Chasing Diamonds at the Old Parrsboro DAM

The Wednesday afternoon Parrsboro hiking group was small today. We set out in conditions fluctuating between rain and snow. The weather did not know which way to swing which presented us with sticky snow conditions on the trail. It was quite different from the winter wonderland we experienced last Friday.

Last Friday… after a night of snowfall!

The ice was rapidly melting when we reached our destination at the end of the trail.

And once the sun pushed through the clouds we had a fantastic display of sparkling water droplets overhead and patches of light in the forest beyond.

It was wonderful to get out today. The trails are never crowded around here and no matter what the weather does we have the clothing to play outside!

Hope you enjoyed this little hike in the woods! Happy Wednesday, Anna

Snow Day Impressions…

More snow means a slow day at home and better conditions for a snowshoe excursion on Wednesday… I missed capturing the bald eagle circling overhead but one of the resident the crows posed for a quick photoshoot today.

Hope your Monday was productive!

Destination: Brookville Rock

Take a lazy Sunday filled with sunshine, mix it up with the idea of a beach walk and head out. We landed in Wards Brook and once we carefully navigated around the boulder break water barrier we were rewarded with great beach sounds and vistas.

The cliffs along this particular beach differ greatly from the red cliffs that dominate much of the Fundy shoreline. Loved discovering icicle formations and the nearly ice covered falls along the way.

Brookville Rock was beckoning bathed in warm sunshine. I always wish for more time to explore…

We’ll be back soon!

Hope your Sunday was filled with sunshine and friends to set the mood for a new week. Best wishes, Anna

Snowshoe Excursion to the Parrsboro Dam

We woke up to a nice amount of snow that accumulated over night.

My Garden Buddha was wearing a tall hat this morning, an excellent indication that it was time for the long-awaited snowshoe to the old dam!

The distance from where we parked is not far. We broke the trail but it isn’t an exhausting workout. My estimate for the total return distance is around 2.5 km. Heading to the dam involves an easy uphill climb. This trails is ideal for a short excursion with excellent photography opportunities, especially when the sun breaks through the clouds to cast patches of light and shadows.

Friday blessings to all, Anna

Happy First Anniversary to NSWalks Parrsboro!

Only one year ago I initiated a brand-new programme for our little Nova Scotia town. Parrsboro joined the NSWalks communities. Today we celebrated in style!

We kicked off a new early morning walking programme with Chris as the leader in addition to the 10 am programme I lead. The Cliffs of Fundy Geopark Office was the perfect place to gather for refreshments afterward. If was great to see so many familiar and new faces. At one point we counted 27 guests enjoying coffee, tea, hot chocolate and cake.

This was followed by a beach hike in the afternoon! Looking forward to year two of this worthwhile programme contributing to a fitter community!

Hope your Wednesday brought moments of sunshine and fresh air, Anna

Driving down an unknown road…

… and arriving at a fabulous hidden beach complete with…ice cakes! They were spectacular!

Hope your day was filled with great surprises, Anna

Morning Photo Excursion at -18 C: Destination Clarke Head

The beach was calling… I decided to chase the tide out early and my camera got a great workout. A picture is worth a thousand words, so I will not bore you with my writing when my pictures are so much more powerful.

Our winter has not yielded many ice cakes along the shore this year. Coming across a couple modest ice cakes, ice covered seaweed and rocks is a welcome surprise!

I did fall in love with a collection of frozen bubbles valise to my destination.

Happy Monday! Sending sunshine and serenity your way, Anna

Contemplative Mood

A quiet beach with mist rising, tiny snowflakes drifting from the sky and an unidentified object floating offshore… Cochrane Road Beach was deserted this afternoon as the tide was rising. It was perfect for decompressing and filling the well.

Sunday tranquility… enjoy! Best wishes, Anna

When the tide is really really high…

…it’s usually best to avoid the beaches! There is one beach in Port Greville I feel confident where a rogue wave will not sweep me into the sea. That’s where I took my hiking group to this afternoon.

This tree stump was gigantic and as we walked toward it we were reminded of a rocking chair bobbing back and forth.

Here is a comparison shot to show scale. we had a great time walking between the cliffs and the surf with a stiff breeze.

Happy Wednesday, Anna

Photographer’s Dream Tour: Soley Cove

A low tide hike from Soley Cove to Redhead is memorable and worthwhile in any season. Yesterday was perfect! After the previous night’s dusting of snow we were rewarded with azure sky dotted with puffy clouds… and a stiff breeze! Nothing windproof clothing can’t deal with effectively.

The afternoon light on a winter day brings a certain magic to the landscape…

I hope you enjoy this photo essay of a 4 ½ hour hike through the Jurassic era, right here along the Bay of Fundy’s Minas Basin in the heart of the Cliffs of Fundy GeoPark.

Happy Sunday, Anna

Seaweed and Barnacles Rainy Day Hike

I missed out on the great weather yesterday. Despite the rainy day forecast I decided to venture to Clarke Head with the outgoing tide today. I barely made it to the beach when the drizzle started but water and wind-proof clothing kept me warm and dry for the two hour excursion.

Partridge Island and Cape Sharpe (images above) moved in and out of the mist. It literally was every five to ten minutes that these two landmarks went from hidden to clearly visible.

The same held true for Cape Blomidon… it literally took only seconds to experience the two extremes.

Along my well known path I took time to explore one of the rock formations. The Old Man Seastack revealed another secret to me, can you see the tiny opening?

Hiking to Clarke Head in the rain always holds special magic for me. I don’t meet anyone on the vast stretch of beach, my thoughts roam freely and I always come home with new ideas and plans.😊 Hiking in the rain alone has proven to be my #1 contemplative practice.

Best of all, the world was definitely not a natural grey scale: I found colour everywhere!

Wishing you all a fantastic weekend! We are in for more rain… the trees have huge raindrops suspended from their branches. Stay dry, Anna