…Home to Custom Guided Upper Bay of Fundy Ocean-floor Tours Tours .
We didn’t let a little rain get us down or abandon a mid-day low tide hike to Clarke Head. Days like these ensure deserted beaches…
We hiked in steady drizzle but with layers of wool and a rain shell we stayed warm and toasty. Another amazing hike to my favourite spot in Parrsboro! Happy Sunday, everyone.
Our Saturday morning walk led to the beach. It has been a while since I walked from Parrsboro’s First Beach to the beach below Glooscap Campground. The wind held off and the cliffs glowed in the morning sun illuminating the icicles oozing from the rocks.
The plan to visit Hidden Falls was quickly abandoned when this happened:
When Heather broke through the ice and diverted the flow of water we quickly changed plans and set out for another option.
The creek without a name near Moose River was calling us. We quickly left the skidoo path and made our way following close to the flowing water.
What a treat! I had not seen ice formations like these since I lived in Saskatchewan. These diamonds won’t last forever…
By the time we reached the point where the granite cliff met the creek’s edge and forced us to turn back the sun was warming up the forest floor. We broke through the crusty snow more often. We also noticed some of the lacey ice decorating various rocks in the water and along the edge had reduced in circumference… the big melt had begun.
Time for a couple more photos before we headed for the car. A fantastic morning hike through the forest with magical light, a photographer’s dream!
Wishing everyone a great weekend!
…created by Mother Nature’s helpers, waves and wind.
Rain in the forecast kept away my regular Wednesday afternoon hikers. My trusty friend Gaby and her dog Enya were not deterred. We keep saying: “ We are not made of sugar… a little rain won’t melt us!”
The tide was nearing its highest mark and the wave action was exhilarating.
We hiked all the way to the end of the gravel beach and on our return made some colourful discoveries. The rain held off, as it so often does, until we arrived back at the car. An afternoon well spent on a very accessible beach with views that need to be captured for sharing like this.
What a piece of paradise! Our friend shared his shoreline hangout with us today and we enjoyed the view of the lighthouse and pier. What a treat.
…when I first set foot on the beach, any beach…
Waking up to sunshine and blue sky was just what we hoped for. My friend and I had planned this particular excursion for a while and after rain, snow and flash freeze yesterday the conditions were perfect.
Our hike led past Jeffers Falls where we discovered beautiful ice flows with edges smoothed by the water as they bumped against each other in a quiet pool.
The ice shelves lining the shore were slushy in places and we were not keen on taking chances and have water enter our boots. Instead we decided to hug the tree lined canyon cliffs, grateful for the snow as it aided in finding solid footing.
Eventually we abandoned our goal to find the elusive upper falls and headed straight up a very steep incline because we saw sunshine reflecting off the snow in a clearing. We emerged under the power lines and the corridor cut through the forest. Trees were scattered and covered with a blanket of snow. We forged ahead, climbed over some bouncing branches and solid trunks. Our goal was to reach the forest’s edge and follow it toward the not so distant cliff. By our estimation (and according to the map) we expected to find the logging road at the top of the cliff.
We were correct! Once we arrived at the access road we followed it downhill back to where we parked the car.
It wasn’t a very long hike but the scenery, navigating knee high snow and climbing steep terrain gave us a work out and thrills that won’t be forgotten anytime soon
Happy Sunday! Hope you enjoyed sunshine in your corner of the world.
Happy Saturday from snowy Nova Scotia!
…at Soley Cove.
On a whim my friend and I headed out to Soley Cove. Anne had never been, so I was keen on showing her this stretch of the Jurassic Coast line in the Upper Bay of Fundy.
The sky was overcast and the diffused sunlight showcased the red sandstone cliffs to their best advantage. With long icicles contrasting the distinctive rust coloured cliffs shaped by water and wind this stretch of beach was perfect for a first time visitor.
I have explored this beach countless times but today was one of the most beautiful experience. The combination of the outgoing tide, special winter light reflecting off mirror-smooth water will etch this day forever in my mind. What a fabulous opportunity for my hiking friend.
We managed to navigate half the distance to the Redhead before we turned around.
Just as we climbed the stairs from the beach the sun emerged and presented us with a fabulous panorama. Hope you enjoyed my short recap as much as we did today! Cheers, Anna
Wednesdays in Parrsboro during winter months are never without an outdoor opportunity! We walk in the morning (two differently paced groups) and we explore beaches and woodlands during the afternoon!
Today’s afternoon excursion in the sun led us to Wards Brook Beach, the Brookville Formation and beyond. Soaking in the sunshine, a relaxing cuppa and checking out the tall cliffs and small pebbles at the beach made for a perfect time!
Wednesdays in Parrsboro during winter months are never without an outdoor opportunity! We walk in the morning (two differently paced groups) and we explore beaches and woodlands during the afternoon!
Today’s afternoon excursion in the sun led us to Wards Brook Beach, the Brookville Formation and beyond. Soaking in the sunshine, a relaxing cuppa and checking out the tall cliffs and small pebbles at the beach made for a perfect time!
Upper Bay of Fundy shore observations.
Watch out: if you are a newcomer to our shore I might nab you and drag you to one of my favourite places… Clarke Head! Despite the early morning snow fall and strong wind that started up around the time we set out for the beach hike, we forged ahead. Following the tide out we waited for a while near the Old Man sea stack, but fear not… I brought coffee which we enjoyed huddled between a large, seaweed-covered rock.
I truly enjoy sharing the sights with new friends!
The sun was out and bathed the cliffs in their magical light. The wind was strong but not insurmountable.
It was the perfect day to explore this well kept “secret” that is no secret at all. Dressing in layers and a little energy is required to explore the outdoors during winter. It’s so worthwhile! Happy Holiday Monday, wherever you are!
The weather cooperated for our third excursion for the HikeNS guided winter hikes series within the Cliffs of Fundy Geopark. We also promoted this free event as one to support the Parrsboro Shore Winter Carnival. On the agenda: Five Islands Estuary Loop Trail on snowshoes. The sun shone brightly casting mesmerizing shadows and the wind made the tree tops sway but we were sheltered along the wooded trail.
We met up at the trailhead adjacent to the Five Islands Provincial Park Gate. A keen group, comprised of participants from Parrsboro and Malagash, gathered and we were soon exploring the winter trail.
A helping hand was always available 😁. The terrain is not considered difficult but provides challenges to elevate one’s heart rate and sustain it for a moderate exercise workout.
When we arrived at the viewing area overlooking the Estuary and Five Islands the wind blew so strongly that we soon headed back to the trail to claim a lovely sunny spot for sharing a hot beverage and some Fundy Jewels.
Common interests made the conversation lively and the group connected like old friends coming together.
We were soon back on the trail winding our way back to the parking area.
With “after” hike group pictures taken and trail prizes awarded we bade each other good bye. Another Sunday well spent with like-minded people! Happy Family Day weekend, everyone.
Wishing everyone a relaxing weekend!
I could not resist sharing this photo memory from two years ago!
Tuesday (Feb. 13th) I ventured to Clarke Head with the film crew. I blogged about it Wednesday (scroll back two days on this blog to refresh your memory).
The video I am sharing has images from two years ago today…
Happy weekend, everyone!
…at Atkinson Road, between Amherst and Parrsboro.
Nearly three months ago to the day I received an email from Alex Mitchell, director and producer of onlyissueco.com. His email stated “We’ve been in talks with the folks at Cliffs of Fundy Geopark, M5 Communications, and Tourism NS about developing a mini-doc highlighting the Fundy Cliffs region and the people that make it great”. A few Zoom conversations and phone calls later I was up bright and early to met Alex and his business partner Ian for an exclusive low tide beach excursion to Clarke Head.
Our rapport was immediately established. Alex and Ian recognized right away how special this stretch of beach is. The morning light cast its magic on the cliffs and the approach to Clarke Head was as impressive as ever!
Meet Bobby, the drone:
Bobby in action at the beach:
We took full advantage of the low tide window before moving on.
Stop #2 was Hidden Falls. I had secured extra micro spikes for the film crew which made it possible to easily reach the best vantage points overlooking these spectacular waterfalls.
Bobby saw some action as well:
With the outdoor video footage gathered we headed home for some lunch and the final task, the interview.
Two hours in my studio answering questions prepared and posed by Alex and diligently recorded in image and sound under Ian’s watchful eye and ear flew by. I want to express my sincere gratitude to all involved in this production and for including me in this special documentary. My most sincere thank you goes to film makers /producers Alex and Ian for their ability to seek and find the mystery and beauty in the Cliffs of Fundy Geopark and for their great questions during our outdoor excursions and in the studio.
It was another action-filled day in a super busy two week stretch. This is only February… but with bookings for spring and summer arriving nearly every day I know this year will be filled with countless opportunities to share the stunning landscape we live in!
Wishing you a great Wednesday evening, Anna
Tide Rollers & Mudlarkers...