Winter has Officially Arrived!
Wintertime in Ottawa brings a lot of mixed feelings... While I love the look of the snow-covered trees and bulidings, there are a few things about winters here that really suck. Freezing cold temperatures, daily nose bleeds, and leathery dry hands to name a few.
However, there are a number of good signs of winter here too! Being that it is my second winter here, I have more of an appreciation for these and I am well-equipped to handle the not-so-great conditions.
However, there are a number of good signs of winter here too! Being that it is my second winter here, I have more of an appreciation for these and I am well-equipped to handle the not-so-great conditions.
1. The Canal is Open!!!
While it is only a 2.5 km stretch that's been opened at this point, it's open nonetheless and just in time for Mom & Dad's visit this weekend - Dad is finally going to fulfill his dream to skate on the Canal! And to make the trip worthwhile for Mom, they are staying at the Chateau Laurier.
This is a picture I took last Sunday at Petrolia Bridge where the open section starts. Skaters were out in full force around noon when I walked by.
This is a picture I took last Sunday at Petrolia Bridge where the open section starts. Skaters were out in full force around noon when I walked by.
2. People are Dressed for Winter
I love that the residents of Ottawa have no shame when it comes to staying warm in the blustery, cold weather that reaches to your core and freezes your bones. People who live here know the realities of the weather and they dress acordingly.
Hats, mitts, scarves, long coats, heavy boots and a fast-paced, head-to-the-ground speed walk are frequently seen around the city.
I have embraced the cold weather attitude and have already broken out the ugly boots (see photo). It only took one episode of wet feet to pull these babies out of the closet. I'm no dummy.
3. Ski and Snowshoe Season Begins
Although I haven't ventured out to Gatineau Park yet this winter, many of the trails have opened and I'm looking forward to strapping on my skis and hitting them soon.
Jenn got snowshoes for her birthday and I loved doing it last year so I'm sure we'll go out and do some snowshoeing this season as well. I'm hoping to do another one of those night snowshoe tours where they teach you about the park and take you through at night... I'll have to look into that.
Jenn got snowshoes for her birthday and I loved doing it last year so I'm sure we'll go out and do some snowshoeing this season as well. I'm hoping to do another one of those night snowshoe tours where they teach you about the park and take you through at night... I'll have to look into that.