Parrsboro Creative, a local umbrella organization, is hosting their first ever Gala Dinner, Dance & Auction this coming Saturday, October 21st.
I delivered my donation today. It consists of two parts: some art… and a guided ocean walk tour! The art pulled me back into the studio for several afternoons and evenings. The ocean floor tour will take place when the successful bidder contacts me to set a date.
A silk-lined custom box……opens to a beach-inspired diorama……beach finds combined with polymer clay……hand sewn leather backpack, hiking poles and hiking boots!Your voucher……details.
I had fun coming up with the concept and pulling together the presentation. Fingers crossed it raises some much needed funds for a great organization!
There is a time for everything… this weekend I had a chance to share Soley Cove with visitors from Vienna. The rain held off and I dug deep into my memory for German terminology to do our Jurassic Coast line in the Upper Bay of Fundy justice.
The tide was high and relatively slow in receding at a key pinch point which forced us to stop and observe. So often the concept of the highest tides in the world remains elusive… these participants are sure to remember our short walk on the ocean.
Yesterday morning started out full of magic… this was the view from my living room window. I was ready soon after to join my friend for a hike to a beach I had never explored.
We drove to Advocate Harbour and parked at the foot of the “hump”, the bottom of where the road to Cape d’Or begins. We were soon heading toward the beach, our destination: Cape Spencer.
The beach itself was easy to reach. The approach is a wide trail. Bear paw prints gave reason to pause several times. More bear presence was visible on the beach itself. We were vigilant but delighted in new discoveries… there were rocks, oh so many pretty rocks! We were not sure if we found some fossils as well… soon we reached Cape Spencer! The columnar basalt cliff took my breath away!
Tranquil moments while observing the receding tide at Cape Spencer just after noon. If you ever wondered how strong the currents are… this video might provide some insight!
I am leading free hikes this fall under the Hike Nova Scotia umbrella in conjunction with the Cliffs of Fundy Geopark.
Last Saturday was my second hike, the Partridge Island Eco-Loop was our destination. I had several last minute cancellations due to illness. In the end I headed out with Larry and Caleb. Caleb is the geoscientist for the Cliffs of Fundy Geopark and it’s always great when he comes out on any hike!
There are two more hikes scheduled. Interested? Feel free to click on the menu under the Geopark joint events tab. Hikes are always free!
Our multi-hike day last Thursday ended with checking on the trail to Jeffers Falls. There were some minor improvements, especially at the point where it used to be difficult to determine which way the path leads approaching the final section near the scree slope.
I continue to stand by my evaluation that the final section is not safe. The scree slope with its narrow path always invokes a feeling of unease. My recommendation is to stop at the yellow warning sign that raises awareness as to the instability of the trail.
Those who have followed my blog for a while saw my post from August where I tried to reach Hidden Falls but the high water in the brook prevented my attempt at crossing. I tried twice more… to mo avail.
Last Thursday, October 5th, my friend and I stopped on the way back from Five Islands Provincial Park to see if we could find Hidden Falls without getting our feet too wet.
Much to my surprise, the water in the brook had subsided and a few trail improvements had occurred since my last attempt. The hike is not long, some metal pieces had been strategically placed across the stream and crossing was easy. The sound of rushing water propelled us forward and before we knew it, the Hidden Falls beckoned!
What a rush! Hidden Falls will be on my personal go-to quick-hike-to-clear-my-head list from now on.
Do yourself a favour: get out and experience Hidden Falls before winter. This is an easy hike. The convenient parking lot just off the #2 in New Prospect offers shade as does the trail. Bring a picnic and listen to the rushing water. The sound will wash away sadness and negative thoughts, forest bathing at its finest!
A warm autumn day, sunshine, perfect morning light and a bald eagle overhead…
We parked our car in the parking lot near the Provincial Park gate and set out for the trail head. I had hiked the Redhead Look-off Trail once in February. While a light dusting of snow presented a magical winter landscape I loved the fall landscape equally well. A few mushrooms, edible and non-edible, lined the path. We found the trail to be clear and of decent width for hiking. The terrain falls into the category of “easy” or Level 1.
The light was spectacular as we arrived at our destination and when the bald eagle took flight we knew it would be a great day!
The Redhead Trail is straight in and out. We returned to the trail marker map and decided to hike out through the provincial campground along the Estuary Trail.
Admittedly, an easy hike but so worth it! I loved the diversity in landscape, the difference in the woodland trails and vistas of the Minas Basin mudflats and salt marsh! A perfect few hours of hiking on a fabulous fall day!
We set out with the intention of hiking to Red Head Look-off in Five Islands Provincial Park only. The biggest reward was the way the cliff colours were illuminated just as we arrived at our destination.
With the great weather we decided to hike through the campground and head toward the Estuary Trail, but not before stopping and taking in the view from the campground.
The Estuary Trail did not disappoint and I put it on the list for snow shoe excursions this coming winter!
On the way back to Parrsboro we stopped at Hidden Falls. The creek’s water was finally low enough to cross and take in these spectacular falls.
And last, but not least we finished off our hiking adventure day with a quick hike into Jeffers Falls.
I call this a jam-packed day exploring our fabulous Cliffs of Fundy GeoPark Region. Stay tuned as I “unpack” details of each hike in upcoming posts!
I am leading a guided hike for Hike Nova Scotia on Saturday. Today was the day to check on the trail. There were no surprises along the beach leading to Partridge Island. The weather was spectacular and the trail was deserted.
At the start of the trail the earth was wet and I had to watch my step after I suddenly slipped. Wet leaves are to be expected this time of year. Overall the first stretch of the path was well defined.
I always love the first unofficial look-off. Ottawa House glowed in the sun today.
Fall colours are starting. Long shadows were cast.
The view across to Cape Blomidon was stunning.
The look-off tower provided unobstructed views of Cape Split and Cape Sharp, the official channel into the Minas Basin.
Leaving the tower behind to return to my starting point I made countless nature discoveries… an amazing afternoon spent checking a favourite trail!
Interested in the upcoming free hike? Email me <annahergert@me.com> and I will add you to the list!
Just had to share! We stopped at That Dutchman Cheese Farm for some supplies and these are the colours that greeted us. Nothing can make a mundane shopping trip more enticing than lush flower beds and autumnal reds… enjoy!
It was my first time since Tropical Storm Lee had pounded our shoreline. And the changes I saw today were surprising. It really drove home the fact that the erosion of our shores is relentless.
My goal this morning was to access the back beach at Partridge Island, it was the last day of very high and low tides during this moon phase. However, it wasn’t meant to be. I arrived thirty minutes prior to low tide yet the water level never dropped to a point where I could gain access.
After I realized I had ventured there in vain I delighted in the morning sunlight and the shadows cast by the massive seaweed-covered basalt boulders. And then there so many sparkling minerals…
What a beautiful place we live in! Fall is in full swing! The leaves are turning!
It was a busy weekend! I am so glad to have been able to attend the 13th Annual Parrsboro Film Festival for the first time since moving here. What a fantastic event! The line up of feature length and short films was truly educational, thought-provoking and entertaining.
My friend Kristi was in the area for the weekend and we were able to take in a documentary and go on a hike this afternoon! It was the perfect way to finish off a fantastic weekend… and also an excellent chance to make up for the long spells of sitting still. 😊
Wards Falls did not disappoint! We set a good pace and, besides enjoying the fresh air, discovered some new-to-us mushrooms and took note of the colour changes in the foliage. I hope to return a little later in the month to capture the autumnal light through golden leaves!
Just as I was preparing to compose today’s post, this notification flashed on my screen! 50,000 views of my website? I couldn’t be happier! Thank you all for your interest and support!
Coincidentally, the post was going to focus on reflections of my guided tour business. I met and connected with awesome tour participants from Alabama yesterday. When polled how they found me and how they planned their time in the Cliffs of Fundy Geopark their answer matched those of 50% of past tours: “We saw you on Keep Your Daydream with Tricia, Mark and Caleb Leach. Since we were planning our trip to Nova Scotia/the Atlantic Provinces it was easy to change a few things around to connect with you for a custom tour!”
Hands down, Soley Cove has been the most requested tour destination this year. Thank you to Bonnie and Jim for adding the Parrsboro Shore to their itinerary. They squeezed this side trip in between their return from Newfoundland and camping in Kejimkujik for the weekend before they head over to Fundy National Park in New Brunswick. They were so appreciative to walk the ocean floor in Soley Cove in Keep Your Daydream’s footsteps!
Other visitors have made this area a priority stop as well. Some even changed their whole schedule and accommodation reservations from other parts of Nova Scotia to the Parrsboro area to allow for in-depth explorations of our unique landscape!
Above are just a few tour images. The special thank you goes to Tricia, Mark and Caleb for their enthusiastic endorsement of my guided tours!
Saturday, June 17th, 2023 Tour with Keep Your Daydream, Tricia, Mark and Caleb!
Three and a half months of steady guiding, the season is noticeable slowing down. This allows me to concentrate on scouting for fresh options and developing new programs.
Tide Rollers & Mudlarkers is a year-round guided tour operation. The business is registered with the Province of Nova Scotia and Tourism Nova Scotia. We offer programming for all seasons and weather conditions – send us a note if you are planning a special event and would like to collaborate.
Many tour participants have welcomed this treat during a break on the ocean floor or woodland trail. With all natural ingredients this high-protein plant-based soft cookie hits the spot! Enjoy, you are welcome!! Anna
It was a fantastic weekend: sunshine, great location (Trenton Park), self-motivated and like-minded people, well-informed instructor and diverse learning on using maps and compass!
Thank you to Hike Nova Scotia for organizing another well presented Outdoor Council of Canada certificate workshop and to Gregory Nix for sharing his passion! Time and energy well spent! No more getting lost in the woods… solo hiking here I come!
Tide Rollers & Mudlarkers... 