Journal Entries

My rain coat was most welcome in the short, heavy rain shower - although it couldn't keep my jeans dry from the knees up while walking through the ferns!

Earltown Lake.

This day had been designated a road trip: enjoying the ocean view drive on the Sunrise Trail, exploring Earltown's (mini) farmer's market and the charming general store (https://www.facebook.com/downtownearltown/). But a hiking sign on the side of the road diverted my plan. My raincoat was in the car but not my hiking shoes. Thankfully the trail's ups and downs were minimal: though I I was quick to explain 'why the Birkenstocks' when I met a hiker trail. The shoes worked fine :-) I wouldn't have wanted to miss this surprise.

Noting a vehicle parked on the shoulder of Hiway #311 near Earltown, NS I did a u-turn to discover this trailhead sign. Curious about this hike I'd heard of through Hike Nova Scotia (https:http://www.hikenovascotia.ca/?fbclid=IwAR1KLtqcwb6C3eO1ifK85W-QMASqeKabq3KrctK4tm_FuBdGYyNN21IOOqo) I parked on the shoulder, and though there wasn't cell service here to contact anyone of my whereabouts I was certain there was at least one other person to make contact with on this out and back trail.

If you're American the title of this photo - Red, White and Blue - is for you. I'm Canadian; my happy and fun interpretation is Red for maple leaves, White for a few clouds today that aren't grey, Blue sky - a welcome sight following dominating rainclouds.

Keppoch Mountain summit: ascent via the Summit East trail. Descent Summit West. Rain is threatening but thankfully holding off. Distant view of Antigonish and the Harbour. Including some other meanderings my total hike here was about 7K.

Keppoch Mountain - "a retired Downhill Ski Hill that's been redeveloped into a 4 season outdoor recreation area for Mountain Biking, Hiking, Trail Running, Snowshoeing, Alpine touring, & Coasting" (https://highlandconnect.cioc.ca/record/ACO0209).

Maybe there's a story behind this particular trail's name, East of Awesome. Whatever its origin, the quiet beauty through here is pretty stunning!

Slow and careful over the boulders....

Walking the shoreline near Malignant Cove and Arisaig.

Followed MacKinnon's Brook Lane (Cul Na Beinne, Gaelic for 'Beyond the Mountain') back to the parking lot. Tried to capture this one and only waterfall :-)