The forest was calling… and we took a chance on the biting insects. The path was lush and overgrown. It felt wonderful to take a break from the beach and get some forest-bathing in.
The consistent rain we have enjoyed this summer has the brook rushing past faster and bringing forth an abundance of mushrooms!
The falls beckoned from afar with the sound of high volumes of water pushing through the slot canyon.
I have never seen or heard Wards Falls sound so powerful. It demanded not one but several moments of reverence. We observed some changes aside from the increased water volume. There is a longer rope and a makeshift ladder for dare devils.
Our impromptu, quick woodland hike kept us stopping, stooping to capture one more nature sight we thought worthwhile to immortalize. In the end nearly four full hours had passed before we rolled back into town. We got lost in time in the woods!
The artist in me emerged studying texture, pattern, colour, line quality, soft and hard edges, the source of light and putting it all together into composing some special images along the way.
It was a fabulous escape! I hope you enjoyed tagging along with me today! Enjoy your evening, Anna
I never grow tired of wandering on the ocean floor at Soley Cove. I have conducted four separate tours there over the past seven days. After Sunday afternoon’s rainy experience today’s excursion topped all previous tours! We started our excursion two hours after high tide and were treated to stunning skies and ever-changing light. Tour participants hailed from Texas and Montreal today. And Gypsy the canine companion had the best time of her life!
Feedback was positive all around. From “ This was the highlight of our Nova Scotia holiday” to “We are so happy we came. We would have never found this on our own!” confirmed that everyone enjoyed their time.
Hope you are not getting tired of my Soley Cove excursions and images yet!
Came across this short video from nearly a year ago. It’s fitting that I rediscovered a New Brunswick Fundy Shore video in my albums today after spending the afternoon visiting friends in that province. Enjoy the peace ocean sounds bring!
…for Nova Scotia’s Wandering Wilsons to come to Parrsboro. Heidi from Pleasant Street Inn extended the invite, provided a stack of local information and the Wandering Wilsons rolled into town for the weekend.
It was my turn to shine after Sunday lunch. We met up at Soley Cove for a family tour. The rain ponchos got their third workout on this particular stretch of beach in six days. It was the wettest tour I have conducted all summer!
The Wandering Wilsons are real troopers: there was not even a hint of discouragement when the rain really pelted down. Even the Yorkie Honey did not hesitate. Curious about what might be around another rain-soaked Jurassic sandstone formation everyone forged ahead as the tide slowly receded.
When the resident bald eagle soared overhead Honey was quickly put back on the leash. She had no idea why but didn’t protest either. My heart had skipped a beat and the scenario playing in my head, about a tiny dog getting carried off by an eagle, is the stuff nightmares are made of!😨 All was well in the end but it was definitely a good reminder that dogs must stay on leash at all times while walking on the ocean floor.
Soley Cove never disappoints! With the rain it becomes even more mysterious and anyone with a vivid imagination expects dinosaurs to appear at any moment.
We are always grateful for the warm rain in Nova Scotia! There is no need to cancel a tour or excursion. No matter what, the ocean floor is already wet, right? A sense of adventure is always a plus and that the Wandering Wilsons brought with them! Thanks for the opportunity to show you around one of the many beaches along the Upper Bay of Fundy, Natalie, Dihlan, Nina, Dave and Honey. Till we meet again…
…it’s foraging time!!! Blueberries are ripe and the chanterelle’s are flushing! We gathered all these during our three hour foraging excursion and managed to fill six pint containers of blueberries! It’s only the beginning…
The images here were gathered just because! I left these, mostly poisonous, mushrooms where I found them. The pictures I uploaded to my iNaturalist app to help me identify those I wasn’t sure about. Poisonous funghi are often so beautiful and unblemished by slugs and other insects. and the contrasting lush green moss reminds me of feathers.
What a fantastic multi-generational family group to show around our stunning area. The request was for a walk on the ocean floor. It met with their expectations! And I was so relieved that the rain ponchos I invested in were very helpful during the initial rain showers.
This well travelled group from Florida and Rhode Island oscillated between enthusiastic verbal expressions and quiet contemplation as the Aeolian Jurassic sandstone cliffs stretched ahead of us.
The rain held off till we were safely back in the car after a final stop at Five Islands Lighthouse Park in Five Islands. An afternoon well spent making Nova Scotia memories! What a way for my guests to conclude their holiday in our fair province!
…is where I spent my day. In fact, I spent most of it in front of the computer. On the positive side, there was some great news I had been waiting for from the Cliffs of Fundy Geopark: the Board approved the proposal for a Hike Nova Scotia Challenge Badge! In conjunction with the launch of this Cliffs of Fundy Geopark Hiking Badge, we are in the process of launching several fall hikes. There are more details to come soon regarding the badge. The local hikes will take place in October and November and details can be found on the brand-new page here.
Speaking of pages, have a look at the expanded menu on this Fundy Contemplation website. You will find each existing page reworked in some way. There are more picture galleries on each page. And, in chatting with Parrsboro accommodation providers the topic of tides comes up regularly. Click here or on the tab “World’s Highest Tides” where I have pulled together some valuable information on how to safely navigate the beaches along the Parrsboro Shore.
The Tours & Events Calendar page not only showcases a new picture gallery but also discloses up-to-date available dates just in case potential travellers wish to book a last-minute tour as happened just yesterday evening. I love getting unexpected calls from Texas! This client saw the “Keep Your Daydream” feature with me, picked up the phone and called.
In my endeavour to better organize the website, I moved any tour feedback via email onto its own page.
The blog remains unchanged as it serves as my daily communication tool. Who We Are provides insights into what inspired me to create a custom tour company.
The Hike Destination Index continues to expand. Today I added a long overdue Mi’kmaki Land acknowledgment to the page. After all, without the rich and diverse Fundy Shore region I would not have such amazing views and experiences to share.
I will finish up with a grateful heart tonight. Rest well, my friends!
I spent most of the day at Soley Cove with two adventurers today. While I captured more great images of Jurassic Aeolian Sandstone cliffs and sea stacks what truly demanded my attention was the performance the Bald Eagles put on for us.
We counted three individual adults and one juvenile taking advantage of the warm updraft. They thoroughly entertained us. We couldn’t get enough of their antics!
Shortly before we were ready to leave the ocean floor behind I spotted the heron…
Heron over Soley Cove, August 9th, 2033
It was a day to remember! The rain held off precisely until we returned to Parrsboro. Hope you enjoyed the little eagle and heron flight interlude. Cheers!
I have featured Spencer’s Island Beach on this platform previously. Each time I venture to this beach I experience a distinct holiday feeling, the way I used to get during my childhood and youth when our parents took us to Italy. In the past I concentrated on the beach, it’s colourful rocks, sand dollars and shells.
When I arrived last Sunday afternoon I made the decision to feature some key landmarks and businesses. It’s hard to overlook the sandbar campground. The Shipyard Campground recently changed ownership and I noticed more than just “big rigs” enjoying the location with unobstructed views of tidal changes.
Adjacent to the campground the lighthouse had its doors open to visitors. A white lighthouse against the bright blue sky… a true Nova Scotia image.
The boat launch leading the way toward the submerged former warf was quiet for a Sunday afternoon.
Turning right, toward the parking area, one cannot ignore Local Guy’s Adventures sandwich board and wooden tents!
This is one busy little community! My main reason for our Sunday afternoon excursion, besides taking in the stunning water views, was a “Sun, Moon and Stars Gift Shop” fix. When I visited with tour participants earlier in the week I fell in love with three Indian patchwork and embroidery panels. I was unable to forget them… so, after pondering whether I should or should not buy them the decision was made. I realized they would really enhance our newly refinished living room feature wall.
Soon we claimed a spot in the gravel parking lot near the ‘open’ flag. I felt my anticipation building. I love Rita’s eclectic array of unique gifts and collector’s items. Her stock is constantly changing and over the last two summers I have picked up some lovely treasures. Last summer I found two Kantha throws for a very reasonable price. Toward the end of the 2022 season I just had to add some tea cups to my collection just because the colours are so enticing.
The owner, Rita always extends a cheerful hello upon entry. Colour, texture, scent, hard versus soft surfaces, patterns, shiny jewelry, gems and minerals all demand attention. Don’t rush through this well laid out boutique. Some treasures are hidden others in plain sight.
Walls with jewelry displays, textile wall hangings, books and leather bound sketchbooks and journals, Nova Scotia sourced incense, a basket full of patterned mismatched socks, spinners for in- and outdoors, sensual pottery pieces, recycled textile decor, woven shopping baskets with leather reinforced handles, I could go on and still miss so much.
Spencer’s Island and “Sun, Moon and Stars Gift Shop” are a destination worthwhile. You will not regret stopping in to meet Rita (and perhaps you are lucky enough to also run into her sweet grandson who may treat you to freshly picked organic blueberries…). Tell Rita that Anna sent you! “Sun, Moon and Stars Gift Shop” is on Face Book!
I am already looking forward to my next visit. But it’s time to sign off, it’s getting late here in Nova Scotia. Good night, Anna
The intention was to get some fresh air at Partridge Island Beach. The reward was the most fantastic sky. But wait, turning toward Crane Bluff we experienced textured colour of a different kind…
On the way back to the car we stumbled across this fabulous driftwood log. It was too good not to spend some time documenting.
What unexpected treasures the beach presented tonight!
The most unexpected surprise was waiting for me as I rolled into the driveway. Out of the corner of my eye a black and white flash caught my attention. I was hopeful that it might be our resident bald eagle swooping in for a visit. I carefully approached through the backyard.
Patience pays off…
And this is the reason why we check the sky before we let our ShihTzus out to romp around!
What a way to celebrate the August long weekend! I hope your Monday was extra special! Anna
Today was the first opportunity this summer to experience the incoming tide and feel the water rising from my ankles to just above my knees in 30 seconds. We were not disappointed by the action of water swirling around Big Island. It’s always a fantastic experience… the water was warm and the experience most therapeutic. The video is 2 minutes and 5 seconds long. Please watch till the end. Happy Sunday, Anna
August 4th had been circled in red on my calendar for weeks! My tide app informed me that it would be THE day for the lowest tide during the Sturgeon Super Moon phase. I knew then where I would spend the morning hours.
When one reaches the end of the natural gravel path with the Bay of Fundy beckoning and access to the beach adjacent is not blocked by lapping waves, the adventurer exhales and walks on knowing full well that this opportunity is not open to just anyone! There, before us, spread a vast land virtually untouched by humans.
The beach sparkled with wet kelp, sea lettuce, chunks of Quartz, Chabazite and Stilbite . Our pockets soon bulged, weighing us down and taking away the spring in our step. But more treasures waited to be discovered!
With one eye on the tide changing, another on the distance to cover back to the parked car we retraced our steps. Local lore and a popular guide book tell us that Partridge Island can be circumnavigated. Today’s fact-finding mission has put this plan firmly to rest. It is confirmed that reaching the far beach is only possible following a full moon and walking around this popular landmark is not possible unless one would like to try out the water and swim for a stretch.
The weather, the tides and the company all came together beautifully! I hope you enjoyed your special beach excursion today! Have a fantastic weekend! Let’s connect here again soon, Anna
It’s always a great day when a pre-booked tour turns out even better than expected! The Meeting of the Waters Tour was what alerted this family to my offerings. We started there, overlooking Two Islands from the cat-bird seat, witnessing the tide rush in and swallowing up the sandy portion of the beach in record time. Next on the agenda was a rock hunting session near the fishing weir at Partridge Island as the tide rose steadily. Pockets and bags soon bulged with treasures.
A side trip up Kirkhill afforded us the most beautiful views of the landscape below while my clients learned about wild blueberries and why they thrive in this area. We soon ventured down shore toward Diligent River with an unobstructed view of Cape Split and more colourful rocks to discover along the beach. Our next stop was Spencer’s Island Beach but not until we also dropped into “Sun-Moon-and-Stars”. Arriving at the beach I was reminded of the Nova Scotia phrase: “It was some busy!” But the colourful rocks demanded all our attention. With hands and pockets full we didn’t get many photos. The ultimate stop for the day was at Partridge Island Beach to catch the final bubbling of Glooscap’s Grandmother’s Cooking Pots. I fired up my own little camping stove in the strong wind and managed to boil enough water for tea while we debriefed.
It was an action-packed day with beach discoveries, smiles, bright sunshine and observing the World’s Highest Tides. I truly believe that these guests from Washington, DC have gathered great first impressions of our fabulous province! I wish them well on their tour of Nova Scotia!
After last night’s special event at Cape d’Or my energy to prepare a proper blogpost was depleted. The event’s focus was on tourism and activities provided by business operators since the inception of the Cliffs of Fundy Geopark. Local Guys Adventures and my guided tour business “Tide Rollers & Mudlarkers” were front and centre with short presentations.
This was followed by a most delicious meal offering for all in attendance and I can honestly say “it was the best meal I have had since moving to this province!” Darcy, the lighthouse kitchen operator outdid himself! He is a fabulous host and exceptional chef… and I finally got to meet a fellow Saskatchewan transplant. Darcy grew up in Lumsden, north of Regina.
The crowning glory of the event was witnessing the changing light on the magnificent cliffs!
I hope you enjoyed the images gathered during a perfect afternoon and evening. Anna have
It was an honour to be invited as a business operator located in the Cliffs of Fundy Geopark to take part in a Tourism Nova Scotia presentation for recertification of the Geopark. The event took place at Cape d’Or with a meal to die for! Witnessing the full Sturgeon Moon rise as we hiked back to the parking lot was the perfect ending to a spectacular event!
The brief: “We have one day to explore outside of Halifax. We would love to experience the Bay of Fundy!“
This was the perfect challenge that arrived via text from a couple based in Saskatoon, SK on Monday night. A mutual friend connected us.
The weather could not have been more perfect for our Soley Cove to Red Head hike today! Sunshine, cloud-studded skies, a cooling breeze and that strong sense of adventure that makes every ocean floor hike that much better!
Soley Cove is always exhilarating and I truly love to share this stretch of Bay of Fundy and Minas Basin shore line during any season and in any weather! Today was by far the best experience for the summer of 2023!
It was wonderful to experience all the waterfalls along the way, a sure sign that the recent rain events have replenished the reservoirs.
The Red Head always offers great inspiration!
Can’t wait to return soon!! Happy Sunday evening! It’s The Sturgeon Full Moon tomorrow! Extreme tides are upon us and my first Meeting of the Waters Tour is Wednesday. Check back soon for new images and tour info! Anna
Big smiles make the best tip! Another happy couple staying at the Pleasant Street Inn took the opportunity to prebook a rustic Lobster Boil.
What are you eating tonight? Can’t wait for next year’s lobster season to begin. It was great to meet guests from across Canada and treat them to local cuisine! Happy Saturday, Anna
Tide Rollers & Mudlarkers... 