hamilton on a dime

With the economy in recession and prices ever increasing- cutbacks are inevitable; but that shouldn’t mean cutting back on living. It all started with technology being introduced to the household; first we had those huge wooden radios that the families gathered around, then those damn remote control-less televisions toy those ancient 10 year old computers that don’t even get scooped up curb side. Nowadays everything has to be tiny and portable; phones, IPods, PSP’s, computers, and in doing so we’ve coincidentally shrunk our active lives for a rather hefty slice of entertainment. Though these reminiscing thoughts might bring back warm memories, they are still some of first inventions that would lead to today’s iconic portrait of the downfall of family activity. Hopefully barring yourself- the reader.

Television replaces dinner-talk and teaching your child a special recipe in the kitchen.

Video games replace hikes and tossing the ball around.

Computers replace family game night and strolls with your energetic puppy,

 while texting replaces actual conversation- we are all guilty of it, myself included.

I’m not writing this to point fingers, but rather reinforce its importance.

I am not ignorant to omit the positive advancements in technology- but at what price has it cost us.

Basically, the direction in which we are heading is a loss of connection between each other and nature; two relationships we have accepted and embraced since the beginning of time.

I come from a very close family and it notably stems from bonding over hikes, sharing kitchen duties, and my family cheering me on from the crowd at my youthful baseball games.  I am not speaking for everyone in writing this, but even those who do share close personal ties can gain from reading this. I hope those that do not will take steps to infiltrate some of these ideas of bonding and connection and understand there are so many things throughout the city of Hamilton and surrounding that only costs a little, if not any money at all; and you can really get back to nature and create new warm memories with family, friends and loved ones during these bitter cold economic times.

Winter activities can sometimes be the most dreaded; all the bundling up, head-to-toe scarves, patriotic toques, tediously tying those boots, and of course, the embrace of opening that front door of yours. But let’s skip past that initial shock of the kiss of winter and take ourselves into one of Hamilton’s vast conservation metropolises. Within Hamilton’s conservation authority they have 11 conservation areas, over 3100 hectares of sprawling land, 377 bird species, and an unimaginable number of twisting paw-printed paths throughout this winter wonderland for you to discover on the cheap.

1)The sound of chickadee’s splashing around in beds of seed, little fatty squirrels buried in Cheerio’s, the knocking of red-haired woodpeckers on the jutting limbs of _______ make up only a small fraction of the almost unseen commotion within the Royal Botanical Garden’s Arboretum. A handful of birdseed really can go a long way and give you a chance to feel connected with nature, as the cautious but trusting chickadees swoop down and grip your fingers. Sunflower seeds are a big hit and soon little chirps will spread that someone has brought the “good-stuff”. Bring your camera and catch birds in action- this is truly a cheap and exciting way to put permanent smiles on every ones faces, no matter the age. The birds flutter around the waterfront opposite Cootes Paradise Sanctuary and can be accessed by Old Guelph Road. Check out www.rbg.ca for a map other activities throughout the RBG.

2) I, on record, officially vote for the end of the Steel City blues and want all to follow along and embrace Hamilton as “The City of Waterfalls” a catchy title, ehh! Well, unfortunately it’s not my gem- Jerry Lawton author of Waterfalls: The Niagara Escarpment quoted so in 1999. With over 126 waterfalls and cascades to discover, one really has to be exploring all year long to even put a dent in there checklist- and what better chance to start than now. Each waterfall takes on an entirely different feel during the winter, which means all those waterfalls you visited in the summer are no longer the same. It’s a healthy and free way to spend a weekend. Go to www.cityofwaterfalls.ca for a complete list and directions to each falls. Happy Hunting.

3) March is a sweet month! The little snow we had this winter will hopefully have melted. The lush greens start coming back to life. Mittens and scarves begin taking the back seat- and the sweetest part of all would have to be the syrup. All along the escarpment

For a list of all other Hamilton Conservation activities take a minute and search www.conservationhamilton.ca and www.hamiltonnature.org - but don’t spend too much time on that computer, get out there and start melting those winter blahs.