Journal Entries

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!

Last week’s flip-flopping weather (i.e. cold wind and rain) made it challenging for an ocean hike with family visitors. Thankfully, by sharing coats and gloves and a “sunshine" blessing, we had a “window” to make it happen! Gaff Point off Hirtle’s Beach, Nova Scotia.

Saturday, May 13 was a stellar outdoor day, and being host and tour guide for family visitors (my oldest brother and sister-in-law), a perfect opportunity for a short hike at Blomidon Provincial Park, Nova Scoita. This same view @hammerhead and I have appreciated in another season on snowshoes.

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.

The Bluff Wilderness Trail, https://wrweo.ca/wp/the-bluff-trail/, is a gem for enjoying wilderness so close to an urban area, in this case Halifax, the capital of Nova Scotia, Canada. My husband and I have hiked some or all the loops available several times; thank you to @toesalad and family for introducing it to us. April 23, 2017, was the earliest in the season we’ve hiked here, offering a different, more open view without the foliage. Very few hikers but a nice trek - logged close to 20KM.

So grateful for “sunshine hiking” this past Easter weekend! Saturday, April 15 - had to layer up at the windy endpoint of Cape Split hike on Scots Bay, Nova Scotia, Canada. The flow of the Atlantic Ocean churning to the right around the bend into Minas Basin create the highest tides in the world.

April 14, 2017. Early evening I hiked a trail in the woods close to home - finishing near Riverport, Nova Scotia where the LaHave River flows into the Atlantic. Stunning sunset.

I celebrated our ‘Nova Scotia heritage day’ February 20th with a snow shoeing group on a trail new to me. I was told that in warmer weather there is a beautiful little waterfall up to the left of the open water of this Little Brook . Viewing that is a lure to be back in summer with hiking poles and shoes, to discover more of this River Ridge Common - close to New Germany, Nova Scotia. Canada.

Lovely Sunday afternoon trek with my husband @hammerhead (favourite hiking companion). Plus 5 degrees Celsius weather, with some full sun to begin, ending with an overcast sky. Trekkers had gone ahead of us, making for an easier hike - yet we still stripped off layers before summiting the short climb.

January 27, 2017. While walking the cobble-stoned streets of Old Havana (many as narrow as the width of one vehicle), this potted-wall-garden was a refreshing and heartening sight of someone’s desire for, and expression of, natural beauty.