Weekend Excursion to the Mahone Bay Area

It was a blustery day yesterday, the weather app labelled it “breezy”. Mahone Bay is always a sight to behold. I will be attending the Winter leadership module offered by the Outdoor Council of Canada here today.

Next we scouted the location of the workshop, then found our accommodation in Bridgewater followed by a lovely drive along the water to LeHave. What’s in LeHave? you ask… only the best destination you can imagine!

We discovered LeHave Bakery four years ago. With the popular bakery and cafe one finds an artisan’s Co-op and, best of all, a fabulous new and gently used bookstore! We picked up some great second hand books at amazing prices… can’t wait to peruse them more!

While heading to the bakery to meet a friend I couldn’t help but watch the wind drive the water. Here is a short video:

The bakery closes at 4 pm. They are open year-round. The light was magical when we sauntered back to the car…

…setting the tone for a great getaway weekend!

Happy Sunday, Anna

The Tree

I love trees! I am convinced they have a story to tell in the way the bark peels, curls back, reveals another layer, introduces striations and patterns. Such individuality, such movement – infinite possibilities!

Have a fabulous Saturday! Be inspired – look at a tree!! Enjoy, Anna

November Pilgrimage…

When the day begins with glorious colour it calls for a special outing. November is nearing its end and due to my persistent shoulder injury I have not ventured far. But I needed to prove to myself that I was ready to get back into shape. Clarke Head was calling…. and my backpack was waiting. I reached out to my friend Robyn who has never ventured to my favourite place along the Parrsboro Shore.

Hope you enjoy these moody images of a memorable morning hike!

Happy Friday! Anna

Near Sunset

The tidal river at the bottom of our backyard was teeming with Canada Geese and ducks just seconds before I made the image above. No matter how carefully I try to approach it takes only one twig to snap under my foot and dozens of water birds take flight!

With the large flock loudly honking and moving toward the lower part of the Aboiteau I discovered that the flock further up river seemed oblivious to my approach. The angle of the sun on the marsh grass, the bright blue sky reflecting off the water and nature at its best – I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.

Happy Thursday! Happy Thanksgiving to my American followers and friends. Best wishes, Anna

A Contemplative Moment…

…while crossing the bridge over the Parrsboro Aboiteau. While I enjoy this view daily, this afternoon reminded me of how much interest and beauty is all around. I zoomed in on special spots to capture ripples on the surface, the edge of the shore and rocks.

I love these Zen moments… especially when I didn’t make an effort to look for them actively.

Where do you find your opportunities to pause and reflect? Feel free to comment below. Looking forward to what you have to share, Anna

And just like that there is snow!

Yesterday’s wind was fierce and when we opened our eyes this morning there was snow!

The sun is well above 0C now and the white stuff has nearly melted. I love these brief seasonal foreshadowing events. This snow cover won’t last long but it reminds us of what is to come.

Happy Saturday! Best wishes, Anna

A Windy but Productive Day

We woke up to -2 C this morning… and a stiff wind was blowing. But nothing deters us when we have committed to a beach clean up. Our friend Heather had organized this event and as good friends we didn’t want to leave her hanging. We braved the cold (at least -10 C with the windchill) for about two hours and hauled about 150 lbs of trash off the beach near Fox River.

The day will conclude with a lobster dinner shortly. Friends staying in an AirBnB nearby needed a pot and some cooking instructions. We decided to make an impromptu party of it!

The butter is perfectly melted:

The pot is steaming:

And the main course is waiting to be steamed:

Hope this didn’t make you feel too squeamish. For us it is the perfect ending to a busy week. Happy Friday. Best wishes, Anna

A Touch of Magic…

…as the village begins to transform. Each day more Christmas decorations are appearing best viewed and appreciated after dark!

These images were captured on our way home from choir tonight. All we need is snow!😜 The Christmas spirit is beginning to stir especially after two hours of Carol rehearsal for the upcoming concert.

Good night, friends!

Environmental Textures

The day started out windy but with the promise of sunshine. By early afternoon we actually had some large snowflakes flying past the windows but the moisture soon turned to rain. Instead of exploring nature at one of the beaches I perused my vast image library and got “stuck” on these eye catching geological textures.

The region we live in along the Minas Basin on the Bay of Fundy is extremely rich and a haven for rock hounds and geology buffs. I sincerely hope you click on each image to explore and appreciate each striating pattern and the varied textures.

Stay warm, friends! Best wishes, Anna

There is a Chill in the Air

Daylight is moving toward sunset… I can hardly believe how early the sun disappears these days! By 4:30 pm it gets dark. I just returned from an afternoon at the Fibre Guild where I fulfilled my obligation of sharing my knowledge of sewing machine maintenance… so different from hiking the beaches😜 but a vital part of my former life.

With the chill in the air today I think I will just snuggle with my pups on the couch for a bit.

I call this an excellent start to the week. Best wishes, Anna

Best laid plans…

My friend and I had plans to participate in and support the first ever NSHike event in River Hebert this afternoon. On the way there I checked for the address and saw a posting that it had been cancelled for today. Well, we were already half way there so we continued to Amherst instead where we explored the Layton’s Lake Trail in the Chignecto wildlife area.

We were not disappointed! The trail is well marked with long stretches of gravel pathway interspersed with sections of exposed roots. The parking lot was overflowing but the trail loop we chose was wonderfully tranquil. We met one other person and felt we had the woods to ourselves.

The 2.1 km loop was rated as a 45 minute easy hike. We took about that much time with stopping, conversing with tiny squirrels, watching birds, examining brightly coloured fungi and taking in the massive damages from hurricane Fiona.

I am sure you can tell that we really didn’t mind changing our plan. We vowed to return soon and explore the shorter loop (less than 1 km). This area would also be interesting during the the winter. Can’t wait to return!

Hope your Sunday has been as pleasant as mine. Feeling restored for a busy week ahead. Best wishes, Anna

Witnessing the Tide Come In

The weather today was warm and dry, perfect for taking my friend out for a belated birthday beach excursion. Phinney Green is always a great place to listen to the waves and watch the tide roll in.

The light was soft and magical…

…and the blue sky emerged with high tide early afternoon.

Wishing everyone a fabulous and safe weekend. We are expecting the arrival of tropical storm Nicole which means high winds, heavy rain and possible power outages. It beats the cold weather and snow my friends in Western Canada have been experiencing. Best wishes, Anna

The “Guzzle”

Not far from Evangeline Beach in Grand Pre and a short drive along dyke land is “The Guzzle”, an inter-tidal area of significance and ever-changing.

We visited here the first time four years ago and since then some things have changed. The interpretive signs are a great addition to this destination viewpoint.

Speaking of the view: Cape Blomidon and the distant Cliffs of Fundy Geopark shore always make for a great sight!

Hope you enjoyed the view from the opposite shore we call home! Happy Wednesday, Anna