Erie Walking

While waiting for my friend Dolly to be finished work, I decided to go for a drive. I went all the way down to the dock, which was deserted. I found this odd, as usually there are at least a few teenagers sneaking beer and cigarettes, or geriatrics holding hands. However, I had it all to myself!

Stepping out of the car, I quickly stuffed my hands in my pockets. Everyone knows that it is colder by the lake, but knowing and feeling are two very different things. I followed the trail that some snowmobile had made (thankfully there was a trail at all, I was not wearing boots!). It ran parallel to the dock for a little while then turned onto the beach, disappearing into the distance. Not knowing exactly where the beach ended, I stepped south. The snow was rippled from the constant wind, looking very much like the waves of the lake. Small cyclones of snow blew overtop, again giving the impression of movement. At this moment I noticed the silence surrounding me, other than the wind. No birds, no traffic, no people. I guess the best thing to do when you want some peace and quiet is to go for a walk on a frozen lake!I walked for a while longer, enjoying myself immensely. I turned around to see the full view of the beach covered completely with snow. Uh-oh. Is that the beach way over there? How far had I gone? I looked down and had a slight panic attack - a crack.

It wasn't a crack in the ice, just a small shifting of the snow, but that was enough for me. Slowly (as my mind was screaming that I might fall through if I moved to quickly) I followed my footsteps back. Once I knew that I was back where there was ground under the snow, I turned back to gauge the distance I had gone. What a chicken I am, it must have only been about fifty metres; but how interesting the looks that people give you when you tell them that you just came back from a walk on the lake!

Back in the warm car, I met up with Dolly. We went out for a lovely supper before going to Ernestina's house. She met us with Pink Drinks, the recipe for which is on her own blog. Here is Dolly enjoying a glass.

The three of us sat and talked. And talked. Then we'd listen to a little music, then we'd talk. A quick break to the computer room to check on an online video, then a little more talking. This usually is the way it works with us! When one of us says that they need to leave, for some reason this is usually a cue to bring up the most interesting story of the night. And then we talk.

Mind you, this is in no way a complaint. I couldn't think of a nicer way to spend a chilly evening than sharing my hot air!