Funny Picture

If you like to beat the big city crowds, have I got the place for you, wait for it, wait for it; the Toronto Islands in the season I like to think of as 'damn, it's not summer!' You won't have to fight the crowds jamming into a ferry, in fact you won't even have to waste time deciding which ferry to catch as they really only go to Ward's Island on the east side of the island chain.
It is fun to wander the paths and boardwalks that run throughout the extensive parklands. On our recent weekend tour we brought our bicycles to make the exploration a little faster and it worked out well because of the lack of snow. We watched a large crowd of athletes playing winter league play of Frisbee golf on the official disc golf course (I love the disc golf pull cart/seats). You can also go on the clothing optional beach at Hanlan's Point with a high probability that you won't see anyone on the beach, let alone an unclothed person. In addition to Far Enough Farm you can look at the empty Centreville Amusement Park which will re-open again in the spring.
I found the large metal sculptures fascinating. The dragons were set in the ground and several others leaned against the tennis court fence near the Ward's Island ferry terminal. Upon closer examination the sculptures were fitted with gas piping which leads me to believe that fire is somehow involved in their use. To the Google: Occasional Toronto says they were made by island resident Bruce Smith, and were included in the Rogue Wave outdoor art and sculpture festival which begins in September - I am unsure if it is scheduled for 2013 (if someone knows please leave a message).

#Toronto's little jewel on the lake sits lonely and blue waiting for the province to decide what to do with the property. The Government of Ontario announced in February of 2012 that the revitalization of the 155 acre site would require the closure most of the attractions like the waterpark, restaurants and the giant golf ball known as the Cinesphere. One of the first rumours was that a potential Toronto casino might fit right into the proposed attractions (it has also been suggested that the casino could go in nearby Exhibition Place).
"Ontario Place would like to thank our guests who have visited over the past 40 years. Thank you for your loyalty and we look forward to 2017 when we celebrate the new Ontario Place." The park was opened to visitors in 1971.

Taking over the #Toronto Marlies hockey rink is the World's largest indoor lake for boaters being built right now for the upcoming Toronto International Boat Show taking place January 12-20, 2013. The Direct Energy Centre in Exhibition Place will become boat central during the early winter show and will have over 1,200 boats of all types available for perusing. The 2013 live lake cam shows that blue liners are currently being placed in advance of adding over one million gallons of Lake Ontario water (talk about cold, fresh water). See more photos of the 2012 show on my post here.
The Show is billed as Thrills without the Chills and there is a special preview night for charity on January 11, tickets $100 and $40. The sailboat and the large yacht pictured here are seen playing around the waters of Toronto Harbour.
"Fun for the Whole Family! As the temperature drops, so too do the options for parents looking for activities to plan in the middle of winter for the entire family. Look no further than the Toronto International Boat Show to entertain, educate and offer unique activities that bring summer fun indoors, January 12 to 20, 2013. Ever wonder what luxury yachts look like inside? The Toronto Boat Show has more than a million square feet of show space at the Direct Energy Centre packed with awe-inspiring boats to see and tour, marine accessories ranging from canoes and kayaks to fishing rods and wakeboards, and free seminars, demonstrations and on-water entertainment.

Boat rides are available on the world's largest indoor lake for boaters, along with wakeboarding lessons, practices and demonstrations by trained experts using the Sesitec System that gently and safely pulls riders across the water. Lifejackets, wetsuits and wakeboards are provided in all sizes. All activities are FREE with admission, making the Toronto International Boat Show the best entertainment value for your dollar. Children 16 years and under are admitted FREE when accompanied by an adult."

The bikes are in the International Centre for the #Toronto edition of the World Largest Motorcycle Show Jan 4-6, 2013 - see you at the show. Ladies in far out helmets wander around in the Port Dover Friday the 13th Motorcycle Rally in the photo above.
For those that like the water more than the open road remember the Toronto International Boat Show which is on from Jan 12-20, 2013 at the Direct Energy Centre in Exhibition Place. Which reminds me of a joke I read recently: The people that named the sea-doo really screwed up, it should have been called a boatercycle!

Wind Chill cut to the bone as people took off their clothes and got ready to swim at the #TOPolarBearClub in the cold, cold water of Lake Ontario. The annual January 1st run into the water at Sunnyside Park was a popular holiday event for many.