The weekend's garage sales are down at the bottom. Everything else is up here.
Last weekend, I took the kids to the Ravine Road trail in Westdale. This has been one of my favourite trails to walk through. I first came here during COVID, just to get out of the house. That was when, like many of you I'm sure, I actually gained an appreciation for getting outside. I never really understood how green Hamilton was until then. We would hit up trails all around Hamilton, since it was one of the only things we could do, and this one was by far my favourite.
The main trail is an easy walk. Lots of tall trees, birds singing, the rustling of leaves, the smell. The path descends into a valley, so you don't hear any sign of civilization. It still amazes me how refreshing and calming it is. This is the environment I want to retire in.
For the more adventurous hikers, there are other paths you can take, and if you want to level it up even more, you can bring your bike along.
One time, we brought the stroller and went all the way to the end of Sassafras Point. Where is that? If you're driving home along the 403 and look right as you pass the York Blvd exit, you'll see a lake with nothing but trees and water. There's a path that takes you right to the tip. I did take the stroller, but there were plenty of spots where we had to lift it up steps and over tree trunks sprawled across the path. It's doable if you're willing, and in my opinion the view at the end is worth it. I added a screenshot from Google Maps.
This time I had both kids, so I had to keep in mind what a 2.5 year old can handle, and we didn't go too deep. We eventually found some stairs that led up one side of the valley, and then it turned into a path that led out to the fields in Westdale.
Riri is fun to watch too, taking in an environment she doesn't see day to day. She's adventurous but cautious. For most of the trail, I let her do what she wanted and tried not to interfere too much.
I worry that as parents, we interfere with their thoughts and actions too much. Don't do this, don't do that. Slow down. Not in the house. Quiet down. Hurry up. I need to find more ways for them to have unstructured play. Sometimes we have to put on Bebefinn to keep her entertained while I clean or finish up work, and I hate how hard it is to get her attention.
It was a fun day. I took them out, we burned some energy, and then we went home to take care of the castle. I noticed while looking at Google Maps that there is another lookout called Bull's Point Lookout. I want to try the Hickory Valley Trail next time.
Neeks
Dads corner
Virtual Insanity
Tap to watch the tour
I had to complete a side mission over the last week for my wife. I used Higgsfield.ai to turn photos into a virtual tour for my wife, who is a realtor. I wanted to see what I could do with just photos. I made a lot of mistakes and it took way longer than it needed to, but I'm really good at learning things the hard way.
I know this can all be controversial, especially being an artist myself and using AI. My view is that we have been using technology to make things faster and express ideas since the beginning of time. AI can make art, but it's soulless, and you can feel it.
To me, AI is just Google on steroids. Google is just books on steroids. Getting ideas and reference has always been the most time consuming part, and being able to organize my ideas faster is a huge help.
In this instance, I was looking to see how I could make a simple tour video a little more interesting. It's my first stab at it, and I'm eager to try it again now that I have a process in place. Next time I want to make one that tells more of a story. What do you think?
Now that this video is done, I can get back to the short film and finish it.
By the way, shameless plug: if you're interested in this home or looking to move, look up my wife @annmari.massihi.realtor. She has been doing this for 8 years and is really good at advising people through a very stressful process like buying or selling a home.
Watch the tour: 347 Raymond Road (1:20)
Events this Weekend
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Garage Sales, Oct 3
3 sales this weekend, all on Saturday. Two in the east end, on Belview Ave and Gage Ave N, and one in Dundas on Giffin Rd. A short list, so you can hit all three before lunch.
Map is updated every Thursday. Bring a coffee, bring the kids, come home with something you will have to explain.
