…Home to Custom Guided Upper Bay of Fundy Ocean-floor Tours Tours .
What happens when the call for a group hike generates this much interest? It provides me with the confirmation that I am able to fill a need in the Parrsboro area. Each Wednesday hike has seen our group growing larger!
What a way to fill Wednesday afternoons! Sharing my passion for the Cliffs of Fundy Geopark and bringing people together while getting some exercise, deepen friendships and discover treasures at the beach!
The bonus was the late afternoon light as we headed back to our vehicles.
…it’s January. Very little snow, Canada Geese enjoying the sunshine in Parrsboro’s inner harbour and no winter weather in sight…
The frozen puddle
Its fractured icy surface –
On top of the hill…
There was a chill in the air but I had planned to check out a new trail as a possibility for my Wednesday hikers. My friend and I enjoyed the hike, we even found a way to make the original trail connect to create a loop. The terrain was steep, too steep for the varied abilities of my regular group. But Anne, her dog Molly and I enjoyed the woodlands and spectacular view from the top after climbing 158 meters over 2 km. The descent was easy and didn’t require much effort. But we were glad for our cleats because it was so much safer to navigate some snow covered icy patches.
A cup of steaming tea by the wood stove concluded our afternoon excursion. A Sunday well spent!
Meet Earl, the five month old Golden Retriever pup who played escape artist on Thursday afternoon. When his family was unable to locate him they posted a message to the Parrsboro Community FaceBook pages. Soon their entire neighbourhood was out searching in the bitter cold. It was about an hour before sunset when the call for help was issued… and even the Parrsboro Volunteer Fire Department mobilized to find Earl and bring him home.
Messages like this garnered a lot of caring comments and mobilized more volunteers. There was a bonfire going most of the night with someone providing a place to warm up, flashlights penetrated wooden areas and shouts calling for Earl echoed across the dark.
Friday morning arrived and the search continued with even more rescuers about. The owner of the local Irving garage sent coffee and donuts to the warm up centre located at the Fundy Geological Museum.
Earl’s owners even posted a $5,000 reward!
And then the joyous announcement came early afternoon: Earl was found alive and well in a sheltered spot at the beach, his attached leash tangled in one of the large boulders used to secure the bank from excess erosion.
One of the searchers posted a video that showed the incredible joy of Earl’s owner jumping off his ATV before it came to a full stop, running for for his pup and embracing him in a bear hug. More than a few emotional tears were shed by those witnessing the reunion and the rest of us watching it on FaceBook.
What a great way for a community to come together, support each other and bring about a happy ending! We are so proud to live here!
I was unable to capture a photo of Earl sleeping peacefully last night but the image below sums up everything!
…and there were some late night community posts from Parrsborians who were still dealing with the adrenaline rush the collective worry had caused.
Happy weekend, everyone!
Took one exit too soon… so worth it! Happy Friday, everyone.
Surprise reflection
Off a kettle in the woods –
Such fond memories…
In January 2023 I started to offer free guided hikes following the Wednesday morning walks. There was always at least one interested hiker and we set about exploring together. As 2023 drew to a close I wasn’t sure if offering another three-months of guided hikes would be of interest. I couldn’t have been more wrong!
We gathered as a large group on January 3rd, January 10th we were usurped by the weather. Today seven humans and three canines gathered for an icy short hike on top of Kirkhill. And it was truly amazing!
There was lively conversation, a picnic with tea and treats in a sheltered location and the sun sending beams through the cloud just as we arrived back at the parking area. Can’t wait for next Wednesday’s hike!
It’s been a snowy winter’s day with medical appointments. I miss not getting outside to explore but here is looking at the bright side:
I finished our Christmas present to ourselves. This is a fully functioning wooden wall clock. I bought it as a kit and assembled it over the past ten days. I didn’t want to rush the process as it was immensely enjoyable with just the right level of challenge. This 3-D wooden puzzle is made and sold by Rokr. I love the way it turned out, the way it adorns the living room wall and the rhythmical ticking as I type these words.
How was your Tuesday? We are happy to be home, warm and toasty as the snow and rain run off the windows. Stay warm, my friends!
…and an ice study along the way!
My friend and I ventured up nearby Kirkhill today. We met with our goal of scouting a new hike destination.
It’s official: This mid-week Winter hike will explore a 3 km loop on top of Kirkhill, a popular destination in the Parrsboro area.
After yesterday’s storm it was time to get outside. I was also curious about the snow. As you can see in the images, there isn’t much white stuff around here.
Back to scouting trails in general: When I activated my satellite communication device at the beginning of the month I received a six month free subscription to the Gaia Maps App. Today I decided to check out a new trail in the Five Islands Area. I am quite impressed with the app! Originally I just intended to hike the woods to the beach. It was so worthwhile and the views rewarded us tenfold after the continuous uphill trail. The mighty Bay of Fundy was bathed in beautiful sunlight. Waves were lapping at the shore…
As we turned around and came back to the Tidal Crest footpath we decided to see where it leads. No regrets along the way! The dappled light, cushy moss patches and views over the tidal inlet rewarded us with countless photo opportunities.
The intent was to scout the trail for my Wednesday afternoon hiking group. I am glad I took the time to check and evaluate. This trail is quite steep at times and just isn’t suitable for those who hike only sporadically. Overall I am very happy I discovered this trail thanks to my new map app. I will definitely be back!
The storm arrived around 3 pm this afternoon. We had not seen such high tidal activity since Christmas 2022. Within ten minutes visibility was poor and I counted my blessings for the warm house.
An hour later things had calmed down and the tide receded. But this didn’t last long. Rain is creating rivulets on the window against the dark of night. I was hopeful for snow. My snowshoes are collecting dust…
Thanks to Andrea and John for joining today’s hike to Wards Falls. It was the perfect day for exploring the trail, jump over a few fallen trees, carefully cross an icy creek, scramble up a steep cliff incline to take in the partially frozen falls!
While picking up fresh eggs at The Farm on the Hill today attention was quickly diverted from the egg producers to the main man strutting around the yard. Mr. Turkey had received a name and was spared at Christmas time. He and his harem of two are destined to start a new flock. Gotta say: he is so ugly that he looks beautiful, especially when he puts on his colours to impress.
We went from -7C to +7C during the course of the day. There were strong wind gusts, snow, ice pellets and rain, and for the first time in nearly two years we cancelled Wednesday morning walks. It was the perfect day to start on a decorating project…
I spent some time exercising on my new mini-stepper. Gotta get into shape for the upcoming hiking season. 😊 Speaking of hiking, I turned the heel on another pair of socks. v
And, continuing on the green theme, I baked a Pandan flavoured keto cheese cake to take to a dinner we are invited to on Friday. It turned out great. I baked it in my Instant Pot, the best way to make a creamy cheese cake without the top browning and cracking.
Then I realized I had four egg whites in the fridge that needed to be used up. I whipped up a batch of coconut macaroons. These will last and make welcome treats for guests dropping by for tea.
Last, but not least, I finally pulled out the Christmas present to ourselves. It’s a 3-D wooden puzzle that will become a working wall clock. Assembly must be precise, so it is a slow process.
With all these great projects on the go the day flew by! How was your Wednesday?
…when planning events: Always scout your venues!
That is exactly how I spent my afternoon. The upcoming “Three Waterfalls Hike” for Friday is in jeopardy due to several factors. When I planned the event in November I was certain we would have enough snow and cold temperatures to be able to cross creek without peril.
Only one of the three short hikes is easily accessible. The second hike has treacherous ice on the trail and the creeks will not have enough ice on them once the weather warms up and the rain arrives tomorrow. The third short hike has more ice across the creek that is just not stable enough. With my motto of Safety First I have decided to change the hike destination. Stay tuned for the final decision to be made by Thursday.
Today’s excursion wasn’t disappointing. The light in the forest was magical!
Stay safe out there, everyone!
Join us! Hike Nova Scotia, Cliffs of Fundy Geopark & Tide Rollers & Mudlarkers are kicking off Winter officially with their guided hikes series on
Friday, January 12th, 2024
Are you ready for the
3-in-1 Waterfall Excursion: Jeffers Falls, Old Parrsboro Dam & Hidden Falls Hike or Snowshoe exploration?
We meet at the Parrsboro Bandstand @ 12:15 pm and �finish at Hidden Falls parking lot at 4 pm
Pre-registration required. Send an email to annahergert@me.com by Thursday midnight.
This event is a no cost and pet-free event.
The weather cooperated and the wind wasn’t too strong to walk these beaches close to home. 6 km on a Sunday afternoon!
…an unexpected discovery of patters and texture.
…we delight in during a grocery run. The light near Five Islands was magical and drew us is!
Every second the light changed! So grateful for living in paradise! Happy Weekend to all!
Tide Rollers & Mudlarkers...