Trail Tales

Major Upgrades Coming To Long Lake Provincial Park

2016-02-26T14:18:00.000-04:00

New Parking Area

No more pulling over in sketchy areas not meant for parked cars to get your canoe or kayak into Long Lake Provincial Park. Atlantic Developments, Polycorp, the government of Nova Scotia, with consultations from the volunteer group the Long Lake Provincial Park Association have teamed up to build proper access off of Northwest Arm Drive, along with a 5km trail system extending from Old Sambro Road to a loop around Witherod Lake. (Have a look at my map for reference).

New 60 car parking lot

Those of us who have been clamoring for a safe and easy place to park to get access to the lake will only have to wait until late April for that wish to come true. The parking area which is designed for 60 vehicles will be at the end of a short driveway, set back from the road to "maintain the natural esthetics of the area". The look-off park area on Old Sambro Road across from Dentith Road will also have its own new parking spaces.

As for the trails, they more or less augment existing trails and paths. There will be 5 kilometers of trails from Old Sambro Road to the Witherod Lake Loop. The existing trails will be upgraded to a 4 meter wide gravel pathway with minimal grades making it fully accessible. Woodchips alongside the parking lot and trail will help buffer the industrial look. Picnic areas, benches, outhouses, doggie bags, garbage cans and other overdue improvements were also part of the plan.

Witherod Lake

The project was made possible by a $600,000 investment from both developers. The LLPA volunteer group will be managing the project after it is complete with the assistance of a $40,000 provincial grant.

This is a good example of developers, volunteer organizations and government coming together to improve access and accessibility to our amazing and under-appreciated natural areas. It's no coincidence this area is directly across from the companies newly developed Long Lake Villages, but in this case I think everyone benefits. It's too bad a similar approach wasn't brokered during the destruction of the Whopper Trail in Bayers Lake.

H.R.M. is undertaking an alignment study of the Northwest Arm Greenway project which proposes connecting Long Lake Provincial park with the Chain Of Lakes Trail via Northwest Arm Drive and St. Margaret's Bay Road.

References: Councillor Linda Mosher via Halifax Citizen

Snowshoeing for Beginners

2016-01-26T21:44:00.004-04:00

If you've never tried snowshoeing before, you're missing out. If you like hiking, but do a lot less of it in winter, snowshoeing is the answer to get you back outdoors. It's fantastic exercise, and a simple way to get out and explore what makes winter enjoyable. The great thing about snowshoeing is that there isn't a steep learning curve, so anyone can jump right into it. That being said, there are a few things to consider before heading out for the first time:

1) Gear You don't need to spend hundreds of dollars on top of the line snowshoes. The basic components you're going to want to look for include bindings that fit well, don't slip off and won't break easily. There is nothing worse than stopping to fiddle with your bindings every few minutes. Something that adjusts easily and is going to stay on no matter what you encounter should be your #1 priority. Next you'll want poles. Poles help you balance when you encounter uneven terrain, and help you stride more efficiently on flat areas. Adjustable poles are key. Being able to quickly adjust the length of the poles is an important feature. You'll want to adapt the length of the pole to the kind of terrain you're encountering. Longer poles are good for flat ground and shorter ones are good for digging in and pushing off of uneven and hilly terrain. Next you'll want something that supports the proper amount of weight. Snowshoes are rated by weight. You should factor in your typical backpack weight along with your body weight when you are buying. See this article on how to choose the right ones. You'll likely want to buy something with a higher weight rating than you think you need.

2) Locations As a rule of thumb, most places you would normally hike, are usually good places to snowshoe. It's important to consider how well used the trails are (the more people on the trails, the more the snow is packed down, making snowshoes rather useless). Fresh snow is ideal, but fresh snow also makes it harder to find the trails you would otherwise easily identify. Paying attention to navigation becomes more important. Hiking through brush, dead fall and rocky areas can be a pain in the butt, and doing it with snowshoes only makes it harder. If lakes are frozen (15cm thick or more) they can be ideal areas to snowshoe. Be sure to check your local ice thickness reports before attempting any lake crossings. A trail with a lake that you would normally navigate around now becomes a snowshoeing highway, allowing you to explore all kinds of different areas. Exploring across lakes and using them as a shortcut is perhaps my favourite part of snowshoeing. For info on snowshoeing in Nova Scotia see my Winter Activities Page.

3) Kinetics Snowshoeing is not simply hiking with snowshoes on. There are a few things that you have to do to become proficient. Using your poles is key for balance and striding efficiently. Using the ice picks on the bottoms of your snowshoes, especially on the balls of your feet is key to climbing hills. Resisting the urge to go uphill flat footed is important. Going down hill is sometimes counter intuitive to what you would normally do when hiking. Sometimes you need to use the picks on the balls of your feet to dig in, which can result in a face plant if you're not using your poles properly. Going down flat footed can turn into an unanticipated black diamond ski run as your snowshoes lose grip and function (poorly) like skis. Snowshoeing is a great workout for every muscle in your legs, especially your calves as you dig your toes into icy hills, and your thighs as you steady yourself going downhill. Stretching and warming up will definitely pay off. For more detailed information on the techniques of snowshoeing, check out this article on Snowshoeing Basics.

4) Clothing You may be heading out in bone chilling cold, but it won't take long before your body is overheated and sweating (your nemesis in cold weather). You'll want to layer up and have a backpack to put your unused layers in. It's usually best to start off wearing less clothes than you think you need. It's better to put up with a couple minutes of being cold, knowing that your body temperature is going to skyrocket as soon as you start moving. Start off with minimal layers, and add them if needed as you go. You'll want to avoid sweating and having wet clothes at all costs. Wetness against your skin can make your body temperature plummet to dangerous levels as soon as you slow down or stop. Layering your socks is a good idea too. Start with a base layer to keep blisters and moisture in check, and add an insulating layer on top. You're bound to end up with your butt in the snow at some point, so you'll want a pair of waterproof/breathable shell pants. Your extra layers should be in your backpack and put on right away during any breaks. Sealing in the warmth your body has built up will keep you comfortable as your body temperature drops rapidly in winter conditions. If managed properly you'll hardly ever be too cold or too hot. You'll be surprised at how you don't even notice the cold that you otherwise wouldn't tolerate.

5) Water And Food Even though it's cold, you'll still need plenty of water. Modern hydration packs can work seamlessly with your backpack to make carrying and drinking the water much easier. You'll also be burning a lot more calories than hiking. Having food/snacks (think; fuel) is more important when you're snowshoeing. You need to provide the extra calories your body needs to keep you warm and energetic. Along with your extra layers, packing water and food is important. You can get extravagant by packing a small backpacking stove and enjoy a nice hot chocolate, coffee or fuel up with some warm oatmeal. These breaks will be better than anything Starbucks or Tim Hortons can offer!

Snowshoeing is a great activity to get you outside and actually enjoying Winter, while whipping you into shape. Get out there and start exploring!

Hiking Preparation 101

2016-01-11T23:04:00.001-04:00

5 Simple Preparation Lessons I've Learned About Hiking

1) Comfort. This may seem like it should rank low in importance, especially if you fancy yourself a no frills adventurer who can overcome obstacles with teeth gritting. Unfortunately, that little strap rubbing against your shoulder and that tiny pebble in your shoe are enough to bring down Paul Bunyan himself after a couple of hours. Quadruple the degree of discomfort you feel when you start off on a hike and you'll have an idea of what it's going to feel like further down the trail. When you stop for your first break you will be surprised how small discomforts have suddenly morphed into handicapping pain. Before you begin, it's a good idea to have everything adjusted. Even if it means holding up your companions, spending time getting everything adjusted at the outset always pays off by not getting held up making repeated gear adjustments further down the trail. Make sure your socks don't have an annoying wrinkle in them, tighten up your laces and double knot them, perfectly adjust your backpack, and eliminate anything that may cause blisters and chafing.

2) Less is more. Bringing that massive beach cooler seems like a great idea when you picture yourself living the good life at your camping/resting spot, but the mental and physical battle endured getting it there can quickly outweigh any benefits. A heavy pack is never worth a twisted ankle which can turn things into a survival situation in a hurry. When you pack for your excursion, always start with the most important items and work your way down (Water >Food >Warmth>...Bottle of wine). Every ounce counts when it comes to hiking, so even the smallest item that you really don't need should be left behind.

3) Layers. It doesn't matter what season it is, layering is extremely important. Knowing the basic fundamentals of layering is essential, and must be considered for every part of your body. Being soaked with sweat is always your enemy, and being too hot or too cold can be life threatening. The same basics apply to each body part. The base layer should be thin, light and moisture wicking, followed by a thicker insulating layer such as wool, and topped by a wind breaking/water repelling shell layer (choosing light colours for your outer layers can help you identify and remove dark coloured ticks). The reason layering is so important is because it allows you to adjust to your changing body temperature and environmental conditions by dawning or shedding layers as you go. Whatever the conditions are when you start out, it's no guarantee that they will stay that way. Dense forest can shield the wind, rain and sun, so that when you get to a more open area you are exposed to a massive change in conditions. Coastal versus inland areas can also cause dramatic condition changes. Temperatures can rise and fall one season's worth depending on your activity level. Stopping can make summer feel like winter, and going at a good pace can make winter feel like summer. If you aren't careful to adjust your layers accordingly, you can quickly encounter dangerous hypothermia or hyperthermia situations.

4) One foot at a time. The most important part of your body in the outdoors is your feet. Taking proper care of your feet should be your #1 priority. If your feet hurt, you can't move, and if you can't move you're in trouble. Most important of all is having dry feet. Wearing a sock liner is a good way of keeping your feet dry and blister free. Make sure your footwear is comfortable and will not cause any blisters or other discomforts which can hobble you after a few hours of hiking. Waterproof and breathable are two key words in looking for footwear or almost every other type of clothing for hiking. Top things off with a set of gaiters, and you can have lightweight protection for your shins, while keeping water out of your feet. Warmth is really only a concern in winter. Thick wool socks over top of your sock liner, combined with insulated waterproof boots are usually enough to do the job. During other seasons you don't want to insulate too much. Foot sweating and wetness is more often a problem than warmth is.

5) Anticipate to hydrate. You can survive weeks without food but only a couple of days or hours without water. You should never overlook bringing water even on a short outing. Water is always #1 on my packing list for any excursion. Many hiking backpacks now have built space for a hydration pack which is often the most convenient way of carrying water. On longer trips where bringing a large supply of heavy cumbersome water jugs just isn't practical, consider water filtration devices, purifying tablets, or good old fashioned boiling to make use of available water sources. You should also be attuned to recognizing the symptoms of dehydration and try not to reach even the earliest stages.

5 Best New Years Day Hikes In Halifax

2016-01-01T02:35:00.003-04:00

A polar bear swim isn't the only new years hangover-curing outdoor experience. Check out these suggestions of places to help you recover from the sins of last night/year.

Charlies Lake Lookoff

5) Charlies Lake Trail. New Year's redemption can be found overlooking Charlie's lake. A short, but rugged 1km hike from the parking lot at Maskwa Aquatic club, leads to a spectacular place of rejuvenation. Re-fill your lungs with certified fresh organic 2016 oxygen along the steep rocky shoreline.

4) Shubie Park. If you're in the Dartmouth area, heading to Shubie Park is your best option for a place to be seen being "just great, thanks!" (as your grimace turns into a smile). Sure last night was a rough one, but you're still out getting exercise and seizing the new year! ( Check out the map to find a route length that accommodates your stomach condition).

3) Point Pleasant Park. Get off on the right foot by raising your pulse in Halifax's heart. Give a fist bump, or subtle wink and nod to any fellow party revellers who also opted for nature over nurture for the first day of 2016.

2) Long Lake Provincial Park. If you want to get away, but just far enough that no one will notice that you look like an extra from "The Walking Dead", explore Long Lake Provincial Park. You can find plenty of places off the beaten path to ponder all of the amazing things you will be accomplishing in the new year once you get your voice back.

Herring Cove Lookoff

1) Herring Cove Provincial Park. Sure it might be a little chilly and snowy, but we are in Nova Scotia and nothing rings in a fresh new year like some fresh, cool salty ocean air. It's a rugged coastal hike, but exploring this place is just easy enough that you don't have to worry about starring in a survival story when you realize your ambition doesn't match your current physiology. Check out a 360 View Here!

Happy 2016!

Spray Paint On White Pine

2015-09-24T21:13:00.001-03:00

"Spray Paint On White Pine"

VIEWER DISCRETION ADVISED

Today I had a fantastic hike around Susie's Lake. Happily lost most of the time. Towards the end of the hike I came to a spot I was familiar with, near the look off and the prettiest part of the area. I was appalled to see some terrible spray paint on one of my favourite trees. As I shook my head in disgust, I noticed a plaque on the tree. I read it, and my disgust very quickly changed to heavy laughter. Easily the funniest thing I have ever seen in the woods (Click photo to expand):

"Spray Paint On White Pine"

Susies Lake Info (Including Map): http://www.halifaxtrails.ca/index_files/SusiesLake.htm

Top 5 Fall Hikes in HRM

2015-09-22T20:06:00.000-03:00

Top 5 Fall Hikes In The H.R.M.

5. Blue Mountain

While this area is in constant flux due to logging and development, and completely un-marked the hike to the the summit of Blue Mountain is still one of my favorite places to see the Fall colours.

Some parts of the trail are scarred by logging, but other areas are composed of many different types of trees and brush in striking colour combinations. The panorama from the top of Blue Mountain (the highest point in the HRM) displays Fall brilliance for kilometres in every direction. Views of Halifax in the distance, are encompassed by rolling hills blushing with colour.

http://www.halifaxtrails.ca/index_files/BlueMountainTrail.htm

4. Charlies Lake/Kearney Lake Trails

Part of the Kearney Lake trail system, Charlies Lake trail is a great half-day excursion even if you're coming from downtown Halifax.

The trail has stairways, walkways and lots of interesting natural features. The majority of the trail is through deep, healthy forest, full of many different kinds of trees and animals. The views of the lake from the natural amphitheatre-like look off are fantastic.You could spend an entire day framing photos here. The other trails that make up the Kearney Lake system are great as well and views from Fox Lake are just as stunning.

http://www.halifaxtrails.ca/index_files/CharliesLake.htm

3. Bedford-Sackville Greenway:

If you're inclined to take your bike out for a quick scenic ride, look no further than the banks of the Sackville River

This greenway is a crusher dust surfaced route from Bedford to Sackville (about 4km one way), mostly following along the River. The multi-use trail is lined in hardwood trees for the majority of the route. The river brilliantly reflects the dazzling colours that line its banks.
http://www.halifaxtrails.ca/index_files/SackvilleBedfordConnector.htm

2. Bluff Wilderness Trail:

Perhaps the best hiking trail system in the HRM.

It is very well mapped, marked and maintained. The Bluff trail system consists of 4 interconnected looping trails which can take anywhere from a few hours to a few days depending on how far you want to go. The trail is full of dynamic colour combinations of vegetation, surrounding you with Autumn goodness. Every colour of the rainbow is on display here. Views of Cranberry Lake and Pot Lake become even more dramatic in the Fall.
http://www.halifaxtrails.ca/index_files/BluffTrail.htm

1. Hemlock Ravine:

Point Pleasant Park's lesser known cousin;

Hemlock Ravine is the best old growth forest in the HRM.

You'll see huge old Hemlocks and hardwoods aplenty as you stroll the wide gravel trails which are laid out much the same as Point Pleasant Park. Well mapped and marked, you can let mother nature cultivate your kids without any safety concerns. The heart shaped pond doesn't just reflect the fall colours, but also reflects how many Haligonians feel about this special place. Going for a walk here wraps you in a hug of warm Autumn colours.

http://www.halifaxtrails.ca/index_files/HemlockRavine.htm

Recommended Book: "Trees And Shrubs Of The Maritimes".

Outdoor Recreation Is Blooming In Clayton Park

2015-07-24T13:39:00.000-03:00

Dog parks, walking trails, sports fields, and active transport.

The Halifax Mainland Common, located in Clayton Park, has been recently upgraded. Back in January, the city moved to replace off-leash dog facilities from Africville Park to a different location. After consultations with a very engaged public, the Halifax Mainland Common was chosen as the site for the new facility. Off-Leash parks are a rarity in Halifax so it was a gap that needed to be filled. Not only does this site fill that gap, it has now become the centerpiece of an area blooming with recreation options. From the design of the entry gates, to the fresh water dispensers the dog park gets an "A" grade in just about every aspect. Separate fields for large and small dogs, a wooded trail section, a sheltered area, bag dispensers, garbage cans and a large parking area are reflections of a well executed plan.

The dog park is only the newest addition to the Mainland Common. The walking trails have been around for years, and have been constantly improved upon, thanks to the Halifax Northwest Trails Association. They have spearheaded efforts to add interpretive signage, as well as improving and maintaining the trail with boardwalks, foot bridges. The main loop is now lined with soft mulch, making it as aesthetically pleasing as it is soft on the feet. A boardwalk and look-off in the unique bog habitat provides a great area to spot many different types of plants, wild flowers, insects and birds. Chock full of pitcher plants and huckleberry bushes, there are plenty of plants and birds which are rarely seen in an urban setting. Recommended: "Trees and Shrubs of the Maritimes", "Birds of Nova Scotia" and reading the interpretive signs along the way.

Activities don't stop with nature walking. There is a very well maintained, dirt infield, public baseball field as well as the BMO Soccer Centre and Canada Games Centre. The Common is also accessible via the Halifax Mainland North Linear Parkway, an active transport route that connects it to many other parks and places of interest. The Lacewood bus terminal currently under construction will also help the accessibility. When you look at the larger picture of how the various ball fields, parks, trails and facilities tie into each other you can start to see a cohesive active transportation and recreation area that the city could use a lot more of.

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10 Must-Do Outdoor Destinations For Spring

2015-05-15T00:30:00.000-03:00

This time of year, especially after the cruel joke of a Winter we have had to endure, it's almost imperative to be enlightened by Nova Scotia's great outdoors. It's easy to have logic outweighed by ambition so take it slow, and as Frankie MacDonald says best; be prepared! Check out some tips here first. The Victoria Day weekend is a perfect time to kick start a new year full of outdoor adventures, so here's a top 10 list to get you started:

10) Belchers Marsh Park. This little oasis in the heart of Clayton Park may seem very un-assuming at first, but once you walk around you'll appreciate the quaint urban setting. This unique spot is a major gathering place for all kinds of different birds and waterfowl. If you stick around long enough you're bound to see some kind of bird you've never seen in the city before. Stop to read about the nature and the history of the area, with signs courtesy of the Halifax NorthWest Trails Association. At about 1.5km, a full loop on its gravel pathway can be accomplished pretty easily, making it an ideal stroll with kids. Video

9) Fleming Park. What Haligonian doesn't love Fleming Park? Saying you don't like Fleming Park is like saying you hate Point Pleasant Park, which is enough to get you deported. Whether it's a picnic, a jog, a paddle or some good old fashioned gallivanting, this place is amazing in the Spring. Seeing everything starting to bloom at Fleming Park, makes it no wonder why it's such a popular place for weddings. I think every Haligonian is married to Fleming Park. Video

8) Point Pleasant Park. Each change of season means it's time for another visit to Point Pleasant Park. You can almost see the heart of Halifax beating here. I sometimes think that the mood of the city is a reflection of the current climate at Point Pleasant Park. It's ideal for Jogging, walking, catching, throwing, pondering and most other verbs. Video

7) Herring Cove Provincial Park Reserve. It may be a little early to spend a lot of time taking in views of the chilly Atlantic coastline, but if you're a true Nova Scotian, there's never an unacceptable time to head to the coast. Bring extra layers, and be cautious on the wet rocky terrain. The area stretches for about 1.5km so its' short enough to head back if things get chilly, or if your body betrays you. Scampering along the coast here can make anyone feel like they could have been an expert rock climber if they chose to. Ditch your cross-fit class and get your exercise here in nature's yoga studio. Video

6) Hemlock Ravine Park. It has a heart shaped pond. This area has been loved since Halifax's early days. What's not to love about old-growth forest minutes from downtown Halifax? If you love Point Pleasant Park, you'll love the sans-coastline version of it too. The ravine itself is pretty cool, and the trails are exactly like what you see at Point Pleasant. Ideal for strolls with loved ones. You could become another chapter in Fleming park's amorous history by proposing marriage next to the heart shaped pond. Get married at Fleming Park, have photos taken at Point Pleasant and accomplish the Halifax relationship trifecta. Or you could just go and appreciate the absolute jewel we have here. Video

5) Blue Mountain hiking trail. This one requires some navigation and hiking prowess. The area is always in flux with logging and development, so some roads and paths may lead you in the wrong direction. Nonetheless, making it atop Blue Mountain is spectacular. If you've never been, you're probably unaware that Halifax has such high vantage points of the peninsula. It can be windy up there so dress accordingly, and bring some binoculars to have a look around. Video

4) Chain Of Lakes/ B.L.T. Trails. If you have something that has wheels and is powered by human kinetics, go take it for a rip on this converted railway trail system. The Chain Of Lakes Trail is paved, so possibilities abound. The B.L.T. trail is gravel. Have a look at the maps and plan how far you want to go. This is quickly becoming an active transportation highway, so follow the rules of the road. Perfect excuse to dust off that new fitness tracker you got for Christmas and never learned how to use. Video

3) Musquodoboit Trailway. This area is for the experienced and the fit. If you love being challenged on your hikes, this is the place to go. The old adage that good things come with hard work is proven here. Another one of those spots that you'll wonder how you never knew about it if you've never been. Bring a camera and a lunch. Video

2) Polly's Cove. If you've spent more than an hour in Nova Scotia, it usually means you've been to Peggy's Cove. Rightfully so. It's absolutely beautiful. If you can't take a photo that gets at least 10 "likes" there, you obviously need a new camera. What's lesser-known is the nearby hiking trails of Polly's Cove. If you want a different perspective on Peggy's Cove, head there. You get all the benefits of Peggy's Cove (astounding coastal beauty) without the crowds. Peggy's Cove looks just as cool from a distance. Bring binoculars and a camera with a zoom. You'll see the area in a way you haven't seen it before. Video

1) Kearney Lake Trails. This area is set to become part of one of the most spectacular urban parks in North America. Haven't been there? Go. Here's a few reasons why: 1) If you've ever been to Kejimkujik National Park, you'll be astounded to see the same kind of setting right here in our backyard. Pristine un-touched lakes, surrounded by old-growth forest. It's something you'd normally have to drive hours to find. 2) In the Spring, without full foliage, it's easier to navigate. For the same reason, you have more views of the lakes. 3) Unbeatable authentic hiking experience. If you appreciate a raw, natural hike, this place has everything you've been looking for. Video

This list could easily contain many other places, and the order is merely a formality. The important thing is to get outside and get acquainted with the assets that make Halifax such a unique city. Don't forget to share your experiences with us on Facebook and Twitter (@halifaxtrails)

Journey Into the Tobeatic Wilderness

2013-05-24T21:46:00.000-03:00

Inspired by the book "The Tent Dwellers" and our love for Kejimkujik National Park, and with persuasion by budget cuts to our national parks, we planned our longest and most challenging trip yet. While we were OK with the challenge, we really didn't have any choice for our May 11th trip since the budget cuts dictate that the park not open for overnight use until May 18th. Our trip would take us through the park by day, to our evening destination, Granite Lake Falls, which lies outside of the park, in the Tobeatic Wilderness Area.

To say this trip would be our longest and most challenging to date is a bold statement coming from guys who have pulled overnighters in the Enfield wilderness mid-winter, and been caught on many trails with more kilometres than sunlight would allow. As in the book, we knew we were heading into a very remote area of Nova Scotia, where not many people ever visited.

As planning for the trip took place, the first thing that jumped out at me was a 2.4km portage. Anyone who has spent much time on a treadmill, or doing normal walking or jogging of any sort knows that 2.4km is no big deal. Someone who has spent numerous summers in the woods lugging trees into places that are so remote that humans felt we could quietly annihilate the area without anyone being the wiser, knows differently. 2.4km through the woods with full gear, and canoes equals a significant mental and physical test. Though many people may have tried to plot an alternate route, manly men like us very foolishly welcomed the challenge.

The week leading up to the trip was beautiful. Spring had sprung much earlier than usual, temperatures in the 20's, sunshine everyday. Glancing at the forecast on Thursday, the cloudy rain icon for Friday, Saturday and Sunday looked overly pessimistic.

As 5am intruded, the alarm went off, and a feeling similar to Christmas morning mixed with pre-game butterflies crept into my stomach. The drive from Halifax took us enough time to arrive just as the sun had risen. Rain seemed to hold off the entire drive, and even had some promises of sun. Things looked good through the windows of the car. As soon as we arrived and started to unpack the car, we were immediately introduced to Kejimkujik's most prevalent spring time inhabitants; black flies. Good thing we all packed bug spray we thought to ourselves, but from my past tree planting experience I knew that a scourge may await us.

As we filled and balanced our canoes with our heavy packs and coolers we were goaded by the flies to launch sooner than later. When we launched the canoes, and escaped the flies, the skies let out a little chuckle in the form of constant light rain, that would not stop for the majority of the journey.

The trip involved paddling across 6 lakes, and pack muling our way through 5 portages. The first 2.4km portage was expected to be a killer and in that respect, it did not disappoint. In fact, not only was it a killer, but it was almost a trip finisher. With the amount of gear we had to carry, and the 2 canoes, we would have to make 2 trips each way, 1 with the boats and 1 with the gear. Just walking the portage one way with no gear took close to 30 minutes, so this whole ordeal was going to take much longer than we had planned. 2.5 hours later, as the kids say: "things got real" . We were much further into the day than we had allotted and at this pace, to escape the park was going to take us past sun down. Turning back was not discussed out loud, and the motivational fire had been lit. We pressed on, making very good time paddling, knowing the extensive paddling were jabs, and the portages were body punches to our breaking points.

The second portage surprised us by being extremely long and difficult as well. We were less mentally prepared for this one, and on any other trip this would be remembered as an excruciatingly difficult one.

As we continued on, the rain lifted and sun began to peak out, as if to point to its wrist watch. It was clear it was now going to be a race to reach our destination before dark. We made really good time paddling, and faced the final, short portages with confidence. The last couple were just a short limp, stagger and a shout from point A to Point B on the map. Of course they came in the form of steep hills, as mother nature took on the role of personal trainer instructing us to do as many lunges as we could handle.

We arrived at the camp site area at a perfect time, as there was still sunlight left. When we arrived in the area where we had planned to camp, all we could see was brush. It was pretty much the worst camping terrain possible. Then we noticed a marker on a tree across the river, and the camping oasis was revealed. The whole trip had been a big test of our limits, and the main motivator was the remote paradise that we were sure to reach at the end. The site was perfect, right off of the river and protected well by the trees. As we docked the canoes, we quickly realized that our camping paradise was more like an insect ridden dystopia.

Stopping to take a deep breath resulted in a mouth full of flies. There was no time to savour our accomplishments and it was immediately apparent that there was a new battle to be fought. Setting up our tents and quickly starting a fire to rebuff our new adversaries was priority number one.

There was a great fire pit there constructed by previous visitors, so starting the fire was quick and easy despite the relentless onslaught. As the flames rose, we expected the flies to bow down to the bigger men that we were. They did not. From my experience, fire keeps flies at bay, but in keeping with the trip's theme of consternation, this was not the case. Fly spray has no effect when facing such a merciless plague. To escape, one would have to decide between sticking their head in the fire, experimenting with smoke inhalation, jailing in a tent, or just resigning themselves to their calamine lotion fate.

The cooler evening air, and our tents provided some relief, though masses of flies would invade our strongholds any time the screened gates were opened. Despite the obstacles, it was great to be where we were. Far from civilization, in an area where not many people ever go, gives you a feeling like no other. Being surrounded and engulfed by nature puts you in your proper place. The massive sky full of stars gives you a feeling of vertigo that you do not experience with the our modern, light-saturated skies. As you take in the vast expanse of stars you never usually see, you feel as though gravity might cease and you could fall into space. Experiences like this make the entire trip well worth it.

The next day was a free day for us, and the weather was fantastic. It was supposed to be a relaxing fun day of exploring. The flies had other ideas. We walked down the river to explore, and came across a weathered sign dated 1997. It explained the history of the area and even mentioned the Tent Dwellers book. Further down the river we encountered a very old tin sign which succinctly read "WARNING. SANCTUARY. PROSECUTED". A simple warning from the era of The Tent Dwellers. In the early 1900s when the book was written, the area was a game sanctuary. Kejimkujik was not a national park, and the entire area was just untamed wilderness where only the very bold dared to venture. The game sanctuary then evolved into a wildlife sanctuary in 1968, and later into a protected wilderness area.

While our exploration was short, it was enjoyed and helped make all the travels almost worth it. When I stopped to take some pictures of the river, I wiped hordes of flies off my lens and dropped the lens cap. As I looked down for the cap I noticed some bugs crawling on my shirt. Ticks. A new insect had joined the fray, just when we thought nothing on earth could be worse than black flies. We now had to adapt our defences to include checking each other for ticks, like scenes from a bad horror movie where everyone is afraid to suffer bites from infectious zombies.

That night, the rain kicked in again. It started with a slight drizzle, then formed into a steady rain. We quickly put up an "A" frame tarp over our sitting area near the fire so that we could rejoice in our reprieve from the flies. When the time came to retire to our tents and rest up for the horrific journey back the next morning, the rain really picked up and thoughts quickly turned to the quality of our tents. I had silicone sprayed mine the night before and gave myself a pat on the back. Soon the rain was coming down so hard that the structural integrity of the tent was coming into question and the limits of silicone spray were being put to the test. Next, lightning lit up the pitch blackness of the night, followed by some murmurs of thunder. The thunder slowly became louder until the point where there was a clap so loud that it was exactly like standing next to the noon gun on Citadel Hill as it is fired. The concussion impacted my body like a swift kick, and the acoustics provided by the surrounding environment were unlike anything I'd ever heard. It was fantastic, as long as my tent continued to resist the torrent, and we didn't become one of the odds defiers who get struck. No one slept that night and every few minutes you would see a flashlight turn on to inspect the seams of the tent, followed by some choice words and phrases. With all the rain falling, combined with the many drinks enjoyed earlier in the night, a new problem cropped up. Going outside of the tent was out of the question, as you would be quickly submerged. Now there were many reasons to hope the storm would stop, which it did not until around 7am.

We were lucky that the torrential rains stopped when they did, because the long journey ahead required a large portion of the day to have good enough weather for travel. The skies still looked charged, but we had no choice and had to set out post-haste. The race was on against the weather, and if it turned ugly again, we would have to face the reality of having to camp out for another soggy night with limited food and water (in the park, and face a hefty fine, thanks to the Harper government's cuts). Luckily the weather held off and we did not face any of the notoriously tough headwinds that some of the lakes can have. We made it back in very good time, bodies battered, mental and physical limits fully tested.

During our trip it was hard to really enjoy many moments due to the many obstacles we faced. Looking back on any difficult journey is always a motivator for the future. It instills new confidence that your mental and physical limits are higher than you ever hoped to discover. What doesn't kill you, only makes you itchy.

View Kejimkujik Photos Here
View the Trip Video Here.

Duncan's Cove

2012-09-26T23:45:00.000-03:00

My latest excursion was to a place that I had heard good things about but never been. With a new camera begging to be taken on a tour. I decided to check it out.

The trail, like many throughout the province, is not marked or signed very well. Once you pull onto Duncan's Cove Road, there is no hint of where the trail is other than a small gravel parking area on the side of the road near a private access road entrance. I guessed that this was where we enter even though it looked a bit sketchy.

Right away as you walk down the main road toward the private road you get to see a glimpse of the great views you are about to encounter. The unique community of houses are also blend of classic nova Scotia coastal communities and modern architecture. The first few hundred meters might seem as though you are trespassing but once you reach the top of the hill, the beautiful rugged coastline and the rest of the trail become visible. It is a great example of some of the hidden gems that are everywhere in the province. The coastal views are as good as it gets. For a short day hike which isn't a far drive from Halifax, you'd be hard pressed to find a better spot than this.

It was late august and the blueberry bushes which saturate the coastal Barrens were in full bloom. A few seconds of foraging bore a handful of delicious Huckleberries. My sister in law later visited here with my nephews and I received some fantastic arctic blueberry jam! (Recommended reading: "Field Guide to Edible Plants in Eastern and Central North America")

There are a couple of world war one era lookouts which mark roughly the mid point and end point of the trail. When I reached the first lookout which only took about 30 minutes I felt like there was no need to go any further, as the views here were spectacular. My stop here probably added 20 minutes to the trip but I would advise others to do the same. I'm sure that spotting whales from here can be achieved with the proper amount of dedication and daydreaming.

The second leg of the journey includes some really great rock climbing opportunities and great spots to watch the powerful surf up close (caution strongly advised). The trail gets more rugged toward the end and there is potential for a catastrophic fall in a couple of places if you aren't paying attention. These dangers are to be considered if you bring kids along but otherwise add to the character of the trail.

The second lookout marks the end of the trail and again the views are spectacular. Green rocky barrens stretch as far as the eye can see to the west, blue skies and ocean as far as you can see to the east. Another great example of modern architecture lies further down the coast on what has to be one of the nicest dwellings in the province. I'm not sure which aspect of this place is the most impressive: the house, the pool, the property, or the immense rock wall surrounding the property.

After this point the trail ends and you must turn back around and head back the same way you came. Usually I'm not a big fan of linear pathways and prefer looped trails but in this case there is so much scenery to take in, that doubling back isn't a chore.

All in all this was another unexpectedly spectacular day trip even to someone who was born and raised in Halifax but had never been. I recommend it to anyone who wants to see one of Nova Scotia's greatest coastal landscapes. You can snap some great photos, get back to your childhood rock climbing days, breathe in some fresh ocean air while getting top quality exercise....and end up with some fresh blueberry jam!

For more detailed info on Duncan's Cove, visit my website.

The Fuss Over Coyotes

2012-02-29T00:48:00.001-04:00

Based on the tragic incident that occured in Cape Breton 3 years ago, there has been much attention and discussion paid to coyotes in Nova Scotia. I often dismiss many of the stories I read in the local news about coyotes, as a topic that the media has jumped on-board with to grab people's attention whether warranted or not. To me, one very tragic incident throughout the coyote's history of living in Nova Scotia, doesn't seem to warrant all of the negative press they now receive. Or is it warranted? I decided to delve into the topic more deeply.

Recently I went on a hike with my brother and nephews (age 5 and 4) to Blue Mountain. I figured the hike wasn't too lengthy or difficult for small children to do, and most of the path is well-travelled. Our Sunday outing was quickly brought to an end as we encountered a sign that said DO NOT ENTER warned of coyote traps ahead. Disapointed, we headed back for the car, as we weren't going to take any chances with young children. From previous trips to the Blue Mountain trail, I saw that it is a very popular area for locals to walk their dogs, and I imagine that coyote traps have got to be a pretty bad thing to put in an area frequented by dogs. So why the frenzy over coyotes? Are they really that dangerous? What exactly is being done about them? And why are they now such a concern?

History: The Eastern Coyote was first recorded in Nova Scotia in 1977 and is the newest large mammal on the scene. Their migration to Nova Scotia was the result of habitat change, forcing them to find new territory. It didn't take very long for coyotes to be wide-spread in the province due to their diverse diet and ability to adapt.

Eastern Coyote Bio: Average Male= 34 pounds, Female=24 pounds. Typically larger than western coyotes due to their distinct genetics from past inter-breeding with wolves. Average litter: 5-6 pups. They hunt in family units or packs. Diet consists of deer, mice, squirrels, snowshoe hare, fruit, and excellent at scavenging. Can live in urban areas.

Facts: There are no reported cases of Coyotes carrying rabies in Nova Scotia. There has been one fatal attack on a human by a Coyote in Nova Scotia, the only other incident was recorded in California in 1981. There are 3 records since 1995 of people bitten or attacked in Nova Scotia. Since 1994 there have been 24 recorded human-coyote interactions resulting in injury (14% of all reported human-coyote incidents). Coyotes, like most other wild animals in Nova Scotia, prefer to avoid human contact.

Given this info, why the uproar about coyotes? Was that one tragedy a completely isolated, freak incident, or is there a real issue here? The government quickly responded by hunting down and shooting the coyotes responsible for the attack, and examining them for evidence of rabies or other reasons as to why these coyotes would be particularly aggressive. Rabies was not found, and it is thought that the coyotes may have just been very desperate for food, causing the out of character behaviour.

The result of the incident was widespread coverage in the media about coyotes in Nova Scotia. Whether it was possible sitings of the animals in rural areas, incidents being reported much more readily, or discussion about a cull, the coyote had earned an infamous spotlight. After the widespread media coverage and pressure from the public, the government of Nova Scotia instituted a cull in 2010 and again in 2011. The cull was part of a new 4 step plan to control aggressive coyotes which also includes a biologist to study human-wildlife conflict, training more trappers, providing a pelt incentive, and increasing education about the animal.

It is yet to be determined what effect the government's new approach towards coyotes has had, but that doesn't stop media from covering reports of sitings that otherwise wouldn't have been news, and for people to question the merits of instituting a bounty on the animal.

From my experience in the woods (4 summers of tree planting in Nova Scotia, and many years spent enjoying the outdoors) I have only seen or heard coyotes from a distance. To me, there is nothing like being in the remote areas of Kejimkujik National Park, at night, watching the sun set over a lake, listening to the loons call, the frogs peep, the owls hoot and the coyotes howl. It is nature functioning as it should. Only when human encroachment is put into the mix does the balance get disrupted and problems arise. I think following the usual rules of entering into the wilderness are all you need: Try not to travel alone, make some noise, carry pepper spray, a knife, or a stick, be aware of your surroundings, treat animals with healthy respect, but realize most of them want to avoid humans as long as they are aware of your presence.

What are your thoughts? Is the uproar about coyotes warranted? Has something changed to make them more agressive? Is the cull necessary? What other approaches could we take? Is this just hypervigilance resulting from one very tragic freak-incident? Please leave your comments below.

Porters Lake Forest Fires: 2 years later

2011-01-17T16:32:00.003-04:00

For my latest hike (map), myself and three friends went out to the area of the huge fire that devastated large swaths of forest and forced 5000 people from their homes. This was my first time seeing the damage up close, and it really was devastating. Stretching for kilometers in all directions are bare, soot stained sticks, where there was once a forest.

The hike took us along some back roads, well travelled by local ATVs. We crossed streams and rivers, and were flanked by lakes most of the time. The weather was ideal, partly sunny, cool but not cold for this time of year, and a layer of fresh snow. The lakes were just frozen enough to look passable, but as my feet quickly found out, were not. Anyone doing winter hiking around lakes should take the time to look up the local ice thickness report before hand.

We decided to venture off the beaten path for an hour of hardcore bush whacking. It's always fun to challenge yourself and test the limits of you're new equipment. My boots and pants passed the test, fighting off 4 or 5 soakers, and providing good traction and warmth. I can't stress enough the importance of good waterproof, breathable hiking boots. Running shoes are fine for gravel pathways, but for serious hiking, you need equally serious footwear. As always, layers of clothing are key. This day I went with a long sleeve, thin, moisture wicking shirt, with a lightweight cotton/wool mix long sleeve shirt over that, and my 2 layer winter jacket on top. My pants are fleece lined snowboarding type with elastic cuffs which fit over my mid-shin high waterproof winter boots. With temperatures slightly below zero to start off the day I wore all layers, but when the mid-morning sunshine came out I took off my middle layer, unzipped my jacket and took off my hat and gloves to avoid overheating or working up a big sweat (something you want to avoid in winter). It was great to be out in the fresh air and sunshine, while being very comfortable and warm. One thing i neglected to bring was sunglasses, which would have been good to protect my eyes from snow and ice glare.

With the fresh layer of snow, it was easy to see lots of tracks, including deer, rabbit and coyote. The snow also provided a beautiful cosmetic layer to cover a lot of the devastation from the fires. Instead of looking like a burned out wasteland, it had taken on a surreal beauty. In the two years since the fires, new growth has begun in abundance. This hike was great because it really contrasts the destructive power and resilience of mother nature. New growth was already 3-4 feet high.

After an hour of bush-whacking we came upon a small hunting camp, and decided to pay a visit. The camp was clean, and well maintained. A greeting note on the table laid out rules and invited visitors to stay. It is great to see this kind of thing. The people who wrote the note and maintain the log book have no problem with responsible people visiting their camp and in fact encourage it by providing their contact info so you can phone ahead to see if the camp will be available at a certain time. I won't give any info on the camp, because I like to encourage people to find their own hidden gems and respect the code of conduct. Clean up, replace anything you use, leave only useful items, and don't advertise the location.

The hike was great, the scenery was great, but the best part of all was the renewed confidence in the resilient qualities of mother nature, as well as renewed faith in the qualities of sharing and generosity in human nature. VIDEO

Getting to know Hemlock Ravine Park

2010-09-28T23:06:00.008-03:00

Chances are if you've never visited Hemlock Ravine Park, or been there once years ago, you are in the majority of HRM residents. Everyone knows and loves Point Pleasant Park, and the Public Gardens, but Hemlock Ravine is their unassuming, lesser-known cousin. Most people (like myself) know very little about the park. Some likely don't know of its existence, others may know it exists but are un-sure exactly where it is. My knowledge stopped at the heart-shaped pond, and the old white round building off of the Bedford Highway. The round house has always had a mystique to me since I was a youngster, perhaps because it is in such an odd spot, or perhaps because the only history I knew of it was that a man once went insane in there because he could not find a corner to pee in (my mother's idea of a history lesson). I don't think I'm alone in my lack of knowledge about Hemlock Ravine Park, and only recently have I become well acquainted with what is one of the most naturally beautiful parts of the city. Allow me to (re)introduce you to Hemlock Ravine Park:

Part 1: History: what is that little round white house on the Bedford highway, and who built the heart-shaped pond?

In 1780, Nova Scotia's Lieutenant Governor, John Wentworth resided on the grounds. Wentworth happens to be the same man who built the current Goverment House on Barrington Street. In 1794, Prince Edward, Duke of Kent arrived in Halifax to command the garrison. Wentworth then lent the estate to him, where he and his French mistress, Julie St. Laurent lived. Edward turned the grounds into heavily landscaped pleasure gardens, built ornamental temples, waterfalls, a grotto and a pond (originally larger than the current one, and oval shaped). The retreat was the social center of the colony for the local elite, and activities included garden parties, picnics, concerts, and winter skating parties on the pond after sleigh rides from Halifax. In 1800, Edward and St. Laurent left Halifax, and the grounds were turned over to Governor Wentworth, who moved out shortly, and the grounds fell into disrepair but remained popular with locals for its natural beauty and ideal setting for a country picnic. When Prince Arthur (Prince Edward's Grandson) arrived in Halifax in 1869, he re-shaped the pond into its current heart shape, in dedication to the 27 years that Prince Edward and Julie St. Laurent spent together. By the 1950s, all that remained of the original estate was the muddy pond, and one decorative temple; the round music rotunda.

Part 2: What is so good about it now?

After learning the history, you may think that there is no reason to go there now, as it may have been spectacularly beautiful when it was built, but all that is left is a couple of small reminders. However, if you want to witness some spectacular gardens all you have to do is visit Halifax's amazing Public Gardens. If you want to witness some beautiful old, untouched nature, there are very few places in the entire province that you can do this, let alone in the city. The reason Hemlock ravine is so beautiful now isn't because of anything that The Duke of Kent did, it's what he and the early settlers of Halifax didn't do that make the park the gem it is today. Since the grounds were protected from the early settlement of Halifax, the trees were not cut down to supply the garrison, unlike the rest of the city (excluding Point Pleasant Park). While virtually every wooded area in the province has been cut down and re-grown generation after generation, Hemlock Ravine is one of a handful of places where this hasn't happened. As a result, 300 year old, 80ft Hemlocks can be seen in the park, as well as numerous other flora and fauna that you are unlikely to see elsewhere around the city. Halifax is known as the city of trees, but to see genuine old growth forest is a rarity throughout the province.. You can visit Hemlock Ravine, quickly forget you are in the city, and be re-acquainted with nature all within a 20 minute drive of most of the HRM.

Part 3: Nature

The city of Halifax has owned the 200 acre grounds since 1977. The treasures contained in the park include 300 year old Hemlock trees which grow along the banks of the Ravine. The Eastern Hemlock tree can live up to 450 years, and can be identified by their droopy, feathery, dark green, flat needle foliage in flat sprays of branches and their unusually small cones. It was once dominant throughout Nova Scotia, but extensive logging greatly reduced their numbers and all but eliminated old stands. Fortunately, when given the chance, they do re-generate easily. Hemlocks are considered a soft wood, but are actually incredibly hard. Natives made a poultice (a medicinal, warm compress) from the inner bark, and early settlers made hemlock tea to induce sweating (not to be confused with the poison that Socrates drank, which is from an un-related herb.)

The undergrowth of the park is not typical of an old-growth forest, there are however small pockets of climax conifer forest of the quartzite barrens. Look for painted trillium (endangered, do not pick) in the mossy carpet of the spruce trees in June. Hobblebush grows here, as well as elderberry in the fall. In the northern part of the park, which has been hit by numerous fires in the past, there is a growth of red maple trees. Recommended reading: "Trees And Shrubs Of The Maritimes"

Animals include red squirrels and white tailed deer. flying squirrels, raccoons, red foxes and owls have also been sited.

Part 4: Go there, explore, enjoy, relax, appreciate, contemplate and be sure to look upward.

Hemlock Ravine Links: Photos , Videos, Park Info

The Many Charms of Cape Breton

2010-09-15T17:24:00.002-03:00

It has been a while since I had last visited Cape Breton, and as the summer wound down, I decided I needed to do a few "summerly" things before the great weather passed without anything significant to remember it by. My friend's family has a cottage in East Bay, on the Bras D'ors lake, and it had been a couple of years since both he and I visited.

The drive to Cape Breton is always enjoyable in the summer, as the scenery gets progressively better the further you go. Entering Antigonish County, "the highland heart of Nova Scotia" you begin to get a feel for the highland landscape, and begin to see the Celtic heritage that Nova Scotia is rooted in. Past this point, anywhere you go at any given time, you are likely to hear bagpipes, fiddles and people indulging in a few spirited drinks at a local ceilidh or festival.

In the words of local Cape Bretoners; the day the Canso Causeway was constructed, was the day that Canada joined Cape Breton. That statement gives you a perfect insight into the sense of humour and pride present within them all. To this day, the causeway provides a landmark which crosses into beautiful scenery, great people, proud culture and storied history.

The arrival at my friends cottage is met with extreme relaxation and summertime good feelings, and an urge to do absolutely nothing. Upon arrival in Cape Breton, it is customary to first visit the liquor store, and stock up on Gaelic celebration fuel (beer, whisky and wine). Once set up at the cottage, all that was left to do was unpack, put beer in the fridge, locate the most comfortable deck chair, and take some deep breaths of the warm salty air. The Bras D'ors lakes are not what we are used to when we think of lakes. They are salt water, and the largest of their kind in the world ( According to myself? ). Boating and swimming in the lake was fantastic, warm like most lakes in August, salty like the ocean, and endlessly large. Since the lake is salt water, many salt water fish live here. Jigging for cod is something you can't do in any other lake, and something I am equally unsuccessful at regardless of location.

Our days were spent on and around the lake, exploring islands, swimming, fishing and boating. The water was as warm as a heated pool, the rugged hills were a deep green, the sky a light blue, and the calm dark waters of the lake reflected a couple of eagles who were cruising with the clouds above. There was no choice but to be 100% relaxed. Even the cottage is a thing a beauty. It was built over 200 years ago, by a couple of brothers from New England who ran a farm here in the summers, and returned to new England as ship builders in the winters. The cottage is constructed just as you would imagine 19th century expert ship builders and master craftsmen would. The ceilings look like the deck of an old sailing ship, banisters and stairs are made of thick dark wood, each piece of wood hand milled, carved and joints made without glue or nails. It's not hard to imagine being under sail on the Atlantic, with the smell of the salt water and the look of finely crafted woodwork.

The evenings were spent in true Cape Breton fashion, enjoying many fine beverages and having nothing but good times. You don't have to travel far, or travel at all to find a celebration. If you're lucky you will stumble on a good old fashion Ceilidh, complete with fiddler, bagpipes and a culture of people who have been partying this way since their Gaelic ancestors settled here in the 1700s.

Waking up after an evening of heavy drinking, to a level which is unacceptable in most social settings, is both expected and embraced in Cape Breton. In our case we had a miracle, all-natural remedy for hangovers. A large cool, fresh, waterfall 5 minutes down the road provided an instant cure, and with a bar of soap, I was ready to take on another day.

No trip to Cape Breton is complete without exploring the Cabot Trail and the surrounding Highlands National Park. The Cabot Trail is a world renowned route, first used by European explorer John Cabot, and now a mecca for people looking for a world-class scenic drive. You can quickly see how huge the tourism industry is here, but you also quickly see how it is hugely different. It's easy to see tourist traps and people looking to make a quick buck at any popular destination around the world. The places are usually run by "friendly" people who are more than happy to take your money. Cape Breton has no shortage of tourist friendly spots, but these spots are different, and it's the people that make them different. You begin to realize that the friendliness of the people you encounter is not because they want your money, or because they know you're a tourist and want you to have a good impression. They'd just as soon have a good conversation or share a joke, and treat you the same way they'd treat locals. Being genuine is part of the culture here.

The drive itself is absolutely spectacular, and no videos , photos or descriptions can do it justice. The large rolling green hills, and the blue ocean, provide some spectacular views. There is no shortage of fantastic places to eat, shop, golf, hike, and stay along the way, as well as many small towns and communities steeped in Gaelic, Native and Acadian history. The town of Cheticamp is a great example of the combination of natural beauty, culture, and history boasted throughout Cape Breton. The town itself is surrounded by green mountains, and borders the ocean. The people are french speaking Acadians, and have managed to hold onto and celebrate their language and culture amid an English speaking province. (I highly recommend the seafood chowder, while seated on a patio).

Cape Breton once again left me re-aligned. You really can't go wrong with a spring/summer or fall visit to Cape Breton. Whether you're looking to hike, camp, drive, bike, kayak, fish, golf, dine, drink, or just explore, this is where you need to go. Cape Breton is a lot of things to a lot of people, but one thing it is to everyone is beautiful. Cape Breton is equal parts natural and cultural beauty and deserves its designation by National Geographic as one of the top two places in the world for sustainable tourism.

Links: My Photos Newest Video Older Video

Keji

2010-08-08T14:31:00.016-03:00

When it comes to camping, Nova Scotia has plenty to offer. Anywhere you go, it seems you're never far from a campground. Camping is a way of life, and a rite of passage for any outdoor loving nova scotian. When you think camping in nova scotia, one place comes to mind above all others. Kejimkujik National Park is the pride and joy of Nova Scotia's outdoors.

While most of the provinces forests are nothing more than tree farms, where one species of trees is planted and harvested every 20 years, there are a few places where you can see what our forests are supposed to look like. Point Pleasant Park, Hemlock Ravine, Keji and the Highlands National Park in Cape Breton are the handful of places where you can actually see a forest that has been untouched (save for hurricane Juan's devistation to Point Pleasant).

I had been wanting to re-visit Keji for a long time, and this summer I finally did. Myself and two friends woke up early one Saturday morning and decided to head out, spur of the moment. We called the park before we left to make sure there were camp sites available, and the friendly person on the other end of the phone assured us there was, and that she could help us plan everything out when we got there. 2.5 hours from Halifax later, we arrived at the visitor centre and laid out our plans. We wanted to do some back country camping, where the journey would be a major part of the trip. As young men we were capable of handling any of the physical challenges that we may encounter. Long portage routes, long paddles and hikes were all right up our alley. The two friendly women at the counter considered our requests as well as our time frame (a 24 hour visit) and came up with the perfect site for us. Sure enough, it was all of that and more.
We started the adventure at the boat rental, where we rented one kayak and one canoe. We used the time honoured tradition of rock paper scissors to decide who would be in which boat. The boat rental place usually includes drop off and pickup as part of its services, but where we were headed and where we would return were not on their usual route, so we used the supplied roof straps and made a couple of trips to our launch point. Right away, it became evident that our portage skills were very rusty. Our first attempt included carrying a canoe full of supplies, and manhandling a kayak. After about 20 meters this attempt failed. We re-grouped and determined we would be better off emptying all of the gear and supplies and making one trip with them and returning to make a second trip to carry the boats. If we were early Canadian fur traders, we would have been fired on the spot. We struggled to find a good way to carry the boats, and ended up just bearing down and battling mentally and physically. The canoe wasn't too bad between the two of us, but the kayak was still a real challenge for our friend, who is not challenged in the strength department.
Once the initial portage was done, we took a break, drank a deserving beer, and took in the sights. Lush green forest, and a large dark blue lake, perfect weather, and lots of birds chirping. As I looked around I began to notice the differences between the forest here and the forest we are used to. The amount and diversity of trees, plants, birds and animals was enormously different than elsewhere.

We set out on our paddle, relaxed, taking in the beautiful weather and calmness. The lakes in Keji can sometimes have some pretty fierce headwinds, making the paddling a real challenge. luckily today was not one of those days. The first lake took us about an hour to paddle, and as we reached the end we disembarked and began to mentally prepare for another fairly long 800 meter portage (it sounds a lot shorter when you don't have a canoe on your head). The portage was long, but we had our strategy perfected now, and we reached the end, exhausted, but excited at the new scenery. A calm inlet, complete with lilly pads and yellow flowers sitting on the perfectly smooth water. To our friend, an avid fly fisherman, this was what we came for. The fly reels were quickly deployed, as I opened a beer and took my camera out to really examine the surroundings. The park sells fishing licenses for the back country areas, for 10 dollars per day, and they only apply to certain spots in the back country. But we were happy to pay for it, as we weren't even sure if you would be allowed to fish here, since everything is so highly protected.

After our long but relatively unsuccessful fishing break (I didn't even bother trying), we loaded up the boats and headed off for the last leg of our journey. The inlet opened into a wide and winding river, where the wildlife was teeming. Within minutes, we encountered a couple of beavers who were quick to let us know we were now in their territory, by splashing the water with their tail in an attempt to scare the crap out of us as we daydreamed. The river was very slow and calm, and the weather was perfect. I'm not sure how long this journey would normally take, but we definitely were not making record time. As the sun began to approach the horizon we realized that maybe we should shift out of relax mode and get a push on to the end of the river. After every bend we were sure the end was in sight, but it was impossible to tell. About an hour after our first guess that the end was around the next corner, we finally reached the end of the river, and our camping site destination. The sun was slowly setting and we set up our tent and got our gear out. We couldn't have timed it any better as far as getting some great sunset photos and some last minute fishing. I quickly noticed a bird which seemed to be heading towards us, but not really moving at all. I realized that it was actually just hovering in mid-air like a hummingbird. This bird however was the size of a seagull and was actually hunting for fish. Incredible. I have no clue what kind of bird this is, and I've never seen one in my 30 years here, which says a lot about Keji. When it got dark, the wildlife kept surprising. Bats cruised up and down the river feasting on flies, and a couple of very large owls had fun making some startling noises that had us running away and reaching for our knives, like true city slickers. We were truly on our own out here, we could not see another camp fire or light anywhere. All we heard was animals, and though the sky was somewhat overcast, the stars were still immensely more impressive than what we are used to.

All in all, it was a fantastic trip, and lived up to all of my expectations. I wished we had more time to spend there, as you could easily spend many days exploring the huge park. A multi-day, multi-camp site loop around the park would be ideal. I was very impressed by the park, and the people who run it. It is great to see the extent that all of the volunteers and workers in the park are willing to go to to protect every species within it. If you live in Halifax, you are no stranger to speed bumps.... and Keji is no exception. The speed bumps at Keji, however, are to protect an endangered species of turtles, who nest nearby the main road. The turtles are studied and cared for by the park staff and by volunteers. There are many people who contribute to the park, and it really shows. If you have never been, or haven't been in years, you owe it to yourself to visit Keji whether its for a day or a week. Click here for the video from my trip.

Unfinished Business (free rant included!)

2010-03-22T22:49:00.014-03:00

With all of the beautiful early spring weather we have been having for the month of March, I immediately began to plan a camping outing. Tops on the list was to take on some unfinished business and head to the hunting camp in Enfield (see previous post "men vs wild"). The last excursion was so enjoyable that I just had to do it a second time. This time I tripled the amount of maps, and studied the map like an old foe. The battle plan was set, and the weather was spectacular. It was easy to convince the same friends of mine who were a part of the last survival adventure, and were allies with a common enemy. In a foreboding set of circumstances, we again left for our adventure at around 2 o'clock due to prior engagements for one of us.

The departure time proved to be the only similarity to the last outing. The back roads seemed to be in pretty good condition, as far as extremely back country logging roads go. I had the assumption that we wouldn't be able to drive in any significant distance, but for once I was wrong with no negative ramifications. I carefully navigated each dip, hole, mud puddle and crumbling culvert while saved hiking time piled up in the back of my head. 20 minutes later, we reached the familiar high voltage power lines and I decided my station wagon had come sufficiently far enough out of its element.

We geared up feeling great about the hour of hiking we just saved. Last time we hiked up this part of the trail we had a bitterly cold headwind slapping us in the face while we inched up the hill. Today, it was sunny and warm, and early enough in the season that there were no bugs. As a former tree planter who's seen the worst the outdoors has to offer, these conditions were ideal. Our gear was still heavy enough to keep us focused on the objective, which was the elusive cabin in the middle of the woods. This time we were positive we were making the right turns and heading in the right direction, but a couple of hours later we worried that we underestimated the distance and difficulty of the hike. Just as our bodies began to break down, we reached the end of our path, spirits were high, as the land became familiar and I knew that when the path ended we were to head into the dense woods and put our lives in the hands of the coordinates on my GPS. The road indeed did end, but a new road continued.... a road to hell.

The new road was a familiar one to me, one I had seen everyday for 4 summers tree planting. It was a skidder track, which led into a huge clear cut, a clear-cut where the dense woods surrounding the cabin used to be. My heart quickly sunk and I made plans for once again sleeping outdoors, while holding back some seething anger. Surely the cabin was shown about as much respect as the rest of the land, and had been cut down, chopped up, spit out and stomped on. Nevertheless we followed the GPS which said the cabin was 200 meters straight ahead.... in the tree graveyard. Luckily the farther we went the closer we got to a clump of trees which had been spared. In that section of trees was our GPS target. We headed into the trees and did some bushwhacking, eventually coming upon our oasis. The elusive cabin was alive! It stood defiant and welcoming, the extremely rustic facade almost winking at us. We rejoiced in an exhausted manor, and quickly put all of our gear in the cabin and did all of the work that we needed to do for a night of extreme relaxation. It was a beautiful night, and the nature around the cabin was superb; including babbling brook as well as some large old trees which had been spared through a couple generations of tree massacres.

I couldn't help but be angered by the complete and utter devastation of the area. It was odd, because I had spent 4 summers working in clear-cuts, but this one was especially offensive. My previous visit to the cabin involved a half hour of bushwhacking, and was a secret hideaway in the heart of the woods. The woods were now completely gone. This time the walk was over the rotting carcass of what was the woods I knew. This destruction had a personal meaning to me this time, as it was land I had known before it was destroyed. I had always known that Nova Scotia's forestry industry was a dirty secret of the province, and that our "woods" were really nothing more than tree farms, to be harvested every 20 years. It was a lot more difficult to shrug this fact off now, and really made me realize how badly we treat our environment.

Nova Scotia has no real "forests", what we have are tree farms, mostly softwood plantations. We plant soft wood because it grows quickly and can be harvested quickly. Our woods looked nothing like this in the old days. It is completely unnatural to have forests of completely softwood, yet that is what we have, and not many people realize it. The only real forests we have are in our provincial parks. Point Pleasant Park, Kejimkujik, and Highlands in Cape Breton are our only real forests, because they have been protected for generations. If you get a chance to visit one of these areas, and you compare the forest there, to what you see on the side of the highway, you can begin to appreciate just how unnatural our forests really are.

Clear-cuts are universally frowned upon, and offend everyone. The province has so many, that it eventually had to install new regulations as a result of so many complaints, many coming from visiting tourists who commented on all of the clear-cuts they saw as they drove across the province. The new regulations weren't to curtail the cutting, nor to harvest wood in a more sustainable and ecologically sensitive way. The regulations stated that clear cuts could not begin within 20 meters of any roads or highways, as well as a 10 meter buffer zone beside any body of water. The result was to hide our dirty secret. Now you can drive down the highway and have no idea that behind what you think is a forest, is immensely more damaging than any hurricane or explosion this province has ever seen.

There is a huge economic and political aspect to this issue, and I can appreciate the fact that completely curtailing clear-cutting would have huge ramifications on many people. What really bothers me is that this issue does not get any media coverage, no debates or discussions. Most people are completely unaware. The people who are aware are people with similar experiences. People who are accustomed to a certain area they loved to explore as a kid.... or have a certain attachment to, and then one day, they go to visit it, and see that it has been destroyed. It's likely only after an experience like that that you can truly appreciate how poorly we are treating our forests.

After a night in the cabin, we fired up the wood stove and had breakfast, which tastes roughly twice as good when you are camping. Each thing you throw on the grill, put on your plate, or in your cup is one less thing you have to carry out. Guilt-free eggs, bacon and sausage are the best way to get your spirits and your energy up in a hurry. We then went out to chop some wood to replace what we had used. Luckily wood was not hard to find here, and came in the form of pre-cut piles. We closed up the camp, and headed back home. The return trip is always more enjoyable because you know where you're going, know what to expect, and your pack is no longer a burden thanks to your digestive system. The trip came to an end as we reached the car, and as I turned the key and the engine started, I officially deemed the outing a success. Unfinished business, no more.

Tubing: It's awesome.

2009-05-29T23:05:00.002-03:00

The weatherman…. weatherperson…… The meteorologist called for a 30 degree beauty yesterday, which really puts the pressure on to come up with a great thing to do. I'd been pondering the idea of taking a inflatable snow tube, or a 15 dollar Canadian tire blow up boat and putting it in to the lazy river I had so much success fishing at in Beaverbank. I wasn't sure if this would actually turn out to be a good idea or not. What were the unforeseen problems with putting a small inflatable, intended for small children, into a river I hadn't fully explored? There was only one way to find out.
We headed out in the afternoon, after stopping so my friend could purchase a brand spanking new sportcraft 5000 (15 dollars at Canadian Tire), a vessel that would make any 5 year old jealous. The walk to the river itself requires a few hundred meters of wet, muddy marsh walking through some tall grass. We hadn't been properly prepared for this part, as our nike air’s became nike swamps. When we reached our destination, we inflated our crafts. The inflating process took some effort, even with our heavy duty pump.
When my tube was inflated fully, I put my tube into the river, gathered my gear, and looked at it for a while. My friend did the same. Hmmm. What would be the best way to get into this craft for people over the age of 5? After some mental modelling, I went for it. My butt successfully planted into the middle of the tube, the queen broke a champagne bottle across its hull, and I was off for my maiden voyage. I looked back to see how my friend was getting along, when I see a large man, laying face first into his boat afraid to make any more sudden movements. The next moments were sure to bring some good entertainment, so I quickly grabbed for my camera. We discussed the situation for a while, as he pitched questions to me with his voice muffled by a face full of rubber. When he regrouped ashore, I recommended a butt first approach. He landed it cleanly and the voyage was truly underway.
This was awesome. Things were looking great. Some cold beer to drink, and nothing to do but float. The outing was at least as good or better than I had imagined it could be, and I highly recommend doing it.
It took us just under 2 hours to go along a good stretch of the river, without actually travelling too far from where we started, thanks to the river's "S" shape, and very slow moving current. Spending 15 dollars for a little inflatable, and finding a suitably lazy river makes for a day well spent. Be sure to check out the Google map location of this river, and beware that the journey to and from the river to the road isn't easy, but isn't overly difficult either. Keep an eye out for beavers and be respectful of the area. You can see some cool sticks carved by the beavers, as well as a couple of them popping up keeping an eye on you, as we saw a couple, looking jealous. Check out the video here !

Fishing Update

2009-05-25T18:17:00.004-03:00

Last week I headed out to a river in Sackville with my brother, for lucky? visit #3. My sister in-law had done what has taken us a month to do, which is to locate all kinds of fish. Earlier that day she had gone for a walk and noticed fish jumping all over the place in the river. When we hear that fish have been spotted, we quickly move in to disperse them.

As we pulled into a parking lot near our spot, another car pulled up to us and asked us if we had fished that particular spot before. We said we hadn’t and the guy said that he had, and that there is some good fishing to be had in there. We contained our enthusiasm and thanked him for telling us. As we started to walk in, a car pulled out and the guy stopped to tell us that there were tons of fish in there, and he pulled out a bag full of ones he had just caught. We could hardly wait another minute to get to the river, and refrained from a full out sprint. Today was definitely the day, and we were sure we would soon be pulling fish out of the river within the first cast or two.

I suddenly thought of something I had never even considered before: do we have a container to put in all the fish we catch? I asked my brother, he looked at me, smiled, and said he also hadn’t even considered this. It was a problem to be addressed later, for now we were concerned about getting our hooks in the water as quickly as possible. The spot looked ideal. I couldn’t wait see what happened when I did my first cast of the evening. It turns out I could wait. I waited a lot. I waited until it got dark, and cold.

A few desperation casts were all that was left of my evening, but with one of them, something I had never seen before. A fish chasing after my hook, nibbling on it, glancing up at me, laughing, and then swimming away. I couldn’t believe my almost luck. As it turns out, this was just another insult to injury. I packed up my stuff, told my brother I was going to go get the car, while he fished for a few more minutes. I walked off slowly, pondering the reasons for my latest failure. A while later my brother emerges, fish in hand. I thought it was surely a gag. It wasn’t. He had caught a fish, just shortly after I left. Schools of fish were jumping around everywhere immediately after I left. What does this mean? It is obviously an omen.

Beware the day I do catch a fish, as it sure to signal the coming of the next anti-christ.

Long Lake Provincial Park: First visit of the year.

2009-05-13T23:45:00.002-03:00

Today (May11) I headed out to Long Lake Provincial Park, a place I’ve been quite a few times before. My main purpose for the trip was to get some material to compile a video for the website.
My first visit to Long Lake came many moons ago when I was a young high school student, with a new bike and a keen interest in shit disturbing. After getting kicked out of Point Pleasant Park more than a couple of times for doing some nature ravaging off-road stunts, I needed to broaden my range. I had heard that there were some good off-road trails off of St. Margaret’s Bay Road so I phoned up a partner in crime and we headed out. When we arrived, we were surprised to see a small parking lot and what looked to be a park that we had never seen before, yet was 15 minutes from our house. The discovery changed everything. No longer were parks purely for hordes of us to converge on after dusk with backpacks full of bad news. Now we had found a place that was more fun than most illegal activities. The trails were perfect for some serious off-road biking, and the park was so large that each excursion took us on a different adventure.
The park has changed considerably since then. Today it is a well known spot, popular with all sorts of people. It’s not uncommon to see the parking lot full, and the trail head packed with people walking their dogs. It has a Point Pleasant Park type feel when you arrive, but you can quickly escape the main area and set out into the unknown (thanks to our Province being too cheap to mark or maintain any official trails). The spring time is typically not a good time to visit this park. As my friend pointed out a couple of weeks ago, with the snow melted, a winter’s worth of dog crap doesn’t make for a pleasant atmosphere. I can remember the same problem with Point Pleasant, jogging in 30 degree heat, with the smell of frying dog crap greeting you, Joe Camel himself waiting for you at the finish line, and a group of “The Fast and The Furious” extras idling their cars in the parking lot as you try to catch your breath. This place does suffer from the same dog crap stench greeting you and bidding you adue with each visit, but if you can get past the main trail as soon as possible, it offers much more room to explore and escape the crowd.
My most recent visit was another surprise, as I got on a few trails that I didn’t remember and saw some things I’d never seen. There are some interesting rocks and plants hidden throughout the park, and if you keep an eye out you’re bound to see something cool. The biggest surprise this time was a tent, with extensive supplies that we came upon as we were “getting our bearings”. This tent didn’t seem to be a vacationer’s getaway, it looked to be a lifestyle choice. We quickly backpeddled and headed out towards the Bay Road as we did not want to encrouch on the Long Lake axe-murderer’s space.
All in all it was a good spring outing, and the park looks like it’s about ready to start blooming. Be sure to check it out if you’ve never been. Set aside enough time to do lots of exploring and bring a compass/GPS so you don’t wander in circles.

Huge Fire In Spryfield

2009-04-30T17:21:00.006-03:00

Decided to go for a jog at point pleasant park this afternoon, as soon as I left the house I saw a huge plume of smoke, looked like a bomb went off somewhere. As I drove closer to the park, I could see what looked to be the entire Spryfield area on fire. I took some time out of my jog at the park to snap some of these pics, sacrificing my target heart rate in the process! Lets hope the damage to people's lives is minimal. Looks like York Redoubt could be hard hit.

New Day, Same story.

2009-04-28T23:36:00.005-03:00

Today's freakish 30 degree, end of April heat awoke the city. The weather was like mid August rather than the end of April. The heat caught people by surprise, by calling for the summer wardrobe without even having a preparatory month of self loathing at the gym. I thought the fish too would be caught by surprise and be ready to jump onto some hooks.
They weren't. In fact I saw none. The black flies and mosquitoes wasted no time in resuming where they left off last summer, any fish in their right mind would have been having a feeding frenzy on the fly congregation on the calm waters of the Herbert River. The only thing we caught were some grass fish, stick fish, dirt fish and t-shirt sleeve fish.
The highlight of the evening (other than the mid-august feeling temperature) was when we had our backs turned to the water rigging up our rods, when we heard a very loud splash, and looked to see large ripples in the water. Frightened, my brother assumed someone was playing a joke on us and threw a big rock into the water, and I assumed a small shark must have jumped out of the shallow river. Oddly enough it turned out to be neither. A minute later, a beaver surfaces, and slaps the water with his tail. I'm not sure what it means when they do that, but we assumed it was mockery. It has gotten to the point now that beavers are coming out to see the guy who has caught one fish in his entire life.
Though unsuccessful, and my streak still intact, I am still determined to catch a fish this year. I may have to eventually buy one at the grocery store, hide it in my bag, and attach it to my hook when no one is looking. I may even get a live lobster before going fishing in a river somewhere with some friends, attach it to a hook when no one's looking, put my camera on video mode, and record the reactions when I pull a canner out of the river! You can come up with some really good ides when you're unsuccessfully fishing.

Lake Echo Area Fishing (0-4)

2009-04-28T12:21:00.004-03:00

Great spot, saw the fish jumping, no luck. Did get some scraped knuckles off of a granite boulder, a broken rod, lots of lost hooks and bait, and a couple good pics. The streak is intact. Calls to Guinness soon.

Fishing: Third time is a charm, disproven.

2009-04-26T15:26:00.002-03:00

With the first good weather forecast of the year, a buzz took hold of the city on Friday, and as I finished work, the first thing I wanted to do was something outdoors. Fishing was in order, the best outdoor activity when you are too tired to do anything else. I talked to my brother who told me Grand Lake in Enfield was the place to be, as the fish were begging to be caught there. I met up with him and we headed out, skipping dinner, as we would surely have lots of delicious bass to cook up later on.
As we headed out onto the lake, it was apparent lots of other people were in the same frame of mind, and there was a lot of activity on the lake, on a beautiful evening of sunshine and 20 degrees. The loons were out competing with us for fish. They seemed to know to avoid the spots we fished, as there was sure to be nothing there. However, after a few minutes we entered a cove and caused a fish riot, the fish all started jumping out of the water, which I later realized was the aquatic version of the finger. Surely we would catch a lot of fish in this cove. We didn’t, not even a bite. Looking back on it, I think we would have been better off putting the net in and just scooping them out.
We reluctantly gave up on the cove and headed out to other parts of the lake, passing other people fishing along the way, inevitably answering the question “any luck?” the same way we always do.
My expectations lowered steadily, and I began to focus more on the lovely sunset and the loons calling back and forth, and snapped some great pics and videos. This made my trip a small success. We fished until after dark, with our beer running low and the cold reminding us that it is still April, we headed back in disbelief that we caught nothing, but still not really that shocked. We met up with others who caught “a few” and I’m sure we were the only people who didn’t catch anything that day. Most people would quit fishing at this point, and take up a new hobby. I will continue to defy all odds in my attempt for the Guinness world record for most hours spent fishing without catching anything. At least I get some good pictures, and I do my part to maintain a healthy fish population, and help educate them on how to avoid fish hooks.

Redemption.....by a nose.

2009-04-22T10:35:00.008-03:00

On the weekend I set out to accomplish a couple of goals, and redeem myself with the Earth. I planned on doing a long hike, and not get lost and have to spend the night in the woods, and the next day to have a successful fishing trip. 50% is a pass in my books.

The hiking trail we decided on (well after noon) was Pennant Point trail, otherwise known as the Crystal Crescent trail. I had been on this trail before with my brother, nephew, and dogs. The trail I remember is a popular one with dog walkers and didn’t seem too challenging or exciting. The trail I remember turned out to be about 10% of the full trail. The actual trail is 12k and full of amazing scenery and landscapes. I added a few pictures to my all time bests on the trip (still nothing beats the old one of a big wave crashing behind me as I stand on a rock pondering the ocean, taken with a kid’s disposable camera). The first part of the trail was boardwalks and bridges, typical beachfront trail; the remaining part is un-maintained and is a lot more fun. Anyone can think themselves a rock climbing adventurer on this trail. As I scaled large boulders and hopped nimbly from rock to rock I gloated each time I successfully did not break my ankle.

The scenery here is like Peggy’s Cove for miles upon miles. The scenery almost inspired me to break out a bottle of whisky and start singing some Irish folk songs. I spotted a couple of seals and about 10 porcupines. The porcupines seem to love the area, and I’m surprised every pooch leaving the park didn’t have quills up its nose.

There is lots of sea debris to be seen here, from extremely large buoys, to DVD cases, shoes, books, and your standard oil cans and eco-friendly plastics. I did manage to snap an unexpectedly awesome picture of a washed up lobster trap, next to an old tire.

After walking for a couple of hours, the boys and I sat on some rocks, made a fire, drank some beer and cooked hot dogs. This is what you are meant to do on this hike. There is no shortage of dry wood lying around, and it was a pleasant change from our last attempt at making a fire. We could have easily spent an hour relaxing there, but our previous experience told me to check my watch and get a move on. We set out again with a limited amount of sunlight left and a hefty part of the trail yet to go.

We walked for a few kilometres through some marshy areas, where my football training came in handy as I did the “high knees” drill through a good portion of it to avoid swamp foot. After only 2 soakers, we were through the swampy stuff and came upon the yellow sign we were looking for which directed us into the woods and eventually back to the parking lot. We weren’t sure how far it was, but I was playing it safe and assuming it was a lot further than we thought. The sun was setting and would be gone in another 15 minutes, and we were just now heading into the unknown.

I snapped a quick picture of the sunset (another one of my all time best unexpected pics) and two of us started into a jog, leaving the others on their own to scold themselves for not accomplishing more on the treadmill. The trail was ideal for jogging, and as we came out of the woods we hit a field which seemed to stretch as far as we could see. The sun was now set as we reached the peak of a hill, where we were able to see that the parking lot was in the distance. We were in a good stride, the only thing keeping us from a sprint were our ankles reminding us to be cautious. A good 30 minute jog and we were now back at the car, extremely tired. The others would no doubt be a while, and the fact that it was now dark left us wondering if we were going to have to get suited up for a search and rescue mission. A few minutes later my cell phone rings, the boys have reached our booby trap (black electrical tape tied between two trees across the trail) and were now in a creek, which we never saw. They had obviously taken a wrong turn courtesy of the same guy who lost the map in the previous excursion, with an assist from the total darkness. Even though the trail was quite easy to follow, it seems they had strayed from it, and the two of us were too tired at this point to go trekking back in, so we told them to carry on. 15 minutes later I get another call. They are down walking along the main road....somehow. I’m not sure how they ended up all the way down there, but we were all glad that the excursion was over, and didn’t result in another overnight clinic on hypothermia.

All things considered, the trip was awesome. I would recommend leaving before 3pm, bringing more beer than we did,packing some really good food and a beach towel. Bring your camera and take a lot of pictures, this place is like being paparazzi outside a nightclub in Hollywood, only you can’t sell your pics to TMZ, but you can enter them in HalifaxTrails.ca’s photo of the month contest!

Fishing. Almost.

2009-04-08T14:48:00.004-03:00

On Saturday (April 4) I went out on my first fishing trip of the season with my brother and my 2 year old nephew. I spent a while rigging up the rod which I had bought not too long ago, in anticipation of a productive upcomming season. With the rod and tackle box all geared up, I headed out to purchase a license (25 dollars)from a local store, and the fish could now officially tremble in terror. As my brother and I pulled up to a spot on the side of the road in Beaverbank, we got on our rubber boots and headed into the woods towards the Beaverbank River. It was a spot we hadn't been before, and immediately we saw something that was a very unfamiliar sight... to Nova Scotia in general. As we walked a few minutes into the woods, we began to see water, this water, however, was IN the woods. Seeing as how we were in Nova Scotia and not the Florida Everglades, this was a very strange sight. We looked around, puzzled, with my nephew wondering if we were being watched by crocodiles. I looked around, and quickly realized the river had taken over the woods, and there was no way we could even get near the river in our knee high rubber boots. I glanced around, maybe I could just grab a fish that was laying around in the woods! That would be a great first catch. After a few minutes of "fishing" we were unsuccessful, and we turned back in disapointment. To say that we were surprised that we didn't catch any fish would be a lie, but to say we were surprised we didn't catch any fish because we were confronted by the Beaverbank Everglades, was definately true. The trip allowed me to put a new contributing factor to my list of why my fishing expeditions always end up in complete failure.