Spring Forward!

I’m so happy to be writing to you on the first day of spring 2021. We’re on daylight savings time here, in Canada and it’s time to spring forward! I always seem to need the phrase “spring forward, fall back” to remember if we are one hour ahead or one hour behind. Luckily, with modern technology, there are not too many clocks to change manually in the house.

It’s been a long winter of quarantining and February was frigid by Toronto standards. So far March has not disappointed, with mild temperatures that will only get better from here on.

Toronto went into the first major lockdown last spring (March 16th to be exact) but thankfully we seem to be moving in the opposite direction this year. The early spring blooms are starting to poke their heads through the thawing ground as shops and services begin to open once again. There is excitement as COVID -19 vaccines are being rolled out and the anticipation of life as we once knew it is palpable.

With many of the usual spring attractions and services still closed, it started me thinking about what activities I would suggest to my homestay guest this year. The pandemic has affected many things, but we still have nature! That being said, hiking comes to mind. We can easily stay socially distanced, and it is a great form of exercise. There are many wonderful things about Toronto but one that often gets overlooked is that there are many hiking trails. No matter where you live in the city, there is a hiking trail just a short drive away. If you were staying with me for example we would go to The Brickworks, a great historical spot in the heart of the city.

So, homestayers, let’s grab our hiking shoes, some portable food, a water bottle, and let’s take a hike!