Hiking

Trans Canada Trail - now called The Great Trail of Canada - "is the longest recreational trail in the world. It offers activities through a variety of landscapes – urban, rural and wilderness, along greenways, waterways and roadways." For the month of October 'The Trail' is encouraging Canadians to hike, cycle, paddle, cross-country ski or snow-mobile at least some section of the trail with the goal that collectively 'we' would cover its 27,000 kilometres. @hammerhead and I did our very small part on a beautiful urban trail in Rockwood Park, Saint John. Had I not read about this initiative, we wouldn't have discovered this little gem that offered a chance for a break after driving a few hours. I think we'll do this walk again on future jaunts through this area.

Stopped for this photo on our return. I totally loved this trail: an arduous trek with rewards of spectacular views that never end.

To get to the trailhead. From Pleasant Bay (located on the Cabot Trail, Nova Scotia), drive towards Red River for 5k - this is a paved road - and continue on the gravel road for another 4k. A little ways beyond this Pollett's Cove sign is a parking area, clearly marked so as not to block the route to the trail and turnaround traffic, i.e, as we were parking our car a school bus used this turnaround.

Maybe another time my husband @hammerhead and I will take our overnight gear. Typically in the summer months there are horses grazing in the area, which I didn't see this time around.

With our exertion for steady inclines and descents we appreciated the leafy canopy overhead on this hot sunny day.

A view from the barren headland on the other side of the Cove (you can barely see the swing from a previous photo). We walked a little upriver to find large enough rocks and a couple logs that served as a bridge. Good to know there's fresh water for overnight camping which many hiker plan for this hike. There's an abundance of rock circles for fires that other campers have made - much of the readily accessible firewood small enough for fire starting has been used but there's lots of driftwood on the shore.

On the final descent, Janice having a wee rest in a sturdy driftwood swing built by some ambitious and skilled souls. The Red River, flowing in from the Highlands, is one of several fresh water sources available on this route.

Cresting this barren headland: rewarded with this beautiful view of Pollett's Cove, our destination point - 7k from the trailhead. Temperature was warm and winds were mild - as compared to the previous night's 50k winds that nearly blew away tents of overnight back-packers camped down in the cove.

Trail is well-marked - which is especially appreciated considering it's on private property, with free access from a generous land-owner. Trekking poles are highly recommended, especially with the dry conditions the day we hiked - to navigate the loose dirt and gravelly conditions on the declines.

Hiking partner Janice taking in the view: up and over the first knob we're getting our breathing into the groove!