Thanksgiving is my favourite long weekend of them all. There's just something about the autumn leaves, family coming together, and the comforting scent of fresh apple pie. Growing up, my family would gather at my cabin north of Montreal for some turkey as we packed up the place for the winter. Keeping to tradition, my grandma, the matriarch of the family, rallied the family complete with all the cousins, aunts and uncles to perform the cabin-closing rituals. I was super excited to head up north on Saturday because it always means vibrant leaves, chilly lake water and incredible food. First on the agenda is taking in the dock, which dismantles into about seven pieces and then is brought onto shore before the snow falls and the lake freezes. For some reason, there is always confusion as to how it should be done: "Didn't we do it differently last year?" "No, I think this part comes out first..." "Was it always this heavy?!" As everyone grows older, the responsibility is passed down to the younger generation. Taking apart the original dock my grandpa made is not an easy task, especially when trying to avoid filling my waders with cold lake water! But it's a tradition and a piece of family history that will never change. Once warmed up from a little heavy lifting, the family splits up into pre- and post-production teams (the "pre" group preps the feast, "post" group is on clean up). I was on post-production this year so I went for a short hike.
We often get into a rhythm in the city and forget about the wonders of the great outdoors, and my, are these wonders wonderful! Beyond the city limits lie endless amounts of adventures. The opportunities to be active outside the confines of the monotonous treadmill or lukewarm waters of the Memorial Pool are certainly few, but their rarity make them all the more exceptional. I love walking through the bright yellow birch and rich green pines, feeling the crunch of leaves as I step over a rock, and hearing the squish of the damp moss below my feet. The crisp, cool air keeps the sweat away and as I climb higher up the hill, I can see my breath below my nose. Stored in my muscles are memories of hiking in the Rockies all summer and I keep thinking, "This is so much more fun than the Stairmaster!" Besides, the outdoors are a natural gym!
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"I can see campus from here!"
The view from the top of Mt Royal |
Many of us go to the gym regularly because it is convenient and when you team up with a friend or join a class, it's pretty fun. However, for the sake of our sanity, it's important to switch it up every so often. We don't all have the chance to go up to a cabin by the lake every weekend, but we do live in a fantastic city that has an incredible amount of green space. If you haven't taken a walk, bike ride or jog up Mount Royal yet, I strongly suggest you do so. The fall colours are spectacular, the sounds of city are muted by the towering trees and the feel of the gravel and mud beneath your shoes or tires is much more satisfying than the whirring of a stationary bike or the swish of the elliptical. And winter approaching doesn't mean the end of outdoor activities either! Outdoor rinks are not in short supply in this town and the mountain is perfect for tobogganing, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and good ol' fashioned walking (they plow the main path). Besides, a little fresh air never hurt anyone!
Don't have anyone to venture out with? Make some new friends with the
McGill Outdoors Club!
See ya on the mountain!
- Martlet Girl
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