We are blessed with an abundance of Old Man’s Beard” along the coastline. I could not resist capturing some up close and personal images. Hope you enjoy them!
Lichen
A Day of Firsts…
Yesterday was the first day of the Lunar New Year. When I let the pups out into the backyard in the morning I spotted four quarters on the deck banister and I considered it a good omen. It turns out they were left there last weekend in four inches of snow when a friend felt he had to settle a bet (I wasn’t even aware that our previous discussion involved a bet😁). Finding the money after the snow had melted was a pleasant surprise. And once the fog burned off I decided to head to the stair access leading to the beach near Clarke Head. Cape Blomidon beckoned from across the Minas Basin, the sun was pushing through the clouds as I was starting on the 176 steps of snow and ice removal, my work out for Sunday.
It wasn’t as difficult as I expected and I soon found myself at the beach below. The last 11 steps were dry, a welcome gift from Mother Nature!
The incoming tide pushed me off the beach after a short break in the sunshine. I remembered that a spring tide (higher than usual tides as we pass the new moon phase) was predicted on the way home when I spotted the Parrsboro Lighthouse nearly completely surrounded by water!
A quick side trip to the pier confirmed the high water levels. But the biggest surprise happened when I reached our only access from the Riverview area back to the core of Parrsboro: I had to navigate through water to get to the other side of the Aboiteau bridge!
It was quite the experience and I rushed home to pick up Colin to witness the water meeting on the road. The video was shot about ten minutes after I came across.
With an even higher tide predicted for today we joined the local spectators a little while ago but were relieved when the water didn’t get as high as Sunday.
Right around sunset yesterday sirens were echoing through our quiet town. Volunteer firefighters came together from near and far to put out a fire that started in a shed on the property and quickly spread to the vacant house. It is such a shame to lose one of these historical homes! The house was vacant and nobody was injured. The cause of the fire is under investigation.
A busy Sunday came to an end with me completing a weekend make-over of the stairs leading to the lower level of our home. I finally removed the last trace from the last owner: a dark, dingy looking khaki coloured stair well even a newly installed LED light could not brighten.
Wishing everyone a fabulous week! I am taking it easy today in anticipation of an action-filled day tomorrow. Best wishes, Anna
Happy Lunar New Year!
I went to the beach and just about the time I was ready to leave I met my very own dragon!
May this be a prosperous year for all of us!
Upcoming Snowshoe Events
Here are a couple snowshoe events coming up for Colchester County area in the Cliffs of Fundy Geopark!
^ Both of these events ^ are part of the Winter Hike series through Hike Nova Scotia. The Five Islands Estuary Loop snowshoe outing on February 18th is also part of the Parrsboro Shore Winter Carnival. Please pre-register for both events so we can ensure to have enough co-leaders to facilitate.
Dust off those snowshoes and join us! Register soon to reserve your spot. These are family-friendly, canine-free events.
Happy Weekend, Anna
Mid-winter Tour Day!
This morning promised to be a great day! No matter how long we live here the early morning views make for many a “skip a heartbeat” moments. I needed that after the busy two days that are behind me.
On Wednesday morning I woke up to an inquiry for a snowshoe tour from David in New Jersey. The requested date was Friday, February 9th, very soon. He and his friends were heading to Nova Scotia for a guys weekend. Snowshoeing in the Cliffs of Fundy Geopark was one of the items he wanted to check off the bucket list.
I shifted my schedule around a bit, secured another pair of snowshoes from the loaner programme Cumberland Rec provides to its citizens and was ready to meet the crew.
Colin and I ventured out early to scout the roads and select an alternative snowshoe trail just in case we could not get to Thomas Cove. Glad I checked the approach to the Thomas Cove Nature Preserve parking lot… I got us stuck! The icy road was covered with a layer of fluffy snow and it took some digging and sand from the bag in the trunk to get us mobile enough to back out to the ploughed road section. So, my initial plan for the guided snowshoe excursion changed a little: we broke the trail along the road and headed toward the look off on the Tomas Cove Economy Loop. There we rested, sipped tea and ate freshly baked Fundy Jewels (recipe in the website drop down menu if you are interested).
The three hour event was a big success! Everyone had been on snowshoes before and we all worked up a good sweat and got our hearts pumping. Nobody lost their footing, we had to resort to some bushwhacking to get around a fallen tree and I brought the entire group back to their vehicle! They are off to Cape Breton for dinner and a day of snowmobiling tomorrow. I believe there is curling on the activities menu somewhere as well! Thanks to David and friends for trusting Tide Rollers & Mudlarkers services to put together an energizing afternoon exploring the woods and taking time to enjoy the views across the sparkling waters of the Bay of Fundy Minas Basin!
Reaching Far
Into the blue sky
A gnarly bare branch reaches –
Geese pass overhead…
Another busy Wednesday…
The regular walk in the morning…
…followed by a snowshoe excursion in the afternoon.
These are the things worth sharing. Just finished working on a proposal for five hours. Such tedious work without physical activity… and just like that another day is over!
Good night, world!
Icy Bubbles…
These icy bubbles
Floating on chilly water –
Woodland treasures found!
I just knew it…
…when I roamed the beach last week with the winter storm in the forecast… I deliberately “collected” these treasures along the way!
Enjoy!
Storm Stayed
The weather forecast was very accurate this weekend: snow and wind for two full days made for time indoors.
These are the kind of days that call for indoor projects like paint touch ups, making a new set of quilted pot holder mitts and finishing a section on my lace knitting project.
Can’t wait to get back outdoors to explore the winter wonderland this storm created.
And so it begins…
…my first tour registration for June 27th arrived via email on this snowy day today! Thanks @KeepYourDayDream for the opportunity to show you around the Parrsboro Shore area in June 2023.
Chasing the Light…
…all the way to the Redhead Look off. A perfect way to spend the afternoon on Groundhog Day!
Wishing you all a wonderful weekend, Anna
Celebrating Imbolc: Clarke Head Hike
Imbolc commemorates the return of light. I decided on a solitary hike to one of my favourite destinations, the natural stone arch at Clarke Head.
It had been exactly one month since I visited last and the changes along the beach were noticeable. Large rocks had been deposited that were not there before, erosion and displacement is constant!
I took great delight in finding details on the beach.
And on the way back to the car this cliff reminded me of a sleeping dragon with an ear standing up, the snow-covered cliff reminiscent of leathery skin.
It was a fantastic morning for this hike: the temperature was on the cool side but there was no wind and I had the beach all to myself!
Happy Imbolc!
Three Waterfalls Hike Event
It was a fabulous day to bring together a group of like-minded people! Together we explored Jeffers Falls, the Old Parrsboro Dam site and Hidden Falls. The sun pushed through the clouds and illuminated some of the most scenic stretches along the trails. Thanks to everyone who joined in.
Winter is here!
And I am doing the happy dance! Three Waterfalls Snowshoe Excursion is confirmed for tomorrow. Stay tuned for pictures of our first snowshoe session of the year!
Ice and Snow
On a snow filled and windy Monday I peruse recent images! Can’t wait to get outside again to enjoy this winter wonderland!
Three Waterfalls Hike Scouting Mission Success
I spent a good part of today, Sunday, scouting. Wednesday, January 31st will be the second free Guided Hike Nova Scotia Winterhike in the Geopark. The Three Waterfalls event was originally advertised for January 12th but had to be changed due to poor trail conditions.
I am pleased to announce: We are heading to Three Waterfalls on January 31st. Jeffers Falls, the Old Parrsboro Dam and Hidden Falls are accessible!
Pre-registration is required due to limited space. I will cap this snowshoe hike at 10 participants. A quick email to annahergert@me.com will reserve your spot.
We depart from the Parrsboro Bandstand at 12:15 pm. If this is your first hike with us, please arrive a few minutes early to sign the waiver.
Snowshoes are highly recommended, at minimum micro-spikes or cleats are a must. Snowshoes or cleats may be borrowed free of charge from Cumberland Recreation Parrsboro Office. Please contact them as soon as possible to ensure availability. In other words, don’t wait till Wednesday, please.
Please also note: this hike is canine free due to certain variables and trail obstacles.
Here are a few details to help you decide if this event is for you:
Jeffers Falls, approximately 1 km return, easy, starts out climbing gently on a logging road, wooded narrow trail to the overlook at the top of the falls.
Old Parrsboro Dam, just under 2 km return, trail starts out level with icy spots in specific areas, there are two iced over creeks to cross followed by a gentle uphill climb to the dam.
Hidden Falls, just under 1 km return, easy terrain with some snow covered icy patches, there will be one creek crossing over ice cover, no change of elevation .
With snow in the forecast for Monday I expect a winter wonderland at last! Here are a few images from Sunday.
Snow-covered Trails through the Woods and to the Beach
Two weeks ago I explored this trail when it looked completely different. After some decent snow accumulation I set out again today and discovered a winter wonderland. The bonus was the receding tide which revealed a stunning shale beach. Enjoy the images, happy Saturday!
Red Sky in the Morning…
…sailor take warning!
Snow!!!
…waking up to a fluffy white blanket covering the world This calls for another session of polishing snowshoes😜
Tide Rollers & Mudlarkers... 