blue moon (2)

Tuesday, January 22, 2008

Winter Fun ©

I think I will give you all a break and write less but show you a little of what is happening next week.
As soon as winter starts to get boring something happens here to liven it up a bit and what do you do in weather that’s at best zero and at its worse –45.
Well you go outside, that’s what you do and you place in all the snow and ice you can find.

Next week is the start of Winterlude.
For those of you not familiar with this event its when we smile and g outside for ten days and freeze our asses off in the name of winter fun.
Actually after frostbite sets in you don’t really feel much.

There will be lots of events throughout the city from the physically demanding to the goofy like the hospital bed races on the canal.

The canal, which is the longest skating rink in the world, will host most of the events like always.
There will be different venues for the snow sculptures and the ice sculptures.

This is the perfect event for families to get together and have some fun, enjoy a beaver tail with some hot apple cider or maybe a hot chocolate while skating along the canal at sunset.

Here are some pictures of past Winterludes.














When the snow is all gone and the weather gets warm, we put away our skates and winter clothes then get ready for spring and the Tulip Festival


Have a nice day
Walker

23 comments:

Karen said...

WOW...I love those ice sculptures, especially the dragon. What fun skating along the canal although I'm guessing you would passing on that activity what with your leg and back and all. I'd be out there with bells on but then I'm an idiot....lol.

Remind me to visit in the spring when the tulip festival is one. Tulips are my very favourite flower, any colour will do fine in case you are thinking of buying me some for my birthday :)

Peter said...

I know what mad dogs and Englishmen do and now I know what mad Canadians do too.

Walker said...

I know you would love the spring then because Holland sends us a ship load of tulips every year, something to do with taking care of their royal family during the war.
the NCC plants hundreds of millioms of them every year of various colors and shapes.
When their time is done the dig the bulbs up and sell them with the proceeds going to charities in the region.

Walker said...

That's us, the people who eat beaver tails and run on water :P

Monogram Queen said...

I want SO bad to go to the Winter Festival in Minneapolis. This looks like much of the same. I love love love the ice sculptures!

Walker said...

Patti: They are something to see aren't they?
When I worked at the ice company, sculpters used to come by and make their sculp[ters right there in our freezer.
Especially if they were big and elaberate but i used to go in and watch how he gracefully transforms frozen water into a glimmering display.
A diamond to watch shining in the sunlight until it disappears into a memory.

BlazngScarlet said...

So ..... let me this straight, you're going to enjoy some hot beaver covered in chocolate on the canal at sunset?
A might bit cold for THOSE sort of outdoor activities ... but hey! I hear you Canuckians are a hearty stock!
Oh, and being GREEK Canadien .... well, my mind is a whirl!

Walker said...

Blazngfyre : We'll do anything to melt the ice.
Is your mind in a whirl or you want a whirl? LOL

Terri said...

Very nice photos.

What if we don't want a break from you? Do we get a say in this taking a break thing?

Monogram Queen said...

Your reply to my comment was just beautiful! Thank You!

h said...

Nice photos. Is there an ice-fishing contest?

Walker said...

BikerCandy: LOL@ taking a break.
I am sure there are many would relish the though of me shutting up once and a while.

They are nice pictures and they show how we play in the winter.
People who work down town and have access to the canal skate to work in the morning.

Walker said...

Patti: You're welcome :)

Walker said...

The Troll: Yes they are nice photos, I wish I could say I took them but i have seen with me eyes what the lens is showing a bit of here.

There are a number of ice fishing derbies going on around the region.
I haven't gone in years but I do remember a few dozen I have been to.

Thank you for stopping by

Anonymous said...

Hiya walker,
Those are beautiful ice sculptures...There is a similar festival in Sapporo, in February that'S call the Snow Festival and they also have some really awesome ice sculptures..I dont know if they race beds down the canal or not...this is Japan you know..can't see dragging that ole' futon down the banks...! LOL

Anonymous said...

Nice sculptures! I've heard of eating beavers, but the tails?

Walker said...

JYankee: Oh I didnt tell you while your teamates are pushing you and a friend must be in it :)

Walker said...

upset waitress: Beaver tail is the best part ;)

PBS said...

Wonderful photos, that looks like a lot of fun! You certainly have a good attitude towards the cold and winter. I'm inside, bundled up, huddled and shivering!

Karen said...

Hey Walker, I've got a little something over at my blog for you.

Walker said...

PBS:It's not like we have much oof a choice. the weather is coming so might as well go with the flow, or umm snow LOL

Walker said...

Gypsy: Does she have big boobs?

nachtwache said...

Thanks for sharing those beautiful pictures with us. I do miss the dry winters from home.