling with Beachers revelling in a day that already speaks not just of Spring, but of Summer to come. People thronging the Balmy Beach Club patio; and, on the board-walk and beach, runners in shorts, a paddle-boarder, cyclists, roller-bladers, families and their canine companions, all embracing the warmth, the light, with exuberance and energy. We could have just walked and walked, soaking it all up.

Truly a weekend of awesome!

Wonderful Winter!

Nature, Toronto, , , ,

A few photos from a wondrous winter hike (5 –6 miles) through the ravines and Don Valley  last weekend; cold but invigorating, with delightful ‘grazing’ to be had at the Brickworks (organic hot-dogs and hot cider, gourmet hot chocolate, fish tacos and the most amazing savoury spiced  Indian cake made from fermented chickpeas) before the short walk up the hill to the car.

Winter Ravine Walk January 2012 Top of the Trail - Winter Ravine Walk January 2012    Winter Ravine Walk January 2012 Winter Ravine Walk January 2012    Winter Ravine Walk January 2012 Winter Ravine Walk January 2012 - from the Boardwalk at the Don Valley Brickworks

Winter Ravine Walk January 2012 Winter Ravine Walk January 2012   Winter Ravine Walk January 2012 Winter Ravine Walk January 2012 - bridge near Mount Pleasant Cemetary   Winter Ravine Walk January 2012 Winter Ravine Walk January 2012 - Boardwalk at the Don Valley Brickworks

(More photos in our Winter in Toronto Album)

So far, this has been a winter of freeze and thaw, not my favourite conditions. But last weekend was stunning; fine snow-dust glittering in glorious sunshine, and blue-black shadows.

Then there’s the sound of winter; a muffled quietness that soothes my soul, punctuated by a scrunchy squeak . . .