Winter In Canada

It’s not a secret that I’m not overly fond of winter.

While I love all our seasons, I often think of winter as a bully who hogs too much of the Canadian calendar.

Right about the end of January I start to get a little restless even though many weeks of winter are still ahead of us. So for the past couple of years, I have been trying to adopt a more “if you can’t beat them, join them” attitude.

In the spirit of trying to embrace winter, this week I participated in my first multi-day outing with the Seniors’ Club.

Four amazing ladies from the Seniors For Nature Outdoor Club

Five of us headed up to Arrowhead Provincial Park about 2 hours north of Toronto for some cross-country skiing, skating, and snowshoeing. It all sounded so ‘doable’ …. until the snow started.

…. and wouldn’t stop.

While all my instincts were screaming at me to stay home, I endured a 3 hour, white-knuckle drive to arrive at a winter wonderland.

The five of us stayed in a tiny single-room cabin that thankfully had heat and power – but no water.

We had an unheated outhouse at the end of our lane and a ‘comfort’ station some distance away. I am not an experienced camper in any season so the 3 am ‘call of nature’ into the freezing temperatures of a January night was a bit disconcerting.

Our little cabin in the woods. Those big globs are falling snowflakes that the camera has exaggerated. Any tips on how to take photos outdoors while it’s snowing would be greatly appreciated.

Ultimately I decided not to try cross-country skiing and spent my energy on the 1.6 km (1 mile) skating trail.

Yes – these 2 women are pushing a baby stroller while skating.

In the heavily falling snow, it was breathtakingly beautiful although the skating itself was a challenge as the snow accumulated.

This little guy skating with his dad smoked me on the trail.

Speaking of smoke, it finally stopped snowing, the snow was cleared, the Zamboni was brought out to ice the trail, and the fire pits were burning.

I might never become enamoured with winter, but maybe next time I’ll actually try the cross-country skiing.