…Home to Custom Guided Upper Bay of Fundy Ocean-floor Tours Tours .
From tenting in the forest, S.O.A.P. note taking, evacuating injured individuals, immobilizing suspected spinal injuries, night time and early morning drills with multiple casualties, to splinting: this weekend did not disappoint! One more day to get advanced certification and it’s a wrap!
Heading to my sleeping bag in the woods for one final night with planes overhead, trains barrelling alongside and highway traffic nearby! What we don’t do to keep our skills up-to-date! 😊
The world has Aurora fever and I slept through it ast night! After a long day of training outdoors culminating in a night maneuver I only have the energy to look up before I slip into my tent.
It’s overcast and there is light pollution… wishing everyone a restful night!
I am back in Lower Sackville this weekend for my Advanced Wilderness First Aid Module. What better way to spend Mother’s Day weekend than learning first aid skills, swatting black flies and tenting in the forest?🤪
I scouted my preferred spot last night and staked my tent after class today. Here is to sleeping soundly in the forest while the train rambles past and the airplanes take off from the Halifax airport.
I miss Cape Chignecto…
…ferns unfurling! Unmistakably spring!
Parrsboro had a great turnout for their walk this morning. We wrapped it up with a nice lunch at the Harbour View Restaurant.
For the afternoon we headed down shore to West Advocate for a lively group of of adults and children!
My heart is full! Thank you to everyone who helped make this day a huge success!
One of the major landmarks along the beach near the starting point of the Cape Chignecto Trail is the Red Rocks Formation. A little driving tour this afternoon had us climb these sandstone rocks, admire the patterns and striations and enjoy the stunning views from the top!
Sharing my favourite local beach at the end of the day. We stopped under the arch and enjoyed a freshly made cup of coffee. The perfect way to end a slightly gloomy day!
There is no better way to spend Sunday afternoon than with a fresh tour booking to officially kick off the 2024 season. Soley Cove beckoned and it was glorious! My happy client was glad she didn’t have to worry about the tides and when she should turn back to avoid being cut off. She welcomed the countless photo ops along the way. Thank you, Leeanna for letting me show you around the Jurassic Coast Cliffs of Soley Cove!
Solitude, sea caves and flower pots! The Cliffs of Fundy Geopark has them all. Nova Scotia’s best kept secret… hands down.
…when you have to change your stride because a tree is in your path…
Up close and personal, bark layers.
Catching my breath and enjoying the silence along the coastal trail, Saturday, April 27th, 2024
Between trail marker 27 and 28 km, just before or after the halfway mark, depending if one travels clockwise or counter-clockwise, this ancient, gnarly, attention-demanding sentinel calls the hiker to attention! Many a picture has been captured with this tree… many a story could be told if it could speak!
Refugee Cove with the Ol’ Sal Sea Stack is a place for rest, filtering water and prepare for the last 11 km to complete the coastal loop. Bittersweet! Looking forward to my own bed😊
That’s my lunch stop today. Isle Haute in the distance floating between heaven and earth!
This is what I am enjoying today: perfect Sunday vistas, one more enticing than the last!
Just a few images to keep you in the loop. I am well on my way by now sauntering counter-clockwise. I am doing the hike solo this year to get away from everyday noise and routines.
I spent yesterday dividing my time between reviewing the hiking supply list, a meeting with the Geopark manager and fitting back country hiking gear into my backpack. It weighs in at 30 lbs this year (including 2.5 litres of water and food for five days). It felt balanced and quite comfortable as I tried it on to adjust straps and tighten the hip and chest belts. When you read this I will be nearing this particular look off on my way to Eatonville. I plan to take things slow and saunter to take in more views and revisit favourite places along the way! Have a great weekend!
Yes, that’s a tick. We recently pulled one off our black ShihTzu and that was my sign to kick my springtime prep into prevention mode.
Much time during the winter was spent conducting research. Yes, you can purchase tick-repellent clothing but it’s only good for six wash cycles. Why spend all the extra money when you can treat your hiking clothes yourself? I am all about DIY and with the sun fully out, a weekend of hiking ahead and in full prep mode it was time to spray my outerwear layers with Pro-Perm. I found this product on Amazon.ca for around $40/gal. I can treat a lot of clothes with nearly 4 litres! The scent is not strong but pleasant and the light mist penetrated the fabric quickly. As stated on the label: apply a safe distance away from pets.
Merino tops, pants and neck gaiters are treated. I am ready for the battle of the ticks!
For clients during woodland tours I offer these repellents. “Atlantick” is my proven go-to since we lived in Saskatchewan. I use it on my small dogs with great success! I spray it on my palm, rub my hands together and rub down their legs and back. For humans I recommend spraying the lower part of pant legs just in case there are ticks waiting in the grass bordering the trail.
My hope for this year is that I don’t feel even one little tick crawling across my legs or arms. I will update this post with reports on how well my action plan works.
Happy spring and summer hiking! Remember, ticks become active at +4C and they don’t die during a cold snap in the winter, they have an uncanny ability to go dormant. The long cold spells might reduce reproductive activity but definitely won’t destroy them. These are facts coming from my entomologist husband.
In the event that you find a tick has latched on seek immediate help. Your pharmacist will be able to assess the need to treat. Don’t let those tiny critters mess with your health!
First impressions are great at Cochrane Road Beach in Port Greville. We truly love this beach for walks at high and low tide and anytime in-between. Waves leaping at the shore, gulls squawking overhead and an occasional bald eagle soaring high in the sky.
Upon closer inspection we discover pieces of plastic, rope of varying lengths, styrofoam, glass bottles, aluminum cans, food containers, empty oil bottles and so much more! This type of trash is not unique to this beach. What sets this beach apart is that accessibility is relatively easy and we can drive along and pick up full bags of collected trash instead of hauling them out straining our backs.
There were six of us today bending, reaching and stuffing… trash bags that is! The initial tally was just under 85 lbs until we found another large piece of rusty metal and bits and pieces of rope and plastic. We took a total of 90 lbs from a relatively short distance on the beach. It’s our way to commemorate Earth Month and say thank you to the county for allowing us unlimited access to the amazing Bay of Fundy! Beach clean up events are a fabulous way to build community, connect with like-minded people and make visitors feel that we care for our surroundings. Thank you to all who came out today to join the special event!
A nearly full Pink Moon last night… can’t wait to check out tonight’s reflection in the backyard waterway.
We had a fabulous turn out for the Earth Day hike to Clarke Head. A heartfelt thank you to Dr. John Calder for sharing his in-depth knowledge of the area and to geoscientist Louise Leslie from GeoLearn for providing answers to on-the-spot questions along the way. This was the first joint interpretive walk between the Cliffs of Fundy Geopark and Tide Rollers & Mudlarkers (ParrsboroShoreTours.ca) and judging by its popularity it won’t be the last!
…from earlier this month.
Ravenhead Wilderness Area, Cumberland County, NS, April 2nd, 2024
Looking forward to this special interpretive Earth Day hike. Due to illness Dr. Calder will not be attending. Instead local geoscientist Louise Leslie from GeoLearn will be sharing her knowledge and insights as we make our way to the Clarke Head arch.
…were all around us as we made our way to our destination in Halifax😊
Wishing everyone a wonderful weekend!
After a busy winter taking advantage of our amazing beaches it’s time to give back! Join us in gathering waste that has washed up and accumulated. Summer will soon be upon us!
Bring gloves! Invite a friend!
Trash bags provided! Let’s see how many pounds we gather. Scale on location. Snacks and hot drinks served at the conclusion of the event.
Everyone welcome! Reward: finders keepers when you discover seaglas😊
Soley Cove called for the second time this week. Monday I took a geologist friend out for her first ever exploration. Today two groups came together: Parrsboro and Truro hikers joined together to discover the trek to the Redhead under grey skies.
There were the usual first time ooohs and ahhhs and cameras were working overtime.
The Aeolian Sandstone cliffs never disappoint. Even with cloudy conditions the colours are strong making for great visual impact.
The guided hike was well received and even after nearly 11 km return the smiles were still infectious. A great afternoon with like-minded people. There is nothing better to push away gloomy clouds!
…getting ready to take a group of like-minded women for a long hike in Soley Cove tomorrow.
A month ago I participated in the Wilderness First Aid course at the Search and Rescue Centre near Waverly. The Advanced module was rescheduled for today. I decided to make my way there yesterday afternoon to avoid an early morning commute. When I arrived I was told that there would not be a class after all. Hmmm, I was hugely disappointed but proceeded to follow my original plan and explore the woods for some exercise. Down the steep hill I went and it was definitely worth it! The log used to cross the fast flowing creek just a month ago was just decoration: the path was dry and the creek bed easy to navigate!
The forest beyond last month’s section was calling!
Time slips away when the forest envelops… there wasn’t a soul anywhere!
Climbing the rope I performed a mental check-in on how I felt about the cancelled class and I was fine, ready for the 2 hour drive home! Forest bathing is good for the body and mind, I invite you to try it if you are not a regular subscriber already😀.
I will never forget the first time I set eyes on the Soley Cove Flower Pot. This was in November 2020. Since that first discovery the signs of erosion cannot be ignored. This important Minas Basin landmark is a sight to behold, whether you experience it on the ocean floor rising high above you or during high tide when you can view it from the view point above.
The idea to feature a few of the images I have gathered over the past 3.5 years came to me today when I had the opportunity to witness the flower pot surrounded by water at high tide during the Golden Hour. Enjoy!
Please mark your calendars!
You do not have to be a geologist to be amazed by the coastal cliffs and sea stacks at Clarke Head. The cliffs in places are contorted into improbable shapes like something from a Dr. Suess drawing, are faulted against one another, and contain unusual minerals and fossils.
This particular stretch of the coast bears witness to great tectonic forces that accompanied the assembly of continents to form the famous supercontinent of Pangea approximately 300 million years ago.
Join geologist Dr. John Calder who will share some of the riddles – answered and answered – that faced he and others as they mapped this area of the Cliffs of Fundy Geopark.
This free guided walk is approximately 7 km return. We meet at 3:45 pm at the gate at Glooscap Municipal Campground.
Please wear layers against wind and weather. Choose sturdy shoes to wear and carry a pack with water and your preferred snack. We will be following the tide out. Due to the nature of the hike and potentially large group we kindly ask you to leave your pets at home.
Feel free to email Anna or text 1-306-631-8539 if you are interested and have questions.
…looking closer and focussing on details.
Nova Scotia has a Fifth Season? Absolutely! Sugaring Season is the time the maple sap runs and the syrup producers work long hours to filter and boil down the sap into liquid gold, otherwise known as maple syrup.
On our way to Amherst today we decided to swing by our favourite sugar bush to pick up the annual supply. As luck would have it, Thompson’s was just about to close their sales window when we rolled into the parking lot. I can’t believe my good fortune: I snatched up the last two bottles of oak barrel aged, bourbon-infused maple syrup! On we went to Ripley’s to get a gallon of their product. This is our favourite maple syrup, rich, dark coloured and full of flavour! Such a treat… and it was their last day of boiling so I got my nose full of the most wonderful maple scented steam anyone can imagine. Bonus!
Plans are under way for an official trek of like-minded walkers to explore the sugar bush in early 2025, whenever the sap starts running again…
Until then, this will have to last😋
The trail to Wards Falls holds treasures to discover any time of the year. We were happy it wasn’t too muddy. The brook was gurgling gently as we navigated the trail of sixteen bridges, criss-crossing the woodland stream as it glistened in the sun. We even found some icicles in the shaded areas.
There were beautiful reflections and woodland scenery to capture along the way.
The falls beckoned at our destination, lulling us into a relaxed mood. The rushing water was the perfect backdrop for our coffee break. Conversation flowed easily as we chatted among friends.
The perfect way to spend a sunny afternoon! Thanks for joining me.
After the excitement of witnessing the near total eclipse of the sun it’s time to focus on things closer to home. The flowerbeds are getting ready for their annual colour display. First to make an appearance: the humble crocus.
Sometimes a picture is worth a thousand words… while I did not capture images of the eclipse itself I enjoyed watching my tour group take it all in. Following are a few more pictures of the scenery. Check out the sun rays and halo that are so different from a regular sun capture.
Participants today hailed from near and far. Thank you to all who travelled from St. John and Moncton, New Brunswick, Shubie and the Parrsboro area. Interest was keen and despite everyone following the advice to wear layers we had a few chilly moments while the sun was obscured.
A memorable afternoon spent with like-minded people exploring the beach and observing the near total eclipse. My heart is full!
Wishing everyone a relaxing evening!
I just returned from scouting Phinney Green beach and stash some water for tomorrow’s Eclipse Tour.
What a glorious afternoon my friend and I enjoyed walking this vast beach in solitude. And then our sense of adventure struck: we decided to go exploring… across the river and through the woods!
On the way back to the car this large driftwood log caught our attention.
We left the beach admiring the soothing colour scheme Mother Nature presented just in time for our departure!
I can’t wait for tomorrow’s tour group to explore this special spot along the Parrsboro Shore. The eclipse glasses and special viewers are packed, snacks have been baked, water stashed on site, backpack with cooking stove and pots ready. Check back for the recap later tomorrow.
Thank you to everyone who has signed up for the Solar Eclipse Tour on Monday, April 8th. We have a full group heading out.
I spent the day preparing snacks and creating face masks to complement the solar viewing glasses in an effort of providing additional protection for everyone’s eyes. Pictures to be posted Monday.
Enjoy the rest of the weekend, Anna
…in the eye of the beholder…
Spring hit the pause button today. There was snow, huge fluffy flakes… and it looked more like Christmas would be on its way. But it’s April and it won’t last long! 😊
The day has been filled with typical April weather, sunshine and snow flurries, grey storm clouds and strong wind. Anne, Molly and I didn’t let the weather deter us from a brisk hike to Clarke Head. Thanks for joining me!
A birthday is a great reason to hit the trail. It’s an even better reason to explore a trail less travelled. We headed past Apple River to embark on our 23.2 km excursion taking us through the woods to Polley’s Flats Beach.
Cape Capstan with the Apple River Lighthouse was the perfect place for a rest, lunch and birthday cake with freshly brewed coffee.
Back through the forest we went to find the very wet path to Birch Cove. The long beach hike over pebbles and sandstone slabs was completed quicker than planned as we were keenly aware of the incoming tide. But, there was enough time to capture some unique textures and very photogenic rocks.
And then there were the waterfalls…
We made it around the pinch point with time to spare and more unique cliff formations on offer.
A short break before we set out for the last leg of the hike to get us back to the car.
What a day! Sunshine, like-minded friends and celebrations on the trail less travelled! Nothing could be more perfect.
There has been a buzz on social media and among my Wednesday afternoon hiking group lately. One of our members organized a private screening in her home this afternoon. The sun was shining brightly and some of us quietly grumbled that we would really like to be outside. But once inside and with images flashing across the big screen nobody complained! If you are passionate about Canada’s wild landscape and its less-travelled paths do yourself a favour and spend the roughly 2.5 hours experiencing the cross-Canada journey through the lens of the exceptionally talented documentary film maker Dianne Whelan.
When the sun finally made an appearance after three solid days of rain it was time to finally head to the beach!
I arrived just as the tide was turning. There was still plenty of time left to explore. Best of all: the beach was mine, not another soul in sight!
It was my first time at Two Islands Beach this spring. Signs of active erosion were everywhere, a good reminder to keep that school bus-length distance at all times.
I managed to find some ice covering the mighty basalt cliff. Here is a video capturing the sounds of how it is melting:
Instead of Easter candies I looked for nature’s treasures and was not disappointed!
Easter Blessings to all!
Parrsboro, Good Friday 2024
I have gathered thousands of images around our fantastic area. Every once in a while a video drops that has to be shared. Enjoy!
A group of Amherst walker joined Parrsboro today!
The videos say it all!
…the Parrsboro NS Walks groups and the Amherst NS Walks group! Details in the poster above.
All we hope for now is for the rain to stop😊
Where will you be on Monday, April 8th? Tide Rollers & Mudlarkers is planning a special beach event to view the solar eclipse.
Meet at the Parrsboro Bandstand at 2:30 pm. We are heading to Phinney Green Beach to enjoy an unobstructed view over the Bay of Fundy.
Group limited to 10 participants. $25/person includes AAS approved ISO 12312-2 & CE Certified solar eclipse viewing glasses. There will be snacks and hot beverages while we enjoy this rare event. Let’s make memories together!
Mark your calendars and register today!
Payment may be made by e-transfer, cash or credit card. Register via email <annahergert@me.com>
Exploring the beach
In the company of friends –
Through all the seasons.
Tide Rollers & Mudlarkers...