The first touch of winter came in much more gently this year. Instead of the drama of 2013’s “Snowmageddon”, the ice storm that knocked out electric power for whole sections of Toronto and had tree branches crashing down on vehicles and sidewalks, we just got seventeen centimeters of snow.
I took advantage of the fresh snow covering to let Viggo do some off-leash rambling down along the stretch of the Don River which runs through our Riverdale neighbourhood. Knowing that meeting cyclists and joggers is close to zero makes it that much more enjoyable as I walk with my Icelandic Sheepdog on the riverside trail.
one happy Icelandic Sheepdog
Here are some pix from our walks – starting with the overcast first morning of snow. We walk up our Riverdale Avenue to Broadview, head for the footbridge that goes over the Don Valley Parkway, and then take the steps down to the trail that runs along the river.
the Don Valley Expressway on a snowy morning
Viggo coming down the footbridge to the Don River Valley trail
underneath the Riverdale Footbridge
the Belt Line tracks crossing the Don
Viggo waits at the tunnel underneath the Belt Line tracks
Where In the world is Viggo?
Viggo’s trail through the bush to the river
Viggo on the riverbank
The snow fell most of the first day. We returned the next day – and as the pix will show – the snow had stopped falling and the sun was out. So were the kids making use of two of the city’s best hills for tobogganing (i.e. snow sliding).
the south end of the Broadview hill
The Broadview Hill – most sliders have yet to arrive!
Viggo being chased by a Bernese
Viggo stirring up the snow
We headed over the bridge to the steps that take us down to the valley trail. I looked over to the other excellent sliding hill – the one by the Riverdale Farm – and could see a few kids already at play. Here is what my camera captured as I pointed the lens at the sun!
downtown Toronto in the background and the hill by the Riverdale Farm
on the valley trail – Viggo looking for the ducks
Viggo in the snow by the river
ducks heading south on December 12!
the Riverdale Footbridge as dusk approaches
looking south from the Riverdale Footbridge
tobogganners on the hill by Riverdale Farm
Mike, Viggo, and Clarence – the chase is on!
Viggo meets his buddy Clarence as we near Broadview Hill
the sun sets on another great day in Riverdale
the dusk view from Broadview Avenue near the Rooster Coffeehouse
One thing about the sun in December – when it sets, it sure does so in a hurry. As we approached our front steps I looked back up the street and saw a stunning red sky. The afternoon’s ramble was done.
looking towards Broadview from the front of our house
Update: Well, so much for the snow! It stayed for less than a week. And the forecast for Christmas Eve? Plus10°C and rain! So we can forget about that postcard “white” Christmas. It looks like we’ll have to wait until the New Year for the next installment of snow.
Here are some other pix of our walks along the river and the neighbourhood on the following days –
mud, water, snow – what’s not to like!
Viggo on duck patrol on the Don River
A little secret revealed here – to get Viggo into the picture I sometimes toss a treat in the spot where I want him to be. Well, this time the treat got lost in the snow and the Veegs is looking none too happy about it. He got a replacement morsel!
Viggo is not amused – no treat to be found!
Broadview Hill a week later – snow all gone!
Viggo at Withrow Dog Park a week after the snowfall
the neighbourhood skating rink – the only ice around!
kids playing on the Canadian version of the “Field of dreams”
See Viggo’s Den on more of our Icelandic Sheepdog Viggo – “Born to herd and be heard!”
