Wed, Aug 27 2008 - Walk the CNE/Ontario Place (View Original Event Details)
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'Twas a beautiful, cool summer night for a walk. We all managed to get to the start point despite having to battle crowded streetcars and crazed Celine Dion fans all jockeying to get to her ACC concert. Appropriately enough for a former agriculture fair, we began with the horse building which, although devoid of horses, still had plenty of 'horsey' atmosphere (i.e. manure smell). Dating back to 1931, it is a beautiful old building that served as a focal point of the fair for many years. The lack of horses would cause Kate and Lucy much distress. Fortunately we remedied that later.
From there it was on to sneak a peek at Ricoh Coliseum. It'll host the world famous RCMP musical ride starting this final weekend. Next was the Direct Energy building. There we saw some prize winning plants and flowers. We also checked out a lovely and enormous 'Quilt of Belonging' that is comprised of panels representing various native groups from around the world.
Soon we ambled over to a nearby stage to watch some young, talented dancers performing traditional Ukrainian routines. We were tempted but resisted the lure of chamois, amazing car waxes, and much more. A quick stop at the gorgeous Automotive building (currently under repair) then off to admire the Princes Gates. Our whirlwind schedule didn't leave time to pause as we hopped on the CNE shuttle to the Ontario Place bridge.
At Ontario Place we pondered the mysteries of $9.75 beer sold at the Molson Ampitheatre and watched a hippo gracefully exit Lake Ontario, ok a Hippo tour bus. Kids, being kids, didn't mind the cold and were still loving the water park and slides despite the cooling conditions. We wisely opted to stay dry.
Walking further West we admired the giant Imax golf ball and snuck a peek at some of the Chinese Lanterns without paying a thin dime. On our way back through Ontario Place we also learned about their shoreline rehabilitation efforts and tried to, but didn't, spot some turtles.
As for cameras we were well covered with plenty in the group. In addition, Tino had a snazzy digital SLR that put all point and shoots to shame. The setting sun made for a lovely backdrop on the Ontario Place pavilions with their distinctive shapes. On the way back we looked that the watery spot by the shore that once was home to the HMCS Haida. Now it lives in sunny Hamilton instead. Back over the bridge we were able to enjoy the glittery lights and distinctive sounds of the midway. Kate finally scored her much sought after caramel apple. From there it was on to the Better Living Centre, new home of the farm. We got to touch piggies although Faye warned us that that their benign countenances can sometimes belie a Cujo-like tendency to attack without provocation. Lucy and Kate also finally got to see horses so all was right in the world.
Night was fast approaching now so we zipped by the Shriner fountain, Scadding cabin, and the bat killing giant windmill. A few of us ended the evening with the culinary delights of the food building. Lucy, Diane, and myself scarfed down delicious, and nutritious (?), authentic corn dogs.
Sure the CNE signifies that summer is almost over but what a great way to commemorate the changing of the seasons. It offers architectural wonders, cool junk food, and a unique sense of timelessness and frivolity that you can't help but love.
Have some photos from this event that you'd like to share in our photo album? Please forward them to Erik Sonstenes at photos@torontooutdoorclub.com. Please note that we prefer to receive the photos in approximately 640x480 or 750x500 pixels - do NOT send original high-res photos. If you have a LOT of photos, please submit up to twenty of your favorites (only) for a day event, or up to forty of your favourites for a multi-day event. Thank you.