Walks: Sat-Wed, Dec. 1 to 5

Queen Olwyn sparkles at the Santa Claus Parade

Hard to believe we're into December. Where did the Challenging 2012 go? It passed quickly beneath our intrepid feet – and now the last three weeks of the 2012-in-2012 draws to a close. I'm curious. How many of us are still at it?

Interjecting a quick note to say if you want to do the Resolution 5K, rates go up on Saturday.

If you read the Wow newsletter, Lee Scott has invited folks to a 12 @ 12 on 12/12/12 walk – walking 12K (or 12 X any shorter distance) at 12 noon on Wed. Dec. 12th. If you can't make it to High Park and still need kilometerage (like me, most likely), join me in the east end – start point, TBD. I'll plan a new route, for variety.

Speaking of variety, we've had some whining requests about change-ups to our same-old-same-olds. Trish has suggested that we ask for volunteer hosts on the first Saturday of each month, starting in 2013. She will be kicking it off on January 5th with a route in the Eglinton and Bayview area. Details to follow. Please submit your name/neighbourhood for future walks. And, at any time, new routes in our regular nabes are always most welcome. Hint, hint. Hint.

Of course, those who prefer to stay put will probably have company at Tim's. Always sign in to say where you'll be.

This is the time when newbies might be joining and the walking wounded will be returning to us. For this reason, I want to remind all the speed demons about looping. Turning back to join the back of the pack is a way to add interval bursts and a little extra distance. It's good for both hares and turtles.

Now that you've read till the end, I can tell you Saturday, some 2012 challengers are considering 13K, but normal people will probably be doing 6-8-maybe-10K. C'mon out.  I will remember to bring the books and calendar this time (the second batch of calendars will come later). Monday and Wednesday, 6-8K, weather and weariness dependent.

Barb S, you have a very happy birthday, girl!

Walks: Sat-Wed, Nov. 24 to 28

You never know hoooooo! you'll meet while walking

Dawn captured the picture of this watchful owl on a morning walk in Taylor Creek Park. What a beautiful creature – and the owl is, too! As we're chatting on our walks, it pays to keep our eyes open.

Let's meet on Saturday at 8 am at Tim's to see what we'll see. Some 2012 Challengers still have distance to make up. Those who do can settle how far to go on the morning of, but I'd suggest 10-ish. However, these are easy days; maintenance only, for most Shore Things. We encourage newbies and lapsed Things to join us now, especially on Saturdays.

Monday and Wednesday, Nuckle-down November-ers who walk in the evenings will probably aim for 8K, weather willing. There are roving daytime walks both days – let me know if you need to find them.

I see a number of familiar names (and perhaps more hidden in the blanks) on the Resolution 5K confirmation list. If you want to be amongst them, do it before the next jump in fees on Dec. 1st.

Or if you want to try something truly ridiculous, in all the best ways, consider the Santa Suit 5K in Burlington, which "runs" – although you don't have to – earlier on Dec. 8th. They expect 4,000 Santas this year, a new record. Hint from one who's been there: don't lose sight of each other in the crowd.

For those who ordered yearbooks, they're heee-re. If you give your money to Charlotte, she will allow me to give you one. I'll have them and the one spare calendar (Norma's?) on Saturday.

No birthdays this week, but a Happy Thanksgiving wish to all Things of an American persuasion.

Walks: Sat-Wed, Nov. 17-21

What a healthy-looking group!

Thank you, Shore Things, for a great year-end bash and for your thoughtful gift. I'll be "taking the waters" for my health and thinking of you all very kindly.

One calendar remains to be claimed. Please let me know if it's yours. Also, I will be placing a calendar re-order this weekend for some latecomers, so if you forgot to request one, contact me quickly.

Saturday, as the weather is predicted to be fine, a few catchers-up for the 2012-in-2012 Challenge will be doing a Nuckle-down November walk of 16K. We want to rack up as many klicks as we can before the December crunch. Don't let our foolhardiness intrepidity stop you from coming out for a shorter distance – make the most of these late fall days.

Monday and Wednesday might have the same fate. Last night, four of us set out to do 8K – and (okay, mea culpa) ended up accidentally doing 10.5K. Let's aim for 8K and see what happens.

The interests list on our blog is now updated – please contact Dawn or myself if you'd like to add your name to any event, or if you're suggesting a new one. Get those earlybird rates, folks!

More and more Shore Things insist on being born on the same day. This week is a triple-header: Ruth, Marilyn and Ellen – have a wonderful day!

Walks: Sat-Wed, Nov. 10-14

November at the Lookout

Greetings from Taiwan, where it's a hazy and humid 26˚C. I look forward to seeing you all on Saturday – first for a lovely walk (Yes, it will be lovely. Hear that, rain?), then for our annual pot luck fun.

Weeknights at 7 pm, we'll set out from our traditional meeting places (Loblaws on Monday; Shoppers on Wednesday). Sign in if you'll be there. Dawn will also be hosting daytime walks on those days. Contact me if you need to learn how to contact her.

Weekend or weeknights, this is the ideal time for newcomers to join the group. Training season is behind us, so our distance is more manageable. If you've been hesitating, now's the time to drop by.

Birthday wishes go to Libby and Yuen – enjoy your day. Hope you both get thoroughly spoiled.

And if I've forgotten anything, please check the comments!

Walks: Sat-Wed, Nov. 3 to 7

Sandy, putting the damp-er on our walks 

Rain, rain, go away! All the Shore Things want to play. I hear that Saturday might give us a break in the clouds, so we can walk up a storm. Come one, come all, at 8 am for whatever distance you choose.

Then, on Saturday night, remember to set back the clocks. Fall backwards, losing an hour.

Monday and Wednesday evenings will look a lot darker, suddenly. Many of us are now in maintenance mode, with perhaps a few added Ks if we need to catch up for the 2012 Challenge. Just show up at the appointed place and time, and we'll figure it out as we go.


David is our birthday boy this week. We'll understand it you prefer to sleep in. Wishing you sunshine on your happy day.

And a week from Saturday is the Shore Things Annual Pot Luck (Nov. 10th) for Shore Things, old and new. But, of course, none of us are old. If you haven't received your invitation email with the details, please let me know. If you haven't RSVPed, please do that, too!