Morning walk...

[fajrdrako]

This morning I revived my summertime tradition of going for a long walk on Sunday mornings.

It isn't summer. After ten minutes of walking my fingers were aching from the cold in my gloves and I spent the rest of the walk (about an hour and twenty minutes) with my hands tucked into my sleeves. I walked alongside the canal to Dow's lake, and walked back on the canal itself - because I could. Not something I can do in summer. Because Winterlude is on, everything is well ploughed, despite the snow that fell yesterday.

There were a few skaters. I like the ones who skate with their hands behind their back, leaning forwards. They go so fast. Women tend to take shorter skating strides than men; I think it's because the men all played hockey at some point in their lives. (Don't all Canadian men play hockey at some point in their lives?)

I met some runners. One on the sidewalks, in full winter running-gear, including goggles - it looked eerily like scuba-wear. I even got a nod and a 'good morning' from him when I said 'good morning' first. I liked that. There were three joggers, later, on the canal itself. How can people run on the bare ice of the canal? In running shoes? It amazes me.

I tried to get out before the sun was up, but it was half-up by the time I was out the door. This is inspired by Robin Sharma's books, where being up before dawn is a spiritual exercise. Fine by me: I fantasize about being a spiritual order of all my own - but haven't got a name for it that just pins down the right spirtual mood - the Order of the Slashy Pen? Sisterhood of the Budgie Feathers?

It was a pretty dawn, and the light an amber colour - beautiful, but not warm even if it looked as if it should be.

Comments

[lmondegreen.livejournal.com]

How can people run on the bare ice of the canal? In running shoes? It amazes me.

Well, the canal has texture and isn't perfectly smooth, so you get a bit of traction, I guess. You should see Lauren sprint down a curling sheet! That's frightening! :-)

Re:

[fajrdrako.livejournal.com]

Hee - I'd love to see Lauren do her thing on a curling sheet - curling is a mystery to me.

When I try to walk on the bare ice of the canal - even when it's ridgy - I slip and slide all over the place and go at a snail's pace. I hope it's not a sign of age! More likely I'm just a klutz.

[the-tenth-muse.livejournal.com]

sigh. that sounds so lovely! wish I had water like that nearby but all I've got are outlets, which is essentially sewage as far as I know. not terribly inspiring. *grin*

and I like the Order of the Slashy Pen, personally. ;o)

Re:

[fajrdrako.livejournal.com]

It is beautiful. From my former apartment, I was able to go on morning walks alongside the Ottawa River. Now it's out of easy reach but, as a trade-off, I have the world's most beautiful urban canal. (They might dispute that in Amsterdam.) It's great for walking but in February it's also just plain cold.

Order of the Slashy Pen does have a ring to it, doesn't it?