I guess it didn’t occur to the folks that run the Toronto Island Ferry that with our warm spring weather they ought to consider ending “winter” hours early this year and start running more than one ferry. This past weekend, there were huge crowds at the ferry docks and apparently a couple fist fights even broke out. Some people waited for several hours to get over to the island for some R&R.

Going to the island must have seemed like a good idea, but if I saw crowds like that with only one ferry running, I think it would take me about a pica-second to make a new plan. There are all kinds of good parks that don’t require ferry service and lots of interesting ways to enjoy the spring in the Toronto area. Just imagine waiting three hours for a ferry, knowing you were going to have to wait another three to come back, leaving time for a short walk on the island before having to leave again.

To those who got involved in the fisticuffs, time to step back and rethink things just a little bit. Go for a walk or a bike ride down the Don Valley. Check out parks in the west and east ends of the city. Go bird-watching on the Leslie St. Spit. Have you walked the Belt Line trail? It’s lovely along there. Try a picnic in High Park. Go for a walk along the Humber above the Old Mill.There are better choices than beating on your neighbour for a spot on a crowded ferry.