The GREAT Canadian Fish Story December 2020 (1)

AKA "1000 Maybe 2000 Fish" in the Thames River

The fins of Gizzard Shad look like tiny shark fins. 

Introduction:

Just 250m north of Black Friars Bridge on the Thames Valley Parkway (east side of the Thames River) one comes to a spot where the pathway narrows and passes over a very small stream. Black metal railways keep one from falling into the water if you're looking at a loose shoelace and not what lies ahead.

In late November - early December the mouth of the stream was alive with "1000 Maybe 2000 Fish" as I liked to say. I took numerous photos and a few videos over the period of 4 - 5 days and I must say - because I have never seen such a thing - they still fascinate me. 

I have read that the fish are called Gizzard Shad and information about the name could likely form the basis of another story. I say, knock yourself out!

Below I share a few "photos and videos from along the way":  

Still shot: A few more photos can be found here "Productive November"

Video: 6 seconds. GH

More to follow.

Photos and Videos GH

A Week's Work in December 2020 (1)

The First Week of December is "Carry On-Style"

My Average 'Miles Per Week' is Under Review

Looking south on an icy path through Harris Park, London

Introduction:

The first good snowfall of winter occurred during the first week of December. Every scene I had encountered on my regular walking/running routes over the spring, summer and fall was drastically different. White, crisp, clear and cold had replaced green, colourful, warm, and easy miles.

Due to a minor but frustrating foot injury in late October I altered my fun and fitness routine. Running was out. Regular lengthy walks were out. Shorter walks to test the foot and 'reading and riding' (i.e., bicycling on a recumbent exercise bike) became the norm. And now that I'm in the habit, shorter walks and bicycling will likely get me through the winter. Running shoes are on a shelf.

During the last seven days my routine was "carry on-style", much like the last three weeks of November:

Sunday - Walk (W) 7.5 miles

Monday - W 4.5 miles, Bicycle (B) 3 miles (45 minutes: 15 minutes = 1 mile on my equivalency chart)

Tuesday - W/B 7.0 miles (3.5 miles each)

Wednesday - W 6.25 miles

Thursday - W 4.75 miles, while my car was fitted with snow tires

Friday - W/B 8.0 miles

Saturday - B 5.25 miles (83 min.)

Total - 46.25 miles (10-Week Average - 46.0 miles) 

Since I don't like running on slippery, snow-covered pathways or sidewalks or at the edge of city streets, the next 12 - 16 weeks will likely follow the above pattern. Boring? Only if I run out of good book to read, and right now I have a pile of interesting books that fill half of the bottom shelf on a bookcase beside my exercise bike. Oh yeah, I'm ready for some entertaining and educational miles on the bike.

More details to follow shortly.

Photos from Along the Way:

December is "Carry On-Style," weekly average may drop to 40 - 45 mi./wk.

Relax'n in my workshop 2019. Party time is over 'til COVID is over

Gord, suck it in!! "Sorry, I was captivated by scenes west of Utterson" : ) 

Since those "heavy days" I've enjoyed fewer Big Macs w Fries, Whoppers!

"1,000 Maybe 2,000 Fish" recently caught my eye in the Thames River

Spotted as recently as Dec. 5, two days ago (I'll look again today)

Note the fins of Gizzard Shad in front of first girl on the left

Winter arrived last week! 

Welcome to Canada, eh!

For more details and photographs related to The GREAT Canadian Comeback please link to Productive November Draws to an End by GH.

Photos GH