Hang on, hang on ...

One of the most popular Winterlude activities is skating on the Rideau Canal, arguably, the longest skating surface in the world.

As a child, I wasn't a good skater, and the only way I could stop, was to intentionally skate into snowbanks. Here I was 40 years later, and my darling brother Darrell generously rented me skates ! YIPES !

Family members took turns holding my hands, as I gingerly took my first steps on skates in too many years. I was awkward, stiff, and mildly embarrassed at my ungainliness. I got a bit more confident and together we probably covered a couple of kilometers. Darrell had also rented a sled to carry our gear, and when I got tired I'd sit in it and get pushed along, like I was the Queen. Only I'm the sort of Queen who lies back and sticks her skate-shod feet out over the front of the sleigh.

The view from my royal carriage.
That's Darrell skating ahead on the canal.

After skating some more, and falling twice in the process, I finally packed it in, donned my boots, and divided my time between being pushed and walking.

The weather was lovely. It was about minus 2 C and sunny, with no wind.

It was lovely in the sunshine. I pretend (sorta) to sleep with my
niece and nephew. That's my wonderful brother Darrell in back.

Every couple of kilometers there would be refreshment stands selling hot apple cider, maple taffy and of course "beaver tails". Beaver Tails are a flat desert pastry, often topped with cinnamon but now available in cheese and garlic flavour too.