A Hiking We Will Go - Sixteen Mile Creek Trail

We don't get out much these days.  We're doing everything we can to properly self-isolate and social distance to stop the spread of COVID-19 in Ontario.

When we heard the weather was going to be warm this weekend, we wanted to explore somewhere new, but also make sure we would go somewhere open given current restrictions and guidelines and without the risk of stepping into an overcrowded outdoor space.

We found a wonderful urban hike in Oakville on the way to drop off groceries to the grandparents called 16 mile creek and were excited to get exploring.  We got up earlier than we do on most weekdays to make sure it was only us around during our journey.  It was worth our early morning!

Sixteen Mile Creek Trail in Oakville runs from either side of Oakville Harbour to Dundas St. at Lions Valley Park.  It features dirt a combination of dirt and paved paths.  The total length of the trail is 8.5KM however portions of the trail are closed this spring to help keep down numbers in the park.

We explored for an hour in the early morning Saturday and had the place mostly to ourselves, seeing only a handful of other people (who were all practicing social distancing and respectfully kept their distance).

On our way into the park we saw a wild rabbit.


One of the best surprises of this hike was that locals have started hiding sweet inspirational rocks throughout the trails.  During our journey Molly found 38 rocks and this trail will forever be known as "the fairy rock trail" to our family.  Since both kids got a rock painting kit for Christmas we plan to head back and leave a few painted rocks of our own to add to the collection the next time make a supplies run to Oakville.

The path headed along the river is much more narrow and rugged than the other path, so you wouldn't want to explore right now unless you knew you were the only ones on it.

For tips on how to get outside responsibly please check out this link.

Stay healthy and safe!

Rainbow Connection - Keeping Social & Engaged While Self-Distancing

I'm coming to you today from day four of self isolation.  Last night we ordered some pizza from Uber Eats and left a Home Alone Esque note on the door to confirm why we wouldn't be opening the door until after they'd left.

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As a freelancer I am fairly used to large stretches where it's just me, but at the same time I routinely enjoy board game nights with friends, coffee with a neighbour, and conversations at school drop off.  This is a luxury that we don't have right now, particularly as responsible humans trying to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and protect our loved ones and those who are most vulnerable within our community.

We've already started to feel some of the impact, but have begun working on ways to keep connected and stay social while keeping inside our home.  Technology will allow us to really connect while keeping our germs to ourselves in the coming weeks.

The good news is we don't have to do this alone.

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Movie Night With Friends

Pick a movie, Netflix, Crave, or whatever, put it on at the same time and start a group chat to comment as it goes on.  Want to up the ante, join each other for a Facetime call afterwards to answer some trivia questions and hash it out about the phone.

Virtual Tours 

Stir crazy is different than social isolation.  A lot of our time is spent exploring the world around us.  Thankfully a lot of businesses are offering free virtual tours of their spaces.  Here are some examples I found to check out:

Canada's Wonderland Virtual Roller Coaster

Canada Blooms

Hockey Hall Of Fame

14 Museums That Offer Virtual Tours From Around the World

Sports Replacements

Hey there sports fans.  I know this one hurts a lot.  No hockey, no baseball, no fun.  Last night Chris told me about the fine art of marble racing and we watched our first 'race' last night.  It was fun and kids and race fans alike will enjoy it.  Check out Jelle's Marble Runs on YouTube here.

Facetime Play Date For The Kiddos

Yesterday my cousin asked about Molly having a Facetime chat/playdate with his daughter.  The two stayed on the line for over an hour. They planned crafts and clubs together, they explored their favourite toys together, showed each other what their pets were up to.  It was such a success that they're doing it again next week.  I will begin reaching out to other kid friends shortly to arrange more Skype/Facetime play dates.

Face Time Board Game Session

Tonight at 7:15 we are joining my brother and sister in law for a Facetime game of Yahtzee.  Games, dice games in particular are wonderful to play this way.  Other programs, like TV games offered by Jackbox Games are a great way to keep the good times rolling (from a distance), even if you aren't a hardcore video gamer.

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Face Time Coffee/Wine/Beer Date

You, me, 5 bucks and a good conversation, that's all we need.....Last night we had a virtual drink with a friend and it was great.  I'm planning many more in the coming weeks, because even when we're out of self isolation we'll be social distancing so time at the bar is out of the question.

Virtual Jam Session

Chris is going to be attempting to schedule some band practices/ song writing sessions with his bandmates from our house.  I'll update on how this goes.

Remote Book Club

Pick a book, read it alongside some friends, schedule a date and time to talk about it remotely.  If you don't have a Kindle or would rather support a small local bookstore do so, call and ask around and find out if you can arrange a private pick up or delivery!  Our local book retailer (Type Books in the Junction) just took my phone order and is hand delivering some books to our door tomorrow.


How are you connecting and staying social beyond Netflix and Chill? Stay safe and healthy friends!