EPISODE 247 CREDIT RIVER SUDDEN FREEZE BREAKS COVID 19 ISOLATION FEB. 6, 2021
alan skeoch
Feb. 6, 2021
The creation of perfect ice on the Credit River is a rare event. Today is that kind of day
and it seems a lot of people were anxious to take a chance. Solid Ice in close proximity
to open water. Human beings on blades in close proximity to mallards and swans sleeping
in the water.
Memories that no one will believe next summer are made of such as this. Maybe memories
for generations if global warming gets any worse. “Remember when we had lunch on a boulder
while skating on the Credit River from the QEW to Port Credit?”
“Remember when those two boys playing hockey came to talk to us and we married them?”
“Remember when we skated while the swans watched.”
This is such an ephemeral event. Tomorrow there may be a snow storm. And the opportunity
will be gone. And there is an element of danger. Danger if the ice breaks while chasing
a puck close to open water. Danger just trying to get down to the river on the icy, boulder strewn,
river banks. Danger you will find a wind blown patch of sand while watching the horizon then
nose diving onto the ice.
alan skeoch
Feb. 6, 2021
FLASHBACK A FEW DECADES: ON THE CREDIT RIVER
We were able to skate on the Credit several times. And we knew there was some danger. The ice could give way suddenly
if we made the wrong choice. But to miss the chance was to miss something to cherish.
I have never been a super duper skater. My first skates were hand me down skates two sizes too large. I ankled my way
across the ice. My worse time was the ‘sand on the ice’ mistake that enlarged my nose as I grooved my way down a patch.
I remember that moment so well. My skates stopped but my body kept moving parallel to the ice and BOOM…my nose hit
before my hands. Blood … lots of it.