Our neighbourhood is sketchy at best. We suspect the across-the-street neighbours of running a grow-op. I have been chased by pitbulls while jogging (and wasn't surprised at all). I've almost toppled the stroller in potholes and broken sidewalks. We are awakened nightly by the sound of either drunken shouting in the street, or muffler-less cars going from zero to sixty up our residential street.
But there are up-sides. Within a ten minute walk of our house (on quiet, residential, albeit potholed streets) are three grocery stores, a mall, a health food store, a butcher, a library, four playgrounds, two public outdoor pools, two splash pads and a wading pool, all three kids' schools, and this:
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| A lake! |
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| Great for throwing |
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| Great for hiking |
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| Not to mention rock climbing!* |
The Gatineau Park is practically in our yard. I go there several times a week either alone on a run or running or walking with Tim in the stroller -- or just playing at the lake. The lake is actually the closest part of the park to us, and it's perfectly hidden and lovely... right in the middle of the city!
Strangely, we haven't taken up cross-country skiing yet, even though we could practically carry our skis (if we had them) to the trailhead. Maybe this year. (That is what we say every year.)
* The whole time Tim was climbing this steep rocky path, he was singing "Bo on the go! Bo on the go!" (Theme song from a kids show that's about moving and being active. Tim thought he was a superhero!)
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