I've never understood people who follow up a day of getting stuff with a day of shopping for more stuff. According to some people interviewed by CTV News, lines had begun forming in front of some Toronto stores by 11 p.m. Christmas night! Even if December 25 is not a big day on your calendar, there've got to be better ways to spend a Saturday night than lining up in front of a retail outlet.
Here, we woke to a brilliant Boxing Day and someone (we all want to take credit) had the inspired idea to go to High Park.
If you've never been, Toronto's High Park is the city's greatest green space, what I like to think of as our not-so-central Central Park. From viewing the cherry blossoms in spring to skating on Grenadier Pond in winter, High Park is a hilly year-round destination for fresh air and beauty. And I love the fact that it's accessible by streetcar and subway.
Today we grabbed a back booth near the fireplace at Grenadier Cafe, then hiked down Deer Pen Road to visit the animals. Bison with their backs to the wind, Barbary and Mouflon sheep warming in the sun near a stone wall, emus trotting and making strange noises, a mama yak hurrying over to see who's eyeing her little one.
The park was full of joggers and dog- (and kid-) walkers; a bike vendor sold popcorn and candy floss. Back to the restaurant for something hot to drink, then home again on clear streets. Happy Boxing Day, everyone!
