Journal Entries

Loving our stay in this snug, cosy cabin (thanks to friends and family @toesalad and @reneetougas for sharing!) close to Stratton, Maine, US. A foot of fresh snow, temperatures hovering just under zero. @celinetougas gearing up.

The wee spec of white says The Cave: getting through here is a tight squeeze depending on the size of your body your back-pack - and your flexibility!

We didn’t see Jessie or the Diner but great views both directions of the Musquodoboit River Valley.

The perspective /view of Skull Rock Lookoff from below, hiking the Rail Trail back to the Trailhead, a short distance from Musquodoboit Harbour, Nova Scotia, Canada.

Skull Rock Lookoff, the highest elevation of the trail's four lookoff points (a lot for a 10K hike!). It will be fun to hike this trail again in summer to compare the vegetation view.

This section of boulders - The Cave - reminded me of Mahoosuc Notch on the Appalachian Trail, except it was a matter of metres and not a mile! Quite a majestic and magical little section here with @hammerhead.

These icicles and very few patches of ice on the trail were the only seasonal signs we were hiking in February. No complaints here, no icy fingers taking photos!

December 26/17, my last trek of this favourite Gaff Point, NS hike for this year. So very happy to enjoy the rocky ocean beauty (and a bracing, brisk wind) with @reneetougas and @toesalad, @mypictograph.

A seaside version of ‘prayer-flags’! An interesting diversion considering we didn’t see another soul - neither hiker nor resident of the several cottages we passed that, for the most part, are accessible only by the coastal or ATV trails.

Swallowtail Lighthouse - official end of coastal trail. Cables and a well-whipped Canadian flag indicate a perpetual 'breeze' on this point!! We had a great two and a half days of hiking - trail is well-marked by red markers or blazes and the NB guide books we used added trail highlights and details we wouldn't have wanted to miss. Spectacular and oh yes, grateful we were off the trail an hour before the weather pattern changed, bringing steady rain.