winterlude

Our nation's capital comes alive in the midst of the bitter northern winter every February during Winterlude. Last weekend was the beginning and it starts off with ice carving competitions and the opening of the Rideau Canal. (I think that they actually open the full length of the canal before Winterlude if its cold enough but this year it opened just in time for the start)

We have taken up this spirit of embarking out into the cold and have been loving it.

For those that haven't yet had a skate down the Rideau Canal, let me take you on a tour.

First you get a pair of skates, preferably hockey skates because the ice piks at the end of figure skates sometimes get caught in the cracks in the ice.

You have to be careful about those cracks in the ice otherwise you'll end up on your back, like Aaron did... (Aaron didn't really fall but this picture demonstrates what could happen if you did fall)


Next you make your way down to the ice, you can start anywhere along the magnificent 7.8km of the canal but it's nice to start at one end and work your way down.

You make your way down to the ice and they have these nice little chalets for you to put your skates on.
Now its time for some skating.

After a long skate down the canal, the tradition is to get yourself a Beavertail. Be prepared for a long lineup though.

The canal is best enjoyed with friends. We've been lucky to have lots of skating partners in the last few weeks. Observe.


Jodi, Chris and Aaron making winter memories.

Kevan and Jodi taking a turn together down the canal.

Peter and Christa flashing their hockey skates for me.

This is not so much a "skating on the canal" picture. However Janelle and Chris are enjoying the fantastic music of Jason Collett, Amy Milan and Apostle of Hustle on the ice of the Rideau Canal. Friday was Indie night at the Snowbowl Stage downtown so we took in some very good music in the cold.