Trail Races

The Doris McCarthy Trail is a paved path that is mostly flat, with a little bit of walking through residential neighborhoods. The speed of our hike will be approximately 4.5 km/hr and the distance should be ~6.5 km. Crampons might be necessary, so please have them on hand. Our group will leave at the posted time, so please arrive early so that you can find parking, put on proper footwear, and be ready to hike at the stated start time. Please cancel your RSVP if you can't make it. Bring water and wear footwear comfortable for walking. Required reading for you and your guests before RSVP'ing to all events: 1. [Liability Waiver and Group Rules](https://docs.google.com/document/d/e/2PACX-1vR0LFNJVYn5j1AYl8eR63HjAxKMkRwg5ifKXqL3rP6Xl7v_Wcsx4xR_kNFluE3eILpSmP-EJ0OouQvT/pub) (updated 05/30/22) 2. When asked at RSVP time, indicate **\*Yes\*** if you agree to the question provided. 3. See general information about [Tick Safety](https://www.ontario.ca/page/lyme-disease)

**Please note the only way to register for this adventure is on [our website.](https://www.wildernessunion.com/adventures/sauna-plunge)** **Wishing for a new sort of wellness experience? Wilderness Union has created something different, authentic and impactful for you.** In this very special adventure, you will be taken out of the over-stimulating churn of the city and brought to a stunning and serene private island near the township of Minden. Here, you will go on an incredible journey to support your mind and body. What to expect: \- Small\-group sauna sessions \- An ice bath carved out of the private island’s frozen lake \- A comfortable hot\-tent for blissful recovery \- An ice walk on the frozen lake and hike through the island's trails \- An offering of nourishing food and drinks to sustain your body for each circuit \- Guided mindful exercise **WU transport is strongly encouraged for this event as we cannot guarantee safe and available parking for you at the location.** **Highlights** **Wilderness Sauna:** Enjoy this unique sauna experience in a stunning natural setting **Ice Walk & Nature Hike:** Explore frozen landscapes and serene trails by foot **Private Island:** This special, solitary location allows us to dive inwards without distraction **Event cost: $95+HST - optional transport available.** **Register [here.](https://www.wildernessunion.com/adventures/sauna-plunge)** **About Wilderness Union** Wilderness Union is deliberate about building an outdoors community that connects you to the life-changing magic of the outdoors and helps you find your people. Members range from 20-40 years old. The group is a mix of GTA locals and newcomers to Toronto from within Canada and abroad. Attendance numbers on Meetup don't reflect our actual event attendance - we typically have 15-20 community members at each event. Large enough that there's someone new to meet but small enough that it's not overwhelming! ***Learn more at our website [www.wildernessunion.com](https://www.wildernessunion.com/)***

The Downtown Literary Collective's February book pick is Another Roadside Attraction, by Tom Robbins. "What if the Second Coming didn't quite come off as advertised? What if "the corpse" on display in that funky roadside zoo is really who they say it is - what does that portend for the future of western civilization? And what if a young clairvoyant named Amanda reestablishes the flea circus as popular entertainment, and fertility worship as the principal religious form of our high-tech age? *Another Roadside Attraction* answers those questions and a lot more. It tell us, for example, what the sixties were truly all about, not by reporting on the psychedelic decade but by recreating it, from the inside out. In the process, this stunningly original seriocomic thriller is fully capable of simultaneously eating a literary hot dog and eroding the borders of the mind." Join us at Pauper's Pub (539 Bloor St. West in the Annex) for food and a great book discussion, 2-4pm. New members welcome. We are a small group of women in our late 30s and 40s who have been meeting consistently every second Sunday of the month for many years. If you're looking for a great little book club to join, come and check us out! Also, you can find us on FB under The Downtown Literary Collective.

**Meet Up Point: Danforth Subway Station Parkette north of the Subway.** We will take you to a winter city hike and the social after Point-to-Point hike for 13+ km Exploring Toronto in the winter is such a vibe! ❄️ I love a good city hike, and hitting the trails around here in the snow is surprisingly peaceful and beautiful. After we've worked up an appetite, it's time for the best part: finding some delicious food to refuel. 🍛🍜🍝 Nothing beats warming up with a tasty meal after a chilly adventure. It's the perfect way to cap off a winter day in the city. Route: 1\. Starting from Broadview Subway Station Parkette North of TTC Broadway Subway Station \(Line 2\) 2\. Walking towards North to Todmorden Mill's Park 3\. Following on Lower Don River Trail 4\. Forks of the Don 5\. Passing by Elevated Wetland Sculpture 6\. Turning to Taylor Creek Tral 7\. Along the Cullen Bryant Park 8\. Passing through Alder Stairs 9\. Passing through Stan Wadlow Park 10\. Along the Taylor Massey Creek to Taylor Creek Park 11\. Ending on Victoria Park Station \(Line 2\) 12**. Social at Dhaka Kebab at Danforth Avenue and Victoria Park Avenue**

\# ❄️🥾Mount Pleasant Cemetery Winter Walk ### **Toronto’s Most Peaceful Winter Walk** Join me for a gentle 90-minute winter stroll through one of Toronto’s most beautiful hidden gems — **Mount Pleasant Cemetery.** This isn’t just a cemetery — it’s like walking through a living museum and botanical garden, full of winding paths, tall evergreens, and peaceful charm. It’s also one of the best places in the city to meet friendly people, share good conversation, and soak in the quiet magic of winter. 💫 **Did you know?** When Mount Pleasant first opened in 1876, it was a *Victorian-day destination*! Torontonians would dress up, hop on a streetcar, and spend the day here picnicking and strolling before heading back downtown. \*\*\* \#\#\# 🕚 Meetup Details **Meetup Time:** 11:00am (I’ll wait 5 minutes) **Meetup Spot:** Inside the main gates of Mount Pleasant Cemetery at the **Yonge Street entrance** (the one with the big stone archway). Look for me — I’ll be wearing my *famous Moose Hat!* 🦌 **End Spot:** Right back where we started. \*\*\* \#\#\# 🍗 Lunch After After the walk, join us for a cozy lunch at **Swiss Chalet!** Great food, friendly prices, and warm vibes — the perfect way to wrap up a winter morning. \*\*\* \#\#\# 💲 Meetup Fee **$5 cash in person** or **E-transfer** to: 📧 \*\*[mathewmaclean@hotmail.com**](http://mathewmaclean@hotmail.com%2A%2A/) (This small fee helps support the group and future events!) \*\*\* \#\#\# 🧣 What to Bring * Warm boots and layers * Hat and gloves * A drink to keep you cozy ☕ * A small snack if you like ☃️ **Weather:** This walk happens in *any kind of weather* (we’ll only cancel if it’s -20°C or colder). Remember — *there’s no bad weather, just bad clothing!* 😉 \*\*\* \#\#\# 💬 Final Notes * You can **just show up** — no need to commit early! * Please keep an eye out for updates in case of cancellation. * 📱 **Don’t forget to join our WhatsApp group** – [CLICK HERE!](https://chat.whatsapp.com/H59mSCbsAi018gYANrKAnc?mode=ac_t) \*\*\* ✨ This is one of the best, calmest, and friendliest ways to spend a winter morning in Toronto — good company, good conversation, and a peaceful setting that feels miles away from the city. **Organizer:** Mathew 📩 [torontomoviesandoutings@hotmail.com](http://torontomoviesandoutings@hotmail.com/)

# ❄️🥾 **Mount Pleasant Cemetery Winter Walk** **Toronto’s Most Peaceful Winter Walk** Join me for a gentle **90-minute winter stroll** through one of Toronto’s most beautiful hidden gems — **Mount Pleasant Cemetery**. This isn’t just a cemetery — it’s like walking through a **living museum and botanical garden**, filled with winding paths, towering evergreens, and that quiet, magical winter stillness that makes you forget you’re in the city at all. It’s also one of the **best places to meet friendly people**, share great conversation, and enjoy winter without the chaos. Calm. Cozy. Surprisingly social. “There’s no such thing as bad weather, only unsuitable clothing.” So **layer up, grab your cutest toque, and let’s make January our personality** 😏❄️ *** 💫 **Did you know?** When Mount Pleasant first opened in **1876**, it was actually a **Victorian-era destination**. Torontonians would dress up, hop on a streetcar, and spend the day picnicking and strolling here before heading back downtown. Very *romanticizing your life*, 19th-century edition. *** 🕚 **Meetup Details** **Meetup Time:** 11:00am *(I’ll wait 5 minutes — winter waits for no one)* **Meetup Spot:** Inside the **main gates of Mount Pleasant Cemetery** at the **Yonge Street entrance** (the big stone archway). 👀 **Look for me:** I’ll be wearing my **famous Moose Hat** 🦌 **End Spot:** Right back where we started — easy, breezy, no stress. *** 🍗 **Lunch After** After the walk, join us for a **cozy lunch at Swiss Chalet**. Warm food, friendly prices, and excellent post-walk vibes — the perfect winter reward. *** 💲 **Meetup Fee** $5 (cash 💵 or e-transfer 📲 to [mathewmaclean@hotmail.com**](http://mathewmaclean@hotmail.com%2A%2A/) You can send it before or on the day of the walk. *** 🧣 **What to Bring** • Warm boots and layers • Hat and gloves • A cozy drink ☕ • A small snack if you like *** ☃️ **Weather** This walk happens in **any kind of weather** — snow, cold, crisp winter magic. We’ll only cancel if it hits **-20°C or colder**. Remember: **no bad weather, just bad clothing** 😉 *** 💬 **Final Notes** • You can **just show up** — no need to commit early • Please keep an eye out for updates in case of cancellation • 📱 **Don’t forget to join our WhatsApp group** – [CLICK HERE!](https://chat.whatsapp.com/H59mSCbsAi018gYANrKAnc?mode=ac_t) Get updates, chat with other walkers, and stay in the loop for future events! ✨ This is one of the **calmest, friendliest, and most peaceful ways** to spend a winter morning in Toronto — good company, great conversation, and a setting that feels miles away from city life. **Organizer:** Mathew 📩 **torontomoviesandoutings@hotmail.com** If someone asks what you did this weekend and you say *“stayed in”*… just know this walk happened 😌❄️

*Physically Accessible Venue* This is an opportunity to meet up for some LGBTQ2IA-flavoured gaming and socializing—allies also welcome. Come for the gaming, socializing, not to mention the draft! :) Be sure to invite friends and such, too. Event starts at Noon this month due to the Superbowl with a hard end time of 4pm. You'll have access to a robust library of board games, and attendees are welcome to bring their own games. There is no event fee. Instead we ask attendees to purchase beverages or food from the venue, Steadfast Brewery, conveniently located at Lansdowne and Dundas, 301 Lansdowne Ave. Of course, since they are offering us their space for free, please consider buying a drink if you can. Note - Sunday's is usually Miguel's day off, he may or may not pop in to cook up his amazing tacos, if the kitchen is closed, Steadfast welcomes outside food should you be hungry. We provide nametag stickers with a pronoun field; we want this to be a comfortable environment for everyone, kindly respect people's listed or stated pronouns. * If you are unsure of someone's pronouns, don't assume: Ask, Respect and Practice * Definitely ask before taking pictures/videos Steadfast Brewery is an accessible space with a smooth entrance and large single stall washrooms available on the main floor. For those with sensory concerns, there may be possible loud noises. Steadfast offers an annual Brew Membership called **The Mug Club** that offers the following: Your own mug! It has your name on it and is reserved for you. A larger pour-19.5 oz vs 16 oz 1$ off pours in that mug (if you do the math, this sums to about a 40% discount on beer to stay, I think) 1 free growler fill a month (15$ value each, so $180 value for the year) 30% off merch. It costs $150 year one, $100 every year after that.

Watch the championship game of the National Football League for the 2025 season. It will be played between the National Football Conference champion Seattle Seahawks and the American Football Conference champion New England Patriots. Enjoy BEER , food and the BIG screen and the company of members new and old. Tapps is located on the south side of Danforth at Carlaw and is west of the TTC Pape subway station.

Good day everyone, A great day planned for us including **Sunday Afternoon Games.** A great way to spend a Sunday afternoon in the heart of winter. Classic Board Games and all the modern Social Games we like too will be provided. Then stick around after for our annual **Super Bowl Party!** Going to be an absolute blast; so be sure to join us if you can :) **Location:** **SMOKESHOW BBQ and BREW** 744 Mt Pleasant Rd · Toronto, ON https://www.smokeshowbbqandbrew.com/ \*Joined by my other social groups too; so we can anticipate a fabulous turn out with lots of friendly peers to begin our Super Bowl Sunday! (Event Details Below) Sincerely, Steve Flemming (Organizer/Host ) Event Details: **\*SUNDAY AFTERNOON GAMES\*** **(with SUPER BOWL PARTY after too!) (Sunday Feb. 8th)** -A chance to play some interactive games we love like ***pictionary, scattergories, taboo, cards against humanity, jenga, tapple, loaded questions, risk, scrabble, clue, euchre and so many other super fun games to play*** **(New games to play every month!)** \*Feel free to bring your own games and friends too if you like! -You'll find it's a cozy, relaxed and enjoyable environment! **Event Fee:** 10 dollars (Cash only at the door) (HST included) or by e transfer: **steveflemming11@gmail.com** (This fee includes games and Super Bowl Party afterwards) **Friendly Reminders:** -Arrive any time after 4:00 pm (in the back area-beside the stage great for board games, card games and mingling) \-\-\-\-\- \*Very nice dinner menu also (one beverage or appetizer minimum to support this wonderful restaurant) \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- **Parking Available:** \*Plenty of street parking on Mt. Pleasant **Close to Subway Station:** \*Also 15 minute walk east from Yonge/Eglinton subway station (Buses running continuously too) \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-

***(She loves me!)* A Brief History of Quarry Trails** [Quarry Trails Metro Park](https://www.metroparks.net/parks-and-trails/quarry-trails/) traces its origins to a vast limestone quarry operated by the Marble Cliff Quarry Company starting in the early 20th century. The site, located along the Scioto River west of downtown, supplied crushed stone for local construction projects and roads throughout central Ohio. Operations peaked mid-century, with massive excavation creating deep pits and steep cliffs that reshaped the landscape. By the 1980s, demand declined, and the southern section of the quarry closed (with the northern section of the quarry remaining in operation to this day by a separate company), leaving behind scarred terrain and abandoned equipment. Environmental concerns arose as the area became a dumping ground and off-road playground for locals. Columbus Metro Parks began eyeing the property in the 1990s for potential reclamation into public green space. In 2015, Metro Parks acquired the initial 180 acres from the quarry's owners, marking a pivotal step toward transformation. Thrive Companies, a local developer, partnered in the deal to build adjacent housing while funding park improvements. Cleanup efforts removed tons of debris, stabilized cliffs, and addressed water quality in the flooded quarries. Planners envisioned a mix of adventure and preservation, incorporating the site's industrial remnants as features. Community input from nearby Grandview Heights and Hilliard residents shaped early designs. The project gained momentum with state and federal grants supporting habitat restoration. The park officially opened its first phase in November 2021, featuring 3.5 miles of trails, a waterfall overlook, and climbing walls on the quarry faces. Visitors quickly embraced the unique terrain, with mountain biking loops and a 25-foot waterfall drawing crowds from across the metro area. Metro Parks added a canoe/kayak launch on the Scioto River, connecting to the city's broader trail network. Dog parks and picnic areas rounded out the amenities, making it a year-round destination. Expansion continued with land acquisitions pushing the total toward 600 acres. By 2023, the park hosted events like guided hikes and birdwatching tours. Ongoing development includes a planned adventure center with zip lines and more extensive single-track trails set for completion in the coming years. Metro Parks collaborates with conservation groups to plant native species and monitor wildlife returning to the reclaimed quarries. The site now serves as an educational hub, with interpretive signs explaining its quarrying past and ecological recovery. Local schools incorporate field trips to study geology and restoration science. Quarry Trails exemplifies Columbus's shift from industrial reuse to innovative urban parks. It stands as the newest addition to the Metro Parks system, complementing favorites like Scioto Audubon and Highbanks. Today, Quarry Trails continues evolving, with future phases adding connections to the Olentangy Trail and more water access points. Annual visitor numbers have surged, boosting nearby businesses in the evolving west side neighborhoods. The park's success has inspired similar reclamation projects elsewhere in the region. It highlights how Columbus balances growth with green space preservation. Residents enjoy a one-of-a-kind spot that honors the area's gritty history while offering modern recreation. Quarry Trails remains a testament to community vision and adaptive reuse in our city. ***(She loves me not.)* A Briefer History of Valentine's Day** The origins of Valentine's Day trace back to ancient Rome and the festival of Lupercalia, celebrated in mid-February to honor fertility and purification rites. During this raucous event, young men drew names of women from a box in a matchmaking lottery, often leading to pairings or marriages. By the late 5th century, Pope Gelasius I officially replaced Lupercalia with St. Valentine's Day on February 14 to Christianize the pagan holiday. Although several early Christian martyrs were named Valentine, the most commonly associated figure is a 3rd-century Roman priest who secretly married couples against Emperor Claudius II's ban on young men marrying, believing single soldiers fought better. Legend claims Valentine was imprisoned and later executed on February 14, around 269–270 AD. The romantic associations with Valentine's Day emerged much later, during the Middle Ages. The pivotal moment came in the late 14th century when Geoffrey Chaucer, in his poem "Parlement of Foules" (c. 1381), linked St. Valentine's Day with courtship, writing that birds chose their mates on this date. This literary connection spread rapidly among the English and French nobility, transforming the saint's feast day into a celebration of romantic love. By the 15th century, lovers began exchanging handwritten notes called "valentines," often containing verses or simple declarations of affection. In the 18th and 19th centuries, Valentine's Day became increasingly commercialized, especially in England and later the United States. The introduction of printed valentines in the 1840s, pioneered by Esther Howland in America, turned personal notes into mass-produced cards adorned with lace, ribbons, and Cupid imagery. Factories began producing elaborate cards, and the tradition of giving flowers (especially roses), chocolates, and jewelry took hold during the Victorian era. Today, February 14 is one of the most widely celebrated secular holidays worldwide, generating billions in spending on cards, candy, flowers, and romantic dinners. While still officially the feast day of Saint Valentine in some Christian traditions, the modern version has largely shed its religious roots in favor of universal expressions of love and friendship. From ancient fertility rites to global commercial phenomenon, Valentine's Day has evolved dramatically over two millennia while retaining its core focus on human connection. ***(She loves me!)* Map of the Park** Here is a [Map of Quarry Trails](https://www.metroparks.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Quarry-Trails_JUNE-2025_1980px-Web.jpg). ***(She loves me not.)* Summary** For this hike, we'll do a loop of the park. This will be about four miles. Now, this won't be one of our longer hikes. However, in my experience, Quarry Trails tends to wear people out more quickly than other parks. I suspect this is because most of the trails are either paved or heavily graveled (no surprise at a park which abuts an active stone quarry), with some elevation changes along the way. ***(She loves me!)* Where We'll Meet** Quarry Trails has multiple entrances, but none of them are connected internally within the park. So you must drive to the correct one for this event. Set your GPS to [2319 Quarry Trails Dr, Hilliard, OH 43026](https://www.google.com/maps/place/2319+Quarry+Trails+Dr,+Hilliard,+OH+43026/@39.9998462,-83.0873077,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x883891dd76f5eedf:0xf1cb9d34c1069580!8m2!3d39.9997868!4d-83.0872621!16s%2Fg%2F11y17k0ms5?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI1MTExMi4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D), or use the map pin I've provided here. Do not just type "Quarry Trails" into Google Maps and expect it to take you to the correct place. It probably won't. We will meet in the parking lot of the Lake Area. The best entrance to this parking lot will be your first left off of Quarry Trails Dr after Gunnison Dr (which will be on your right). I recommend taking a few minutes and looking at Maps before you head out to make sure you know where you're going. ***(So walk with me...)* Restrooms and Water Fountains** There are a few port-a-potties sprinkled throughout the park (including two at the parking lot we'll be meeting at), and the Park Office, roughly in the center of the park and which we'll pass twice on this hike, has restrooms and a water fountain. This is the only water fountain, though, at Quarry Trails. ***(At Trails Quarry!*)** **After the Hike** Afterward, we'll head over to [Johnnie's Tavern](https://johnniestavern614.com/) for [drinks](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Johnnie's+Tavern/@39.993202,-83.0903169,3a,75y,90t/data=!3m8!1e2!3m6!1sCIABIhAulLarLYZC3hY_vRGwoakV!2e10!3e12!6shttps:%2F%2Flh3.googleusercontent.com%2Fgps-cs-s%2FAG0ilSzkwnMN29-lrgzp50Rzeaq5jXCGM1xLS1poH0Mc52-E9NYBvdS99ei7zGmlAYJZyk8OeNW5YvS7agj8M2Bom4ri1m_-NcJiT-LQUDphkS-SB5Vq8JhO-8NSP-_m80HeLz4-pGhjrwhuBKSv%3Dw146-h195-k-no!7i4284!8i5712!4m7!3m6!1s0x883891c4d61ba04d:0x5134f225cbf678bf!8m2!3d39.9932439!4d-83.0902078!10e9!16s%2Fg%2F11c1p57s3t?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI1MTExMi4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D) and [food](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Johnnie's+Tavern/@39.993202,-83.0903169,3a,75y,90t/data=!3m8!1e2!3m6!1sCIABIhB5lD4Uly_4O9BjNH4r3ywB!2e10!3e12!6shttps:%2F%2Flh3.googleusercontent.com%2Fgps-cs-s%2FAG0ilSy7tQcc7CtCeuUAKwEVJoxtOs8Ycohjy3mGZZOC_kJVdB8wEaGuC4-p5z_jxn2JnpmSEkh_HG7Aok_ZPEgmK57rEBqNIPH8J5tiyAP5vbrRYkUso_fKTkW5vJc47UusNoGiRzs2Vf0m1JcV%3Dw146-h195-k-no!7i4284!8i5712!4m7!3m6!1s0x883891c4d61ba04d:0x5134f225cbf678bf!8m2!3d39.9932439!4d-83.0902078!10e9!16s%2Fg%2F11c1p57s3t?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI1MTExMi4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D). Its actual address is [3503 Trabue Rd, Columbus, OH 43204](https://www.google.com/maps/place/3503+Trabue+Rd,+Columbus,+OH+43204/@39.9932491,-83.090227,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x883891c4d6199677:0x1fda03b0add81e7c!8m2!3d39.9932491!4d-83.090227!16s%2Fg%2F11c14yf3m6?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI1MTExMi4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D), and it's only about a five minute drive from where we'll be parked at Quarry Trails. We should be at the tavern by 5 if you can't make the hike and just want to meet us for drinks.

Hi ladies. We will be walking the 4 mile paved loop. Meet in the Maple Grove Picnic area.

Hi ladies. Let's hike the multi purpose trail. Wear your shoe of choice. Meet in the Maple Grove Picnic area. 101 Craft Kitchen is about seven minutes away at 817 Polaris Pkwy, Westerville, OH 43082 We willl be doing a loop and I’ll ask one of the faster walkers to lead in the front and I’ll bring up the rear at a slower pace - 3.25 to 3.5 mph or slower! No one left behind!