I love the first day when snow falls and covers everything in white. It happened today here, which is surprisingly late for my region. I often witness first snow at late October or early November.
It was a lovely day with temperature at around -5C and I finally went for a walk with my partner to explore the trails near our new house.
Having access to trails at walking distance was one of the reasons we moved to this house. I’m glad I finally had time to just walk and enjoy the weather.
I went ice skating on the Rideau Canal this morning. Ice conditions were good (according to the City website) but there was a forecast of 40% chance of light snow. Temperature was nice at around -5C. I decided to go because you never how long the canal is going to be open and it was a chance to experience ice skating under the snow.
And... the only difference is that because it is snowing, and snow will accumulate on the ice you can't really see the ice imperfections anymore. The Canal skateway is never perfect, so usually you see some cracks and bumps here and there and you can avoid them. But today, the difficulty level was turned to HARD. You know you have obstacles but they are hidden: GO!
I did fall once because of a hidden bump, and I was probably skating slower than normal (which is not very fast anyway).
Snow and ice
And now I know what it feels like to skate with snow conditions! Not my favourite experience but at the same time I could focus more on keep on moving instead of looking for bumps on the ice. It was... interesting.
I saw smiley trees on my walk today :–)
Cloudy day, -1°C, some accumulated snow from yesterday.
I'm loving these longer winter walks. Taking the time to observe the surroundings, breath in the cold air, watch squirrels and birds doing their thing.
It's not something I did a lot before the pandemic, because I would spent a lot of time inside a gym, resulting in not much time left for the outdoors. Also, the cold. This year has not been too cold so it's easier to get out. But I want to keep doing it, even when it gets colder (as it surely will!).
It was such a lovely day for a long walk today! Temperature at around -7C, moderate wind, blue skies.
A walk of almost 10Km along the Ottawa River, starting at the Mud Lake up until the Andrew Haydon Park and back.
Mud Lake
Andrew Haydon Park
We saw people skating in the lake, playing hockey, skiing and doing this thing where you have a snowboard or skis and let a kite move you through the ice. It's exactly like kite surfing in water but in snow. I don't know if there is a specif name for this winter sport. It's the first time I saw people doing it. The only version I knew was the one in the summer (in the water). Sounds fun!
Ottawa River – People “Kite Surfing” in snow
We spotted squirrels and birds. It was a sunny day, there wasn't too much snow which made walking super easy, no need for snowshoes.
Since the pandemic started, I got into the habit of going for a walk every day. Sometimes I walk, sometimes it’s a combination of running and walking. I used to be a gym person. With the gyms closed during the first lockdown restrictions, going for a walk outside at the end of day kept me sane after spending the whole day inside. I used to think it was a waste of time to go out and spend one hour just walking! And now the habit stuck. It's relaxing, it's good for my mind and body.
I’ve had ups and downs regarding my spinal health this year. The pandemic totally changed my exercise routine, and I had a few months of intermittent back/sciatica pain. Yoga became inaccessible to my body, running was out the question, body weight was challenging, so I just walked during the worst of it.
I’m better. I’ve been seeing a chiropractor regularly, I’m back to yoga a few times a week, I learned a few strengthening body weight exercises that I do in the morning every day to remain pain free.
🍁 This fall season inspired me to try hiking. I have hiked a few times in the last couple of years. Now I felt ready to explore nearby trails every week. My husband was my intrepid companion on all these adventures. We focused on easy trails around the Ottawa-Gatineau area.
Below is a compilation of wonderful images from the trails we explored from the end of September to early November 2020 😎.
Mer Bleu – Ottawa, ON
Mud Lake Trail – Ottawa, ON
King Mountain Trail – Gatineau Park – Gatineau, QC
Chapman Mills Conservation Area – Ottawa, ON
Old Quarry Trail – Ottawa, ON
P4 Trail Stony Swamp Sector – Ottawa, ON
Beaver Trail, Chipmunk Trail, Lime Kiln Trail – Ottawa, ON
We had a sunny and warm day today!
I think it was the first warm of the year, actually. First weekend with temperatures above 25 degrees Celsius.
There was one thing I've been wanting to do for more than a year now: go bike in one of the roads they close on Sunday mornings.
I finally did it and it was great!
I knew I was bit out of shape to go for long bike rides so 20km was just about right.
Good day!
Snow and ice
Mud Lake
Andrew Haydon Park
Ottawa River – People “Kite Surfing” in snow
