With nothing but bad news circulating around the world on the COVID19 situation, what better place is there to be than alone on a trail with a good friend, away from all the worries and noise?
That’s exactly what Deb (Widow Badass) and I did this past week.
Deb and I have been hiking quite regularly since she retired at the end of last year. Before you think that we actually live close to one another, I should mention that given the ugly nature of Toronto area traffic, we’re usually at least 90 minutes to a 2-hour drive away from each other.
Whenever possible, we attempt to find hiking spots somewhere in the middle.

This week we were off to Alton, a small community northwest of Toronto. Neither of us were familiar with the trails in this area, but the Alton Mills Art Centre was a secondary draw.

It was a damp-cold day and the trail was icy as Cruella’s heart, but these weekly meetups are an excuse to get outdoors and share a few giggles.

The trail didn’t lend itself to taking many photos – it was simply too icy, and the bulk of my attention was spent trying to preserve dignity … and all limbs intact.

I did discover that the 280+km Grand Valley Trail terminates in Alton, on the Pinnacle, so I’ve made a mental note to explore some of this trail system in the future.
In the meantime, I was so preoccupied with the steep decline we would have to navigate, it never occurred to me to actually take a photo from the top of the Pinnacle. In fact, I couldn’t even tell you what the view looked like.

Once we reached the safety of our cars again, we agreed that we had invested a respectable amount of time on the trail and then turned our attention to exploring the art centre. It is the studio home for several local artists and we soaked up some creative inspiration while we were there.

Final verdict?
The day was a success, of course.
“The trail was as icy as Cruella’s Heart”. That is such an outstanding phase and conjures up very vivid images!
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hahaha!! Every once in a while I get inspired π
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you all DO have some really nice options! I wanted to head to RMNP today, but closed. dang. Also, I am ready to be outside in the sun, and the weather is just not cooperating here!
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We are actually struggling right now because (1) closures, (2) crowds are starting to gather on trails. People in isolation are seeking the outdoors which is making many trails risky visits.
We don’t know what we’re going to do now π
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I hear you. We went in a hike last Thursday and it was literally a crowded freeway of people. Ugh.
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Ugh indeed! It defeats the purpose of trying to stay isolated π¦
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Hi Joanne, I wondered how close you and Deb lived from each other. And, yes, on the challenging Toronto traffic. Your hikes always sound great for physical and mental health. I think our mental health is very important to our spirit right now.
Our weather has been VERY cold with winds about 90km the past few days. Very clear, blue skies. Also, good for the spirit. A good friend……excellent for the soul!
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It may have been relatively late in life, but Iβm so grateful that I discovered the calming and regenerative nature of … nature. Itβs my happy place. Itβs made even happier when shared with a kindred spirit.
Iβm hoping to squeeze in as many outings with Deb as possible before I βloseβ her to the west coast.
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Fresh air and friendship – great Rx for whatever ails you.
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I agree. Nature is a great emotional healer.
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Your choice of trail looks pretty in its own wintry way. I like how you decide where to hike, compromise is great. As are your photos. At least one can be socially distant while being together when traipsing around outside.
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Thanks Ally. I needed that bit of affirmation today after getting pelted from a couple of friends today about being socially irresponsible since I continue to go outdoors to walk/hike.
It’s only day 4 since Toronto ‘shutdown’ and I am already grouchy.
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Well, I can understand why you are grouchy. Going for a walk outside isn’t irresponsible, it’s healthy. It’s not like you were kissing everyone you saw along the trial… were you?
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Hehehe – no. But now you know that will be on mind the next time I head outdoors π
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Getting outdoors and exploring new paths sounds like a good way to stay well these days. Good on you for tackling the icy trails!
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I was out on a trail yesterday and it was BUSY! With schools closed and virtually every event cancelled, there is little else to do besides stay home.
I wasnβt sure whether I should feel happy or sad to see this.
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Happy! What else can we do? π
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I don’t think we can even imagine the full extent of the wonderful favour we do ourselves when heading outdoors!
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For me, it is a guaranteed mood booster. I feel calmer and more anchored. Outdoors is really the greatest treasure.
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You two always have fun. I hike, vicariously, through you!
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And weβre happy to have our virtual friends along with us π
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What a great day. Thanks for sharing. It looks cold, for sure, but I’m glad you two have the spirit required to go on such an adventure. I always enjoy the stories.
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We are a good team together. We share a common sense of adventure … and silliness π
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Silliness is important.
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π
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Ooh, but that looks cold! I’d be tempted to stay in the art centre, but I am glad you didn’t otherwise I would never have seen that beautiful image of the trees and their shadows: what a gorgeous shot!
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Thanks Jude. I was really happy with that shot. Glad you liked it too π
It doesn’t just look cold. I admit I found it quite chilly, but I don’t think I was dressed properly for the damp.
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Whoa! I did not know The Pinnacle was the terminus of the Grand Valley Trail System! It WAS another great little hike and exploration, full of gigglesπ. Arenβt we lucky there are so many great places to explore midway between our respective homes?
Deb
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I remember the view. It was pretty but not jaw dropping or anything.
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I just received the trail guide book from the Grand Valley Trail Association. It was new to me too. Btw – we hiked about 400 metres of the GVT π
I did a double-take when I looked at the map and all the green space between us. It explains so much!!
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