Scenic Falls - Chedoke trail

We went to Hamilton's Chedoke trail for a change of scenery from Toronto.  I personally went for a challenge to ascend that 300+step staircase I remember I used to have so much difficulty with.  

During the COVID pandemic, some of my work colleagues have complained about gaining so much weight.  For me - it was quite the opposite for I used this time at home to improve my fitness level.  Nothing too intense, but a lot weight resistance training, stretches and a bit of cardio was all I did usually on a daily basis just to keep myself active and alert. 

 

We parked the car at the Paradise parking lot and descended the staircase to catch the Chedoke trail at the bottom.  Heading towards Scenic Falls I was really hoping to see some flow this time as I had never been here when there was enough to see.   

Through the trees I noticed some young hikers bounding the broken bridge hopping from one end to the other, looking way down at the cliff below taking risks as young people sometimes do.

I could hear the quiet rush of the water and knew that this time I would get lucky.  Standing to one side of the 65 foot (20 metre) waterfall, I didn't like the angle from above, so I knew I would have to make my way to the bottom if I wanted to get a half way descent shot without the trees in the way.

A few shots without a tripod and up I went climbing the hill to the top.  We did a final loop around to top a bit, but the weather was getting greyer and I was afraid the skies would open up on us.

We made our way back towards the car and now for the moment of truth.  There I stood at the bottom of the steel staircase that once was so grueling for me - I did the first 100 steps without stopping.  I rested on the platform to take a swig of water and to catch my breath - but in no time I was working my way to the top again which seemed surprisingly close.  All in all it wasn't a piece of cake but it was miles easier than I remembered it.    I sat in my car feeling quite proud - and hey I scored another picture for my waterfall collection to boot.

Remember the secret to happiness is progress.  Happy trails

East Point Bird Sanctuary and Nature trail

We went for a nice evening walk after dinner to the East Point Bird Sanctuary the other night to get out and watch the sunset.  East Point Park (and Bird Sanctuary) together is one of Toronto's largest parkland areas along the City's east waterfront. 

It is a migratory staging area for monarch butterflies and over 178 species of birds. There are trails to explore and the park offers a two level softball centre pavilion, washrooms, showers, change-rooms, umpire room, indoor lounge and outdoor patio.  

We passed and greeted a handful of fellow nature lovers.  Even during these unprecedented times of the COVID pandemic, you need to explore nature and fill your lungs and head up with the fresh outdoors.  

In fact, the air quality has never been better since air transportation has been reduced substantially.  As well, if one of the outcomes of this virus results in the reduction if not the complete elimination of Cruise Ship travel with its disastrous affects on our oceans and marine life, it will be something good that comes from this incursion of illness that has plagued many around the world.

For many millions of us we have been fortunate enough to have never lived through a world war, famine, fire, plagues or diseases.  This year has been an emotional, physical and financial meltdown for so many.  

My husband and I have supported the local restaurant businesses within our community as well as the surrounding areas and commended the restrictive reopening of so many hard working men and women who are trying to stay afloat during these times.

Many of the family businesses we have known have since closed it's doors.  My husband has had to update the aycetoronto food blog many times to keep up with the closures.  We've lost many businesses like Tuckers and Frankie Tomatoes that have been around for over 30 years.  But through this all I have seen so much support and kindness for each other.  In fact I believe that through hardship and pain, lives the true spirit and strength in people they never realized they had.  

This is why it is so important to try and find some enjoyment in life that comes at a low cost.  Nature is free.  Enjoy it.  There are heroes living in all of us.

Happy trails!