It's above freezing? Let's hit the beach!

Matt here.

This past weekend, for the first time in about 40 days, the temperatures in Toronto got above 0C.  Although I don’t mind the cold and snow, it was nice to see the sun.  So, like most Canadians do once it gets above freezing, we decided to hit the beach! 

In our new location, we are quite lucky to be a quick 5 minute drive to the Toronto Beaches (12 minute jog!) while at the same time being quite close to downtown and work.  This past winter there was a design competition at Kew Beach in Toronto where 4 groups designed “Warming Huts” around the existing lifeguard stands.  With the warm temps, and with Mags’ new splash pants, we decided to check them out.

Here’s a view of downtown from Kew beach. I like the pic: although Toronto is one of the great cities of the world, from some viewpoints it still remains just a snow covered piece of land sitting beside a very cold lake.

View of downtown from Kew Beach

Here’s Mags, getting lost in the barrens.  

After gracefully falling on his face, Mags explored the only Warming Hut that actually gave off warmth.  It was called “The Wingback”, with tall walls blocking the wind while protecting a fire in the middle.  

Mags exploring the Warming Hut

Fire within the Warming Hut

Note on the fire and the warming hut: while Magnus and I were sitting there catching some heat, a kid beside us wanted to throw a piece of wood into the pit.  His mother said no, saying that he would just get ashes on everyone who was sitting around the fire.  So, what did she decide to do?  Yup, SHE decided to toss the piece of wood onto the fire...  I will let your creative minds imagine the comments that were rolling around in my head as I grabbed Mags, handed him to Karen, and wiped the ashes off of my coat.  Needless to say, I'm pretty sure that my words would have warmed up that hut a lot faster than any damn piece of wood.

 

In closing, I wanted to post one last pic.  We keep thinking of how big Mags is getting, until we see a photo of him like this one beside his mom and we are reminded that he is still just a little guy, exploring the world around him. 

Mags followed by his bodyguard