#hikenovascotia

Attending #hikenovascotia summit this spring introduced me to new trails - those already well-travelled and others in-the-making - and to kindred-spirit hiking friends. Two of whom (#mindymccleave and #meganmoore) were eager to test new tents and experience a first over-nighter on the trail. I suggested we choose an entry-level hike within 3 hours of our homes, where I experienced my foray into overnight camping with @hammerhead @toesalad @reneetougas @brienne @mypictograph @celine, the Bluff Wilderness Trail which I’ve posted about before. https://wrweo.ca/wp/blufftrailmaprevised2016-10-26/. For having just met we were a very compatible three-some: stopped regularly for photos and snacks and views, shared enjoyable trail-talk, and maintained a steady hiking pace that got us into camp early enough for a dip in the lake, short trek to stream to filter water, and have supper eaten before the black flies chased us to our tents. A full moon; a symphony of peepers, loons, owls, geese - a magical night leading into the next day’s 4-hour hike back to the trailhead.

To and from the parking lot, plus the perimeter of the four trail loops and one cross-cut, we hiked about 33 KM - each carrying packs with 25-34 lb. We all agreed we’d packed along more than needed (excluding the tetra pak of red wine!) and that the trek was a unanimous success to launch into over-night hiking!

I attended my first #hikenovascotia Summit this weekend, (Apr 28-30) near Tatamagouche in North Cumberland county https://www.cumberlandcounty.ns.ca/explore-cumberland.html - interesting presentations about “all things hiking” - in our province, Canada and the world. My hiking destination bucket list is longer, I’ve a new appreciation for trail-making and maintenance, my portfolio about gear and safety knowledge is expanding, and my hiking friendships base is rippling wider and wider! What really excited me is that a couple longer, several-day hiking trails are initiatives in the works! Seven of us (and visitors who loved to play games!) shared a large AirB&B house . Like most active people who wholeheartedly engage with others so-minded - the few hours we spent inside this house was an experience in laughter, unlimited delicious (mostly) healthy food, deepening friendships - and a beautiful ocean view. @janicerand, @yvonnekerr, @lynnmorrison, @nancymarieveinot .....https://www.airbnb.ca/rooms/13362046. Great weekend, gifted with fine hiking weather, and kudos to https://www.hikenovascotia.ca for job well done. I hope to attend in 2018 at Cape Breton.