I would walk 500 miles...

Oh and did we do some walkin'!
We started at 2:30 on a Saturday afternoon. Sun shining brightly warming the January day to a balmy 10 degrees Celsius. We were fed, and slept, and ready for an adventure.

We found ourselves on Bloor Street walking amongst Saturday afternoon patrons picking up fresh fruit and flowers lining the sidewalk. "Wow!", said I as I looked at my printed list of shops in TO, "We are close to a yarn shop. Let's go." They agreed. Perhaps the boys were in a good mood due to the weather or because Little Brother In Law (LBIL) was feeling a little guilty from the night before when he exclaimed to fellow party goers that he had no sister, even though I have known him since he was 11 years old and been a part of his family for 14 years... Whatever the case, they agreed and off we went to Yarn Boutique. A quick visit and no cashola dropped. We ventured back to Dundas St. "Ou!", said I, "There is a yarn shop on Dundas. Let's go." Perhaps because the first shop was so effortless, they agreed that yarn shopping wasn't a bad gig and they again entertained me.

We calculated the direction based on the numbers on the buildings and Away We Went. Sun at our backs, an open road and adventure ahead of us.

and ahead of us...

















and ahead of us...



















We crossed a river...



And it was at this point we discovered we were not in Toronto (downtown) anymore.

We went through good parts of town, bad parts, crossed train tracks. We got angry and thought we might try and catch a cab and then decided against it - we had come too far and we were going on. We laughed in hysterics until we couldn't walk any further and yet we did.

At 4:45 I decided to call the shop to find out what time they closed. We had 15 mins. and still some miles to go. But - at long last, as the sun was setting - we made it:

A little tired, and sweaty, but we made it. The staff were excellent and stayed open a little late - just for us (thanks Village Yarns and many thanks to Patrick for taking time to show me around).

Even LBIL made a purchase of Rowan Big Wool for a scarf I have promised to make him. And I'm sure he really wanted to buy some 'knitting sticks', but he wasn't quite sure how to work them ;)

And yes, and I made purchases as well. Some beautiful Prism in pearl, suede purse handles and bottom that will be used for a felted bag in 'Holiday Knits', as well as suede slipper bottoms - all in red, and something I never buy - ribbon. I don't know what for, but it sparkled and was soft, do I need another explanation? I was tired.

We then headed off to the bar for the TO vs. Canadians game. And again, cheered our team to ... well, if you saw the game you know what happened.

While in TO, I managed to hit a few other shops: The Knit Cafe - Cute shop and some cash dropped. Romni Wools - no cash dropped, and a drive by of KnitoMatic but after our above mentioned adventure I dared not ask them to stop.

Lesson learned - when in a city you don't know well, it is best to check a map before heading out. When you are on a certain street and the number you are looking for is in the 4800's and you are at 2000, it will take you aprox. 2.25 hours to walk 2800 numbers.

Good beer! Good hockey! Good company!

Good Times.