Cape Sharpe Lighthouse

My friend Adrienne and I had planned this short hike a while ago. Our schedules lined up for this morning and it promptly started to rain at the agree pickup time.

We persevered and by the time we arrived at the trailhead the rain had stopped.

The rugged hiking trail is steep and I had to pace myself. But the rewarding views made the cardio workout worthwhile. I can cross Cape Sharpe off my hiking bucket list! Can’t wait to return on a sunny day.

Not sure why I waited so long to go! Happy Tuesday, everyone! Best wishes, Anna

When the day begins a little foggy…

…it often rewards us with a touch of colour!

May it brighten your Monday, wherever you are. Love and light, Anna

Fleeting Moments of Autumn

Many of you will agree when I point out that an autumnal walk will reveal discoveries often bypassed. Not only are the leaves changing colour but the fruit is past it’s prime… add a little frost and we have a reason to contemplate fading beauty.

Saturday Blessings, Anna

October Hike to Clarke Head…

Just in case you are new to my posts, I made a vow to myself late last December that I would return to Clarke Head once a month throughout 2022.

I have kept that promise to myself and embarked on this beach hike at least once a month, some days alone and other days with friends or someone new to the area. I always love another person’s reaction when the natural stone arch comes into view. It still takes my breath away each time!

Yesterday Fran (visiting from Chicago) and I were treated to a beautiful day. Along our hike back to the car we met several landscape photographers from Ontario and Halifax areas who can’t get enough of the Class of Fundy beaches.

I didn’t make many images. Could it be that I am getting desensitized?… I sincerely hope the answer is “no”.

Wishing you all a great start to the weekend. All the best, Anna

Wards Falls Autumn Hike

…a.k.a. “The Path of 16 Bridges”. The last time I hiked these woods I had just arrived in Nova Scotia. It was November 2020 and the most amazing ice imagery created by the frozen brook pulled us along across the bridges and toward the waterfall.

Yesterday I was part of a group of hikers invited by the Cliffs of Fundy GeoPark participating in a location shoot creating footage of the Wards Falls GeoPark site.

The autumnal forest was showing its best features. The afternoon light provided photographic opportunities only found during this time of year.

The falls did not disappoint. They drowned out our voices. The time spent watching the water pushing from the slot canyon and rushing over the rocks always offers a feeling of peace and rejuvenation.

The trailhead for the Wards Falls hike is located off Hwy. 209 in Diligent River. The 7 km round-trip trail is rugged with roots criss-crossing the natural path. There are 16 bridges across the meandering brook.

All fallen trees after Hurricane Fiona have been cleared. Sturdy hiking boots, a daypack with water and snacks are recommended. If you have hiking poles you will not regret bringing them along as the final stretch to the falls is steep and extra support is always a good idea.

I hope you enjoyed my recap of yesterday’s hike. Feel free to reach out if you have questions or would like a guided tour. Happy Wednesday, Anna

Some Thanksgiving Weekend Impressions

The view from the front door at Ottawa House by-the-Sea where I am spending my days volunteering this weekend.

Besides serving food I made myself available for guided beach walks and a hike up Partridge Island

The colours are changing and turning more intense each day!

And best of all: we celebrated this sweet girl’s third “Gotcha Day”

2019
2020
2022
2022

Happy Thanksgiving Monday from Parrsboro. Enjoy your day, Anna

Soley Cove Sea Stack Revisited

The weather yesterday afternoon was perfect for a little excursion. Soley Cove is a favourite destination. It was time to check up on the sea stack after Hurricane Fiona.

Fiona definitely left her mark, the Soley Cove sea stack has “lost a little more weight” but the scenery always leaves me in awe…

Best wishes for a peaceful Sunday, Anna

It Beckoned From Afar…

‘What on earth could this be?’ I asked myself the other morning. These softball sized formations seemed out of place in the middle of the field. I had never seen such large puffball mushrooms. This variety is inedible but I had a chance to examine the surface closely and found it truly fascinating. The markings reminded me of a brain scan… so much potential!

Happy Saturday, friends. Enjoy your weekend, Anna

Partridge Island Hiking Trail Inspection

I am conducting a guided hike as part of Ottawa House-by-the-Sea Thanksgiving events. Yesterday I woke up realizing that I had not checked the trails after Fiona payed us a visit. So, after walking my dogs in town I headed over to Partridge Island to put my mind at ease.

All is well on the trails! Fallen trees have been cleared off the path and I can’t wait to take a keen group of hikers on the Eco Trail on Sunday afternoon. Let’s hope for sunshine!

This particular hike is great in any weather. However, when I take a group onto these narrow rugged paths I like the weather on the dry side. With fallen leaves it’s easy to slip on damp earth or trip over hidden roots.

If you are in the area and interested in this guided hike, get in touch with Ottawa House and join us on Sunday from 2-4 pm!

Hope to see you there, Anna

Marsh Bubbles…

Partridge Island Marsh looking toward Cape Sharp and Cape Split

The marsh near Partridge Island sits on top of ancient basalt beds. With each tide cycle we witness tiny bubbles emerging from the porous rocks. Ancient indigenous legends tell us that the spots where the water bubbles are Glooscap’s Grandmother’s Cooking Pots.

No matter how often I witness this phenomenon I never grow tired of spending a few contemplative moments listening and watching.

Enjoy the video, wind sounds and all! Happy Tuesday, my friends. Best wishes, Anna

Treasure Hunt…

…on a frosty morning!

Yes, this was the first frost we have encountered this fall. And a glorious walk followed. The sun was up and rapidly warming the landscape. The jewel-like ice crystals surrounding leaves and flowers melted quickly but not until I had time to explore nature’s gifts.

Hope your Monday presented you with some hidden jewels wherever you are. If not, consider these frosty images a gift from me to you. Best wishes, Anna

Explosion of Colour

Each day there are changes… fall colours are getting stronger and more prolific. I am hosting our local Contemplative Photography group tomorrow morning, the theme is “Flowers & Weeds”. I look forward to everyone’s submission for the review. Fall is the perfect time to explore this particular theme. Here are a few of my finds this weekend.

Sunday is drawing to a close. Hope your’s was a rewarding as mine! Best wishes, Anna

Speechless at Sunset

We were winding down a belated birthday party for friends when the sky exploded with colour… on the way home I just had to swing by the Pier.

Happy Friday evening, everyone!! Enjoy, Anna