Spring is in full force here in Nova Scotia. If you are like me, you are probably out and about checking the trails and inspecting new growth.
Sometimes an interesting plant beckons or the colour of a wildflower takes us off the defined woodland trail. It’s easy to find ourselves in surroundings like these…
…and completely turned around with no idea where we came from or where the trail disappeared to. Dense forests often don’t provide the tell-tale moss growing on the north side of trees. And, if it is a grey and rainy day… well, we might be lost!
Finding our way back to the trail requires some basic skills. “But where do I start?” you might ask. Cumberland Rec in partnership with Hike Nova Scotia is offering the Outdoor Council of Canada GO Map and Compass course on June 7th & 8th, 2025. I spent a rainy Sunday with our experienced instructor Larry yesterday, scouting locations and exploring the terrain options.
Larry comes with a Search & Rescue background. He has taught map and compass skills for SAR Halifax and to numerous outdoor enthusiasts in the greater Halifax region. Larry is a big fan of the Cliffs of Fundy Geopark, he earned his Cliffs of Fundy Hike Challenge Badge last fall. If you have ever wondered what it takes to get comfortable with a compass and topographical map, join us in early June. Here is the link to register https://www.hikenovascotia.ca/courses-navigation-maps-compass/ The class is capped at 10 participants, and from what we hear, map and compass skills classes are in high demand.
Don’t feel like a frog out of water when exploring the woods…
…hop on board and join us June 7th and 8th for an action-filled weekend in Parrsboro where we learn how to use the compass, read maps and practice what we learn.
Tide Rollers & Mudlarkers... 