A completely new route... what a novel idea. Although I guess we still end up at Downsview, so we still have that hot stretch with not a lot of foliage near the end. And I can't imagine they'd give up that street - King (?) that has the amazing supporters on it.

All the homes along the route get a letter from WEWC telling that the walkers are coming thier way. Remember all those pink ribbons in past years on the trees? They were sent with the letter for people to put up.

From what I've heard so far, that fabulous street at the end of day 1 will now be at the beginning of day 2. But please don't quote me as I could be wrong.
and yes, camp is still at Downsview.

Randy
www.thinkpinkdirect.com

A brand new route.
This year, Weekend Walkers will experience a new route through some beautiful neighborhoods of Toronto that have never before been walked before. Surprises provided by a group of Volunteers charged to keep you happy along the way!

It sounds like its going to be very exciting! I am really looking forward to serving as a Crew member out on the route this year... it will be exciting to watch the Walkers that we are accompanying experience all of the fun things that the different Crew teams are preparing for them (at the different Pit stops and at various points along the way).

Is there really a home with shots?? Wow!!

Carolyn

If there's anyone in the know here... I'd love to know the lunch spots each of the two days. My family meets me there rather than the cheering stations since we stop for longer.

THANKS!

Wow Doreen - it sounds so amazing! Looking forward to seeing it all enfold.

Carolyn
(who is also from Ajax  )

I remember the home with the hose, that was so wonderful! Some people are out in full force with cookies, cut up friut, water, freezies - it is amazing. Lots decorate their homes, kids and pets. We had little girls doing cheers for us, survivors standing with signs thanking us for walking. It is the most awesome (and I use the word the old fashioned way) experience!

Just found out that my neighbor Emily won't be serving expresso this year as the route has changed and we won't be walking through my neighborhood this year. Its the reason I signed up for the event - didn't just want to cheer the ladies on...wanted to take part too.
I'll have to let her know, but I wonder about all those homes who go the extra mile (as my family and my neighbor now have for four years now ...cheering on walkers and celebrating the day.
My kids will be disappointed - we won't be decorating the house in pink balloons and ribbon this year.
All that said I am looking forward to the new route - just praying it's mostly flat instead of uphill towards downsview.
And wondering about the cheering stations - THREE of them are at Shoppers - won't that create congestion with all those friends and families present. I hope the stores' clerks at those locations are good with young children as many do come out to cheer for us. Mine usually wait under a shady tree....guess they'll be better off in an air conditioned store.

Hope everyone is healthy and excited about the new adventure we are all about to experience - I certainly am!

Good luck everyone

The Avenue Road + Lawrence Shoppers has a pretty big parking lot. Not sure about the other ones.

How do you know the route is reversed?  How does this route information get out - I'd love to see an actual map.  Does that mean walking uphill all day on Saturday?  It's gentle but it's just a wee bit tougher.

-- Edited by devmegsmum on Tuesday 7th of September 2010 12:28:34 PM

Ahh, sorry about that I was having a "moment" - I am ok now :o)

Haha, I just did the same thing - I guess I am not the only eager beaver in the group   You could add Downsview Park - friends and family can meet us there as well.

-- Edited by devmegsmum on Tuesday 7th of September 2010 03:32:25 PM

That's why I said it's been reversed "(again)" :)

I remember preferring going east first... but I don't know why any more. haha.

I hope we still get to walk along the lake on day 2.

Yes, you're right Doreen... last year we had 'issues' with the Terry Fox run occuring on the same weekend, and sharing some of the route.

You are all smart Cookies! I did the same detective work reading the cheering stations. LOL

I'm a 5th year member now. Walked first two and this is now my third year crewing. In fact, I'm in the Sweep Van Crew this year (Look for the ZooMobile) and I dont' have route maps yet. So it's not like they are keeping it from walkers on purpose. It's very tedious work and only just the other night did my Sweep Captain possibly drove the route.

Sometimes things even change the day before due to construction etc. But I'm with you all in looking forward to seeing the different areas of Toronto we haven't seen and look forward to new fresh cheering from new neighbourhoods.

Look out the ZOO is on its way!!!!!!! LOL

Shiloh

(Aka Tina Daquano)

Hi Katybear,

Good for you for still doing the walk.  If you look at one of the other posts - can't remember which one it is - there is a group of single walkers that are getting together to support each other through the day(s).  Contact them if you are interested.

Hi Katybear. There is indeed a group of us "single " walkers pledging to walk together . Meet us at the "A" truck or the #1 truck, whichever id they are using at 7:30 am . Look for a pink sign that will say the tagalongs, and just come and join us. Ok? see ya there. Jodi (p.s. my name amongst others will be on the pink sign

Ahh, I love it when a plan comes together! What a great thing you are doing by reaching out and creating your own "team". That's fantastic!

They don't post the route map until AFTER the walk is done, so you can see where you did go. As people are saying above, you need to kind of connect the dots with the places that we do know (the cheering stations, Downsview Park etc). I think it makes it a bit more exciting to not know exactly where we're going.