Little Joy In Walking

I love to walk.  I love to walk almost as much as I love to drive, perhaps even more on those days when the air is a bit crisp and I have all the time in the world for my unrushed stroll.  This morning was to be one of those jaunts, down Bloor street, to drop something at an office in one of those countless towers.  Truth be told, it was freaking freezing out this morning but I was wearing my warmest coat and a new pair of leather gloves, having left my usual, cozy pair in a cab a week or two ago.

Off I went on my little quest.  Problem number one made itself clear immediately.  The sidewalks, even on a main thoroughfare and tourist destination such as Bloor Street near Yonge, are covered in packed and slushy snow.  The sidewalk clearing budget was diverted some time ago because the city was in so much financial trouble. I believe they’re spending the money on David Miller’s hair gel or Rob Ford’s anger management classes or some other urgent concern on city council. At any rate, there was one very narrow, worn down path and I’ll be darned if anyone coming toward me had any intention of yeilding it to me.  Most of them had earbuds in so they could shut out the world and have a built in excuse for being unaware.  So I hiked through the mealy snow.

Then there was the air.  No sooner would some person pass me in a huff on the narrow path (walkin’ too slow for ya buddy?) and they would light up a cigarette, slow down, and generously share their smoke clouds with my innocent lungs.  There was no escape from the sensory assault if I wanted to continue with forward motion.

Then there are the people I think of as the transit trolls – the ones who, no matter how many times they see an advanced green for traffic turning left, will continue to look bewildered as they make their way into the intersection, oblivious as to what possible reason could cause the little red “don’t walk” hand to still be flashing! They look visibly angry with the drivers who are trying desperately just to make it through city traffic alive and take advantage of one of the rare, small chances they have to negotiate a left on such a busy street.   Now they’re dodging transit trolls. It’s irritating!

Maybe the time change on the weekend affected me. Maybe the hustle of a city, weary from one too many winter storms, was too much for my delicate sensibilities this morning, but although I tried to wring some enjoyment out of my little stroll, I found myself wishing I was safely inside a vehicle, kept apart from these inconsiderate lunatics and trolls!