Bushwhacking Required…

It was time to discover new beach territory today. This beach access is not for the faint of heart. The ground was very uneven, boggy and covered with high grass making us second guess each step. A little creek merged with the rough, almost completely overgrown foot path. I must admit, if I had been on my own I would have probably abandoned my search for the beach! But once we left the last swampy clump of grass and the hungry black-flies behind we agreed: “The view is breathtaking!”

Straight ahead, across the water Partridge Island beckoned. We turned our attention to the most amazing example of tectonic plate power we ever saw. The cliffs provided us with so much to photograph that we slowed to a snail’s pace moving from craggy rock ribbon to massive outcropping carefully examining our discovery. It was quiet, we had left behind the hustle and bustle of the ordinary world. There wasn’t even the hum of a lobster boat to detect.

Small waterfalls waited to be discovered as they made their way to the beach.

With the tide moving out we had plenty of time to venture into the direction of the basalt cliffs. What a fantastic Friday afternoon in the sun we experienced. We will be returning to this remote place in the near future. There is so much still to discover. We might have to start packing a machete😜.

Happy Friday, Anna

Rock Hunting Guided Tour

The weather cooperated today! The rain stopped just as we arrived at our starting point. It held off for the entire time we explored the beach. My wonderful clients from Virginia really enjoyed their time on Two Islands Beach as we experienced the tide moving out to expose the ocean floor! When the sun pushed the clouds out of the way to magically illuminate the landscape and intensify the colours, descriptive exploits like “beautiful” and “amazing” were uttered more than once.

Thank you to Heidi from Pleasant Street Inn for the introduction to Nancy and Joe. I love working hand in hand with local accommodation providers to create truly memorable experiences along the Parrsboro Shore!

Custom tours are our specialty at Tide Rollers & Mudlarkers! Make memories with us. Hope to see you soon, Anna

Rain, rain, go away…

Heavy rain this morning surprised us, but what mixed the day up unnecessarily was the fact that the weather forecast was completely false. The rain stopped… but it was too late to reschedule the original tour planned for today. Good thing the guests are here for another day! We are venturing out tomorrow… let’s see what we will explore…

Stay dry everyone! Happy Wednesday, Anna

Tuesday Evening Walks All Summer in Beautiful Parrsboro!

Just putting this out here for everyone! NSWalks continues to be active in Parrsboro. We walk in any weather!

There are two separate groups. The Parrsboro Pacers have moved from Wednesday mornings to Tuesday nights to avoid the summer heat! These walks are free and are organized and led by a certified NSWalks leader. Join the FB group NSWalks Parrsboro to find out more.

There is a group that accommodates those who prefer a slower pace. They meet and walk on Wednesday mornings departing from the Bandstand st 9 am.

The images above are of tonight’s 1 hour 15 minute walk from the Bandstand to the beach and back. Enjoy the flowers, Anna

Monday… a day to plan and collaborate!

I just picked some random photos from yesterday as today was one of those rare days where I didn’t make it to the beach. Instead I spent a good amount of time in meetings to plan some special tours and events for fall and winter. It’s never too early to get organized!

I am in the process of writing up a few unique and limited opportunities tour descriptions. This will be part of a collaboration with a local accommodation provider and will go live on the Tourism Nova Scotia website soon. Stay tuned as I will keep you posted… meanwhile check out the Hike Index on this website. Perhaps a Nova Scotia get away or Staycation is in your future?

Just imagine yourself sitting a beach watching the steam rising while listening to waves lapping at the shore! Happy Monday.

May the start of your week be blessed with tranquil moments like these, Anna

Time Travel at the Joggins Fossil Cliffs

It’s been a while since I last descended the staircase to the beach below the Joggins Fossil Cliffs, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Today the weather was perfect for a long beach hike with friends… on the agenda was Lower Cove to view the Coal Age fossil trees I have heard so much about.

It’s always great to explore with a friend who knows that particular beach like his back pocket. There is so much to see and discover that it would be easy to miss or overlook some of the most interesting fossils.

Once my eyes adjusted and I knew what to look for the discoveries were never-ending! I finally saw the Coal Age trees with my own eyes… we even discovered a fossilized tree trunk…

And then there were ancient amphibian foot prints, ferns and so much more!

Viewing and assessing the layers of these towering cliffs remind us of the Earth’s tectonic force that created the impressive wave patters spreading from end to end.

Four hours passed in a flash and soon we heard the tide rushing toward the beach, a timely reminder to return to the stairs near the Interpretive Centre. We vowed to return soon and look for new finds that get unearthed with each high tide.

It was a sunny Sunday well spent in the Mighty Bay of Fundy! Thanks for checking the blog today. I hope you enjoyed our little excursion, Anna

Have you ever…?

…heard of such a thing like your “house beach?” Truth be told, I made it up today. I was once again exploring the stretch of beach from Glooscap Campground to the arch at Clark Head when I remembered growing up in a small Bavarian village where we referred to one mountain as our “house mountain”, meaning the one destination for tourists and locals alike to explore with easy access to a diverse trail system for hikers and skiers alike. Well, if we could have a house mountain growing up why not claim my house or home beach? Living in Parrsboro, for me that would definitely be the beach leading to Clarke Head.

I never grow tired of the ever-changing exposed ocean floor. Today I discovered step-like ridges where the sand had been arranged by the last high tide. And then there was the magical mist rising from the sand ridges toward the mighty cliffs.

A classic example of sublimation. Watch till the end!

I am usually accompanied by friends or clients when I explore this beach. I went alone today and arrived just around low tide. New experiences were waiting. There were never before experienced vast sandbanks to walk across, to view the cliffs and rocky formations. Somehow I never timed my hike so perfectly, or better: never before had the beach offered my such wonderful riches…

The arch beckoned to evoke the same sense of awe I experienced when I saw it for the first time a little over two years ago.

These days I tell myself: “I don’t need another rock” and “I have been to this beach so many times, I won’t need to take more pictures”… Yet each time I end up ignoring these mantras. I came home with about 20 lbs of this rock and that… and the images made themselves😊.

Eventually I headed back to the car. Instead of retracing my steps on the beach the way I usually do I decided to get some conditioning in by climbing the stairs to Gilbert Hill and walking via the gravel road.

It was good to get a different perspective. Gilbert Hill has stunning views of Partridge Island and Two Islands. And then there was the most amazing maple in spring foliage!

It turned out to be a great hike. Initially I planned a quick beach walk. By staying flexible I managed a beach hike, some stair climbing and hill work for cardio. Love those days where everything comes together naturally.

I feel I kicked my weekend into gear! Can’t wait to see how it unfolds. Happy Friday. Cheers, Anna

Summer Solstice Sunset Hike, Anyone??

Preparations are underway for a Solstice Hike to Clarke Head through Tide Rollers $ Mudlarkers Guided Tours. Here are the details:

Wednesday, June 21st, 2023 from Glooscap Campground Gate, meet up at 19:00. We will access the beach by walking through the campground. Arrival at the beach coincides with a time where the pinch points are easy to negotiate. The light will be magnificent and photographers will very much appreciate the cliffs’ colours.

In case of grey skies the beach also offers captivating subject matter for stunning imagery.

Once we reach our destination, Clarke Head, we will share refreshments (provided by your organizer) and explore the fully exposed seaweed-covered boulders. Nothing beats this ocean floor scape.

As sunset nears we will spend some quiet time in personal reflection or meditation allowing an opportunity to set intentions for the new season upon us.

If this themed beach excursion is of interest please get in touch via email to reserve your spot. The group is capped at 6 participants. Refreshments included. Experienced, OCC certified field leader, insured event. $ 30/participant.

This was the group that participated in the Winter Solstice Hike near sunset December 21st, 2022. It was declared a great success. (See feedback on the tour page)

Let’s celebrate the arrival of summer together! Best wishes, Anna

Watching the Waters Meet on a Misty Spring Day

The rain had stopped when we set out for the beach earlier today. But as we arrived at Two Islands Beach Big and Little Brother Isles were shrouded in mist.

We had time to explore the barnacle covered exposed ocean floor while the drizzle stopped. The primary reason for our beach excursion was to observe the meeting of the waters as the tide slowly rises. Here is a one minute video of this memorable phenomenon. Turn up your sound and enjoy the show orchestrated by Mother Nature.

Planning to witness the Meeting of the Waters? Keep in mind that this is only possible during 5 to 6 days each month.

Contact Tide Rollers & Mudlarkers for a guided tour and leave the planning to me! Cheers, Anna

Evening Beach Walks are Back!

It’s a sign that summer is (nearly) here. We have switched our weekly NSWalks from Wednesday mornings to Tuesday evenings in anticipation of the heat.

It was a small contingent that gathered tonight after the rain stopped. A blanket of fog was draped over Cape Blomidon in the distance. We refer to it as Glooscap’s Blanket. We covered a fair distance in the one hour we explored the beach. One never knows what we discover…

Good night from Parrsboro!

A Beach Clean Up Story…

This might be cute but white the next storm it will blow into the ocean and disintegrate into countless pieces of micro plastic.

The call for a beach clean up in West Advocate was posted by the Cliffs of Fundy GeoPark a couple weeks ago. With the cancellation of the Hike Summit my Monday was suddenly free, so I ventured out to Advocate Harbour this morning. I arrived a little early. Once the light rain slowed I began to survey the beach while waiting for others to arrive.

Isle Haute was shrouded in mist, a pair of loons frolicked close to the shore and the driftwood was draped with slick, colourful seaweed. With the rain subsiding isle Haute emerged in the distance but nobody else arrived to join the beach clean up. I had no cell reception when I checked. I did locate two plastic garbage bags in my knapsack and with multi-tool in hand I decided to take advantage of the lull in the rain. It took no time at all to fill my bags.

A panoramic image of the small section I cleaned…
…opposite this grand view of the two capes, Cape d’Or (left) and Cape Chignecto (right).
41.5 lbs collected in less than 90 minutes

I have come to expect to gather heavy ropes and styrofoam buoys from the fishing industry but this section had an unusually high amount of picnic trash (I call it). Tim Horton’s plastic cups, single use water bottles, mustard and ketchup bottles, milk jugs of varying sizes… Why do people feel they can just toss their trash? What happened to “pack out what you pack in”?

Isle Haute and Cape Chignecto. Four weeks ago I enjoyed the view from the point at Cape Chignecto, Isle Haute was so close that I thought I could reach out and touch it.

I don’t see the need for beach clean up actions diminishing anytime soon! Every piece of trash removed counts, ounces make pounds… let’s see if we can make a difference! Happy Monday, Anna

Among The Trees…

… was the title of the video that popped up on my phone today. Strange how it evoked a longing to head out and explore the forest. An hour after the video presented itself the notice, that hiking restrictions in wooded areas are now lifted in Nova Scotia, was issued. The rain we have enjoyed this weekend is definitely achieving positive results. There is more rain in the forecast for the next two days. We are hopeful the precipitation will aid in extinguishing the fires.

May the four season images impart tranquility on your day. Best wishes, Anna

Ottawa House-by-the Sea: Now Open for the 2023 Season!

Ottawa House provides visitors with insights into Parrsboro’s diverse and rich history.
We have a new manager (blue top)! Drop by and say hello to Uli Rockenbauer. She is busy organizing new events. While you are visiting, we invite you to sample some of the goodies with cup of tea or coffee. Not interested in cake and coffee? There are 11 ice cream flavours to sample. Bring on summer!
Opening day in the Tupper Emporium drew people from near and far! This little cafe is always a welcome place after touring the museum or if you need a break from walking the beaches.

Despite the rainy day we were busy serving visitors throughout the day today. Make sure you add Ottawa House Museum to your list of places to explore in 2023.

After the rain…

Apple blossoms!!!

Lupines!!!

Prunus padus, better known as Mayday… a little late but ever so welcome!

…last but not least, a reminder that black flies don’t only bother humans. Thanks to a couple doses of Benadryl Teak’s eyes are all better tonight and the itch is gone! Take your insect repellent and make sure to use it on yourself and your pets to avoid nasty surprises.

Wishing everyone a great weekend. We are waiting for more rain to help control the wildfires in the province. Fingers crossed! Anna

Blog Post #730

Yes, 730 is not a fictitious number I pulled from the air or my imagination. Today’s entry truly constitutes my 730th blog post, two complete years of posting every day!

It all started out with a more contemplative theme. I would choose one or two images, add some personal thoughts, a haiku or I would share a poignant inspirational quote. I was still new to this magnificent area of Nova Scotia and every day was filled with discoveries and new experiences that kept me in a constant state of awe. As I became more committed to the East Coast life style with countless beaches and woodland trails to explore my focus shifted significantly. I began to summarize my hikes and added images throughout the seasons.

A strong desire to do more to promote the Cliffs of Fundy GeoPark took hold. I obtained field leader certification through the Outdoor Council of Canada last fall and began to organize the individual blog posts into a hike index, a free reference to anyone. It is my attempt to give back to the fabulous people I have connected with over the past 2 1/2 years. In addition I also offer guided tours (for a fee) to visitors of the area through my recently established business Tide Rollers & Mudlarkers (registered with joint stocks Nova Scotia and carrying liability insurance).

At the moment we are experiencing another unique situation due to the unprecedented wildfire situation in our province. The Annual Hike Summit for this coming weekend has been cancelled. I was looking forward to volunteering on new-to-me-trails, but since most of these hikes lead through wooded terrain cancelling the event was the only option.

We are staying home this weekend, but there is so much to still see and explore here along the Parrsboro Shore. With each tidal cycle the beaches are changing. Since the beach holds my passion you will be able to find me there as often as possible.

Sending positive energy to all our friends affected by the fires! We all hope for rain and for the winds to reduce.

Best wishes, Anna

Looking for Drama in Your Landscape Photographs?

The Upper Bay of Fundy Shore line must top your bucket list! The varied coast line within the Cliffs of Fundy GeoPark is one of the most diverse areas to explore. Each beach offers walkable terrain and captivating subject matter.

The images here are of the Clarke Head guided tour on offer through Tide Rollers & Mudlarkers right here in Parrsboro, the heart of the cliffs of Fundy GeoPark. It is one of the most “compact” ocean floor tours at low tide, packed with varied geological formations and colourful cliff faces as backdrops. The water lapping on one side with towering cliffs and sea stacks on the other one navigates across rocky and sandy terrain to the Clarke Head Arch, the ultimate destination.

Perhaps you are more interested in what the ocean floor has on offer? Then this stretch of beach has much to present.

Allow three hours at low tide for your guided tour. Inquire about availability and options. Happy shooting, Anna

Eatonville Day Use Area Trails

Sunday afternoon, sunshine and time to spare… we took a drive to Eatonville. There is plenty of parking near the gate and a well-maintained path leads to the trailhead just past the Eatonville Bunkhouse. Heading down the hill the interpretive board provides detailed trail information about the various worthwhile look off points.

I was here a year ago when we had a Cliffs of Fundy GeoPark guided tour of the first four points of interest. Ever since I yearned to return, repeat the tour route and visit the remaining points of interest.

A close up view of a typical cliff face
View toward Anderson Cove

The second look-off provided an unobstructed view of the historically significant Eatonville Harbour.

Next to the interpretive board I had to check for the wedged rock in the fissure. Yes, it was exactly where I discovered it last year.

The evolution of pillar rock formations is the focus at the third look-off platform. It’s hard to believe that this pillar started as a rather large sea which morphed into a narrow arch when eventually that narrow arm collapsed and left this pillar. With each wind gust, each tide cycle and rain storm the pillar continues to erode and will eventually disintegrate to pebbles at the beach.

At last, but not least, we arrived at the Three Sisters viewing platform. The tide was rolling in but not high enough to completely surround these unique pillars.

A short cut leading through the forest returned us to the main trail.

Once we returned to the map display board we continued straight instead of returning to the Bunkhouse. We were glad we carried on because the coastal views are some of the most beautiful to take in.

Squally Point look-off afforded us a fabulous view of the impressive rhyolite cliffs. We discovered beach access we plan to investigate when we have a full day to explore. We were certainly envious of the two people far below us enjoying the all-consuming wave action of the mighty Bay of Fundy.

Squally Point took our breath away, literally! What impressive natural history we witnessed while the wind nearly blew us over. We explored the well-maintained look-off boardwalk leading us to the ultimate view of Spicer’s Cove, across to the Apple River Lighthouse and Fundy National Park on the New Brunswick shore.

Once we returned to the trail the wind was less strong and we enjoyed a leisurely stroll back to our starting point.

If you have limited time to explore the Cliffs of Fundy Geopark make your way to Apple River. It provides the visitor with a wonderful smorgasboard of this impressive coastline reminiscent of Cape Chignecto. Walking this trail today ignited my desire to return to the Cape Chignecto Coastal Trail and hike it a second time.

Thanks for checking in this Sunday. I hope you had a fantastic weekend. Best wishes, Anna