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Cliff erosion is constant due to wind, tidal wave action, rain and temperature changes. A year ago this crack was not visible in the giant Jurassic era sandstone formation.
When I discovered it I could not help myself but hum Leonard Cohen’s “Anthem,” especially the passage ‘There is a crack in anything… That’s how the light gets in…’. One wonders how much longer this sandstone formation will be around for us to experience.
Happy Tuesday, Anna
…are back! The light changes quickly and adds magic to the landscape and beaches of the Fundy Shore!
Happy Monday, Anna
Emerge at low tide
These algae covered boulders –
Ancient witnesses.
A year ago this weekend I had to forego a planned hike as I had just been released from the hospital following an emergency appendectomy. I was pretty disappointed that I had to miss out on exploring one beach I had not scouted yet. Imagine how excited I was when an invitation for the same hike was extended by one of the organizers (Moncton Outdoor Enthusiasts) just two weeks ago.
My friend Maddie and I joined 40 hiking enthusiasts on this terrain-diverse outing. We managed the combination beach and overland trek in just over 2 hours (approximately 9 km).
Here are some hike details: Meeting point/trailhead Wasson’s Bluff – Two Islands. We hiked down to the beach and turned toward Two Islands. The tide was low and made for relatively easy walking on the sandy beach past the islands toward the basalt cliffs. Allow extra time for days when the tide is not as far out as the rocky shore makes for a slower pace. We followed the cliffs to the mouth of the Moose River keeping our safe distance from the constantly eroding cliffs (we witnessed several rock and dirt slides). After a short break we ascended the road. The climb toward Rockcliff Estates is steep and trekking poles make for easier navigation. Once we reached the top we followed the red dirt road back to the parked cars at Wasson’s Bluff.
The annual group outing concluded with a late lunch at Davison’s Maple and Pancake House in Halfway River, about 10 minutes from Parrsboro on the way to Amherst.
The weather was perfect for today’s excursion. We are expecting snow for tomorrow which is easier to take after such a great outing. Happy Saturday, Anna
I came across this photo yesterday. It popped up on my FaceBook memories and I realized that I made the image two years ago on my very first Clarke Head hike.
I have fond memories of that day, I felt so adventurous to go on my solo excursion. When I stumbled upon this amazing rock I could not help but compare it to a dinosaur footprint, fitting when on considers its location.
I have hiked along this beach at least two dozen times since but the rock has disappeared! It was as big as a person. I imagine it is buried under pebbles moved by the powerful Bay of Funday tides. I won’t give up hope that one day the rock reappears, uncovered by the same mighty tides that buried it. Naturally I check each time I walk past this particular stretch of beach hoping.
Wishing you all a fabulous weekend. Best wishes, Anna
On the spur of the moment my friend Lori and I decided to head to Clarke Head as the tide rushed out late afternoon Tuesday.
It was the perfect ending to a busy day. Hope you are enjoying a relaxing Thursday evening. We are safely tucked in with Old MannWinter holding on and gifting us with a blanket of snow.
Best wishes for a great evening, Anna
Fenwick Sugar Bush is a destination worthwhile! I took two groups there over the past two days! Thompson’s is a smaller family business. They tap 3,000 maples for the season and their recent speciality is a small production run of bourbon infused maple syrup. It leaves you wanting more…😊
Ripley’s Sugar Camp produces their maple products on a bigger scale as one would expect when they tap 16,000 sugar maples each season! No visit to the Fenwick Sugar Bush is in vain: it’s located between Amherst and Springhill and offers a great get away experience.
I wish I knew how to package the scent that envelopes you at both location! Hope you enjoyed the little recap, Anna
…as a Nova Scotia Tour Operator with the Doers and Dreamers Guide through Nova Scotia Tourism! Check it out here!
Happy Tuesday. May the sun shine as brightly where you live as it shines here today, Anna
Spring arrived accompanied by strong winds today. It was the only day that worked to fit a Soley Cove excursion into the schedule. The ancient landscape never disappoints!
The light was variable and yielded some unusual and unexpected images. Once again, Soley Cove spread its magic and my tour participants were truly impressed by the Jurassic sandstone formation. We timed our tour so we followed the tide out with waves still lapping at our feet. Were it not for the strong wind we would have ventured further. But suffice it to say: these two visitors have been mesmerized by the spell Soley’s Cove casts on everyone.
Happy First Day of Spring! Hope you enjoyed some sunshine where you live, Anna
It was high time for a return to Thomas Cove in Lower Economy. The entrance to Economy Point Road is off Hwy 209 past the Cliffs of Fundy Welcome Centre in Economy toward Truro, a 35 minute drive from Parrsboro.
The last time I visited was nearly two years ago in June. Today we were happy to find the trail cleared from Fiona damage. We didn’t hike all the way to the rope access onto the sandstone rocks. The path was still snow covered in places and boggy in others. With the tide still on its way out we witnessed how quickly the sandy beach became more defined and visible.
This coastal reserve is one of the Cliffs of Fundy Geo Sites and warrants exploring. The terrain is not difficult to navigate. There are protruding roots but no steep elevations to worry about. Do start checking for ticks as they are active year-round when the temperature is above 4C.
Thanks for joining me for the little tour of Thomas Cove. Happy Sunday Anna
I have not posted about the Parrsboro Golf Club before. It’s high time to point out that this nine hole course is considered challenging and one of the most scenic courses in Canada. It is located on Two Islands Road approximately 3 km from the centre of town. I shall be back for more images and sunshine soon!
Our destination was Glooscap Campground Beach. The tide was nearing its lowest point which afforded us to walk on the sandy ocean floor. It always gives me such pleasure to witness the awe in first time ocean floor explorers. We ventured just past the keyhole to catch a glimpse of the Old Man sea stack. The predicted light rain started to fall and the decision to turn around was an easy one to make.
It was a great outing for participants who had not ventured far in the past. Can’t wait to take everyone back soon. Wishing everyone a relaxing weekend, Anna
The sun returned today and set the stage for a fabulous day to explore the area with visitors. Our first stop was in West Advocate where we strolled along Driftwood Beach and admired Red Rocks at the Cape Chignecto Park entrance from afar.
Thank goodness for four-wheel drive. The approach to Cape d’Or, our next stop, was soft and in places covered with snow high enough that we took the top off the drifts with the undercarriage of our vehicle. But perseverance paid off: views were breath-taking and walking down to the lighthouse was definitely worth the time and effort.
Spencer’s Island beckoned and the vast beach really drove home how much water laps against the shore at high tide. We read up on the history of the doomed vessel “Mary Celeste” built right here during the age of sail.
Last but not least we explored a small area of Phinney Green Beach before we made our way back to the Pleasant Street Inn in Parrsboro. On the way we checked out Cochrane Beach, great for walking even at high tide. We also stopped in Diligent River at the end of Ramshead Road to get the best view of Cape Split.
We packed quite a few sights into the five hour tour. Hope you enjoy this short recap and select images. Happy Friday, Anna
These shallow waters
Reflecting the vast landscape –
Summer will return!
Diligent River Beach makes for a fantastic low tide destination in any weather. After exploring it in sunshine just two days ago I returned with two hiking friends this afternoon. The rain held off till we were almost back at the car.
From the warf to the Ramshead River the return distance is roughly 5 km. Trekking poles are recommended as the beach is uneven in places. This beach is usually deserted and perfect for solitary, contemplative walks.
Enjoy! Anna
It’s mid-March and we are looking at “sideways snow” outside our windows. Once the wind picked up this afternoon I could no longer ignore the fact that Old Man Winter isn’t quite done with us yet. Perhaps reviewing some of the recent beach ice images will lift everyone’s spirit.😊
Enjoy the rest of your day, Anna
Diligent River is a great place to explore in any weather and season. Today I arrived precisely at low tide with glorious sunshine overhead and I was able to take advantage of the full expanse of the beach. Even the Ramshead River was so low that if I had worn rubber boots I could have crossed it!
I want to draw particular attention to the cliffs with this post. The season is changing and in spring the cliffs are truly unpredictable. The advice to stay at least one schoolbus length away is not to be ignored. As I was walking a safe distance away from these soft earth cliffs I detected constant movement: rocks and earth were falling, slipping and sliding. I was walking silently, not listening to music, not talking to anyone. My foot steps were not heavy yet they reverberated enough to dislodge small mudslides sending them toward the beach. Please remember: if you are exploring the beaches alone or with friends keep a safe distance from the cliffs! The Cliffs of Fundy are always changing, actively eroding and posing serious danger.
The most memorable moment from my beach excursion was when I walked to the edge of the water and came the closest ever to Cape Split!
I made my way up a steep gravel bank to get that close to the water’s edge and discovered a part of the beach that was wide like a double lane highway, proving an easy path back to my starting point. The last stretch was littered with rope. I had not brought a bag but picked up what I could hold on to. There are now 9 lbs of trash less littering the Upper Bay of Fundy shoreline, every little bit helps.
Hope your week is starting out with a little sunshine and you can make time for a walk. Best wishes, Anna
The plan was to hike along the beach from Red Rocks to Refugee Cove, depending on the cooperation of the tide. Well, let’s just say “The Mistress of the Bay”, as my friend calls the Bay of Fundy tide, was not in the mood for a waltz or Foxtrott today. We made good time to the first pinch point where we patiently waited but never got a chance to pass. Making safety our priority we reassessed our hiking plan and decided to proceed to Plan B.
We backtracked to the stair case leading to McCahey Brook and made our way up steep snow covered slopes to the first look off.
We longingly looked toward our initial destination but realized that the decision we made was the only logical safe decision.
Our snowshoes got a great workout through the forest. The snow is disappearing quickly and we witnessed plenty of signs that spring is just around the corner!
We took our time, stopped for short breaks, met Laurie Currie from Local Guys Adventure for a great chat and thoroughly enjoyed the sunshine during our 15 km excursion. A day well spent exploring the Upper Bay of Fundy and parts of Chignecto Provincial Park!
Wishing you all a fantastic Sunday filled with sunshine, good friends and doing what you love! Fill the well… Monday is just around the corner! Best wishes, Anna
The sun was out today which made our drive to Truro very pleasant. Once again we decided to find out where some of the less travelled side roads might lead and we were not disappointed.
The most pleasant surprise awaited when we turned onto Little Dyke Road. After a short distance through wooded terrain we discovered a well populated lakeside community with a view of the Bay of Fundy. Mud cakes of all sizes were littering the shoreline and the light was magnificent! I look forward to returning one day soon when spring is advancing into summer to draw comparisons of changes in the landscape and to walk the beach for an hour or longer.
Enjoy your weekend! Best wishes Anna
I have been spending a bit too much time in the office lately. Getting ready for tourist season is exciting but looking at so many hike destination images I yearn for some much needed outdoor time. And yet it’s important that all necessary steps are taken to ensure safety measures are in place, insurance policy reviewed and documents like incident reports, waivers and debrief forms are printed and ready for the first tour. Advertising campaigns are now live and we can be found on Yelp and Tripadvisor. So, if you have participated in one of Tide Rollers & Mudlarkers hikes in the past please leave us a review.
I would like to express my gratitude to those who have left comments, have shared posts and are spreading the word! Are you a follower on this website yet? If the answer is “no” please click on the “follow” button to receive up to date information, last minute excursions and reports on recent guided hikes and tours.
Wishing you all a great weekend, Anna
… more? Here you go:
I am presently preparing for the 2023 tour season. As I am sorting through images of hike destinations I feel a certain sense of excitement I can’t help but share! Bookings are already coming in. Reserve your tours early to avoid disappointment.
Looking forward to hearing from you, Anna
Tide Rollers & Mudlarkers...