Have you ever…?

…heard of such a thing like your “house beach?” Truth be told, I made it up today. I was once again exploring the stretch of beach from Glooscap Campground to the arch at Clark Head when I remembered growing up in a small Bavarian village where we referred to one mountain as our “house mountain”, meaning the one destination for tourists and locals alike to explore with easy access to a diverse trail system for hikers and skiers alike. Well, if we could have a house mountain growing up why not claim my house or home beach? Living in Parrsboro, for me that would definitely be the beach leading to Clarke Head.

I never grow tired of the ever-changing exposed ocean floor. Today I discovered step-like ridges where the sand had been arranged by the last high tide. And then there was the magical mist rising from the sand ridges toward the mighty cliffs.

I am usually accompanied by friends or clients when I explore this beach. I went alone today and arrived just around low tide. New experiences were waiting. There were never before experienced vast sandbanks to walk across, to view the cliffs and rocky formations. Somehow I never timed my hike so perfectly, or better: never before had the beach offered my such wonderful riches…

The arch beckoned to evoke the same sense of awe I experienced when I saw it for the first time a little over two years ago.

These days I tell myself: “I don’t need another rock” and “I have been to this beach so many times, I won’t need to take more pictures”… Yet each time I end up ignoring these mantras. I came home with about 20 lbs of this rock and that… and the images made themselves😊.

Eventually I headed back to the car. Instead of retracing my steps on the beach the way I usually do I decided to get some conditioning in by climbing the stairs to Gilbert Hill and walking via the gravel road.

It was good to get a different perspective. Gilbert Hill has stunning views of Partridge Island and Two Islands. And then there was the most amazing maple in spring foliage!

It turned out to be a great hike. Initially I planned a quick beach walk. By staying flexible I managed a beach hike, some stair climbing and hill work for cardio. Love those days where everything comes together naturally.

I feel I kicked my weekend into gear! Can’t wait to see how it unfolds. Happy Friday. Cheers, Anna