First Anniversary…

And this is where it all began: My resolution to start a blog on June 1st, 2021. Hope you have enjoyed your times in and around the Bay of Fundy so far. There is more in store! Can’t wait to continue the journey!

Best Wishes, Anna

Parrsboro at Sunrise…

Getting up before sunrise happens when an early hike is planned. Today I am showing a visitor to Parrsboro some of our spectacular sights in the Fundy GeoPark.

Our first stop is Wasson’s Bluff. The sunrise was spectacular at the bottom of our backyard and when I turned to make my way to the meeting place at the Fundy Geological Museum a double rainbow “pillar” beckoned! The rain had stopped and the sun was pushing it’s way up and through the clouds. What a perfect start to a fabulous day!

Hope your day is going as well as mine! Best wishes, Anna

The beach at low tide at Wasson’s Bluff with Two Islands in the distance.

Sunday Afternoon Break in the Sun…

There is no better place to shift gears and get a break from every day responsibilities than the beach! The tide was rolling out and the sun shone brightly providing us with a healthy dose of Vitamin D 😜.

I never grow tired of Second Beach in Parrsboro. With each time of day, after each high tide, rain or shine, this stretch of Minas Basin beach remains full of wonderful discoveries. It’s the little things that keep pulling me back!

Wishing you all a gently start to a new week. Anna

After Dinner Walk at Ottawa House Beach

After a rainy Saturday the sun was a welcome sight today. I got out for two short beach walks. The walk after supper at Ottawa House beach was glorious with a nice breeze across the water.

What a way to conclude a weekend. Ready to end May and start June this week! Stay tuned for some exciting news. Best wishes, Anna

Nature Observations

I spotted this perfectly illuminated leaf from the backseat of a car about 50 meters away. It drew my attention immediately. I call this my “flash of perception”.

Two days later the sparkling rain drops on these apple blossoms had a similar effect on me. Creamy white and soft pink colour splashes contrasted against a fresh spring green backdrop of recently emerged leaves highlighted by glistening rain drops…

And then there were the bright leaves unfurling in the forest under dappled sunlight. Inspiration for mindful moments is everywhere. We just need open ourselves to them, training ourselves to look and see with an open heart!

Enjoy your weekend, my friends! Best wishes, Anna

Three Sisters

Two weeks ago I had the privilege of viewing the Three Sisters formation in Cape Chignecto Provincial Park while hiking to Anderson Cove. It was awe inspiring and I was excited to see them from a different vantage point during an upcoming outing to Eatonville.

Yesterday’s outing was spectacular. An easy walk from the Eatonville day use area on a well-marked looped trail presented us with this great view.

Thanks to Fundy GeoPark Geoscientist Caleb Grant the tour was once again informative and enjoyable. We stayed on the suggested loop and learned about the former bustling harbour of Eatonville and Anderson Cove Raised Beach. Caleb is passionate about geology and natural history. His tours are educational and sprinkled with humour throughout.

I will leave you with one more Three Sister’s image from two weeks ago as I must admit: they are so majestic from the distance!

Happy Thursday! Best wishes, Anna

Blossom Time

During my evening walk I realized: it’s apple blossom season. Parrsboro has many wild apple trees throughout. The light last night was favourable without casting too many shadows.

Happy Wednesday! Best wishes, Anna

Sharing Bay of Fundy Riches: Diligent River

There is no better way to spend the May long weekend Sunday sharing some prime spots along the Minas Basin in the Bay of Fundy. Straight across from Cape Split is Diligent River with a beach that is hidden away and not that obvious to visitors. Our small group arrived in the heat of the day.

The first time I set foot on this stretch of beach the rock formations were shrouded in fog. In the brilliant sunshine everything looks different again. It was 28C and we dove in and out of the shade while sipping water to stay hydrated. we made it all the way to the mouth of the Ramshead River where we longingly looked at the algae covered rocks on the adjacent beach.

I’ll leave you all with this most interesting rock we located toward the end of the excursion. The verdict is out as to what it may be.

Wishing you a wonderful Tuesday. May sunshine brighten your day, Anna

A Gray Start to The Day Brought Brilliant Sunshine!

What a way to honour the May long weekend Sunday. A group of hikers from Moncton inquired if I could show them the way to Clarke Head. You know my answer to their question. Of course I will share this epic beach excursion!

As soon as we rounded the arch the sun burst through the clouds, the fog lifted from Two Islands and we all peeled off our jackets.

We accessed the beach from the Glooscap Campground. The new manager was welcoming and even suggested a quicker approach which we declined. With experienced hiker we wanted to explore the beach to our hearts’ content.

We found fossils, beach glass and sparkly rocks. We had so much fun that we set out to explore another beach before the tide rolled in. Watch for instalment 2 tomorrow.

Happy Long Weekend! Best wishes, Anna

Another Day – Another Beach

Checking in from Brookville Beach today. I have logged about ninety minutes along the most colourful beach and the tide is turning. Time to turn around… the wind has changed and clouds are moving in!

Happy Saturday, everyone. Best wishes for this May long weekend, Anna

Refugee Cove Hike, Part 2

I could have stayed all day, sigh! But you know it’s time to push on when you see the tide rolling in.

The Cove is spectacular and it is difficult to imagine that within a short time it will be completely flooded.

The driftwood provided shelter from the wind and a good backrest while some nourishment was shared to provide energy for the long climb ahead…

Ascending the first cliff on its wide and well maintained path foreshadowed the rest of the hike back to Red Rocks from where we started. I managed that first “hill” relatively unscathed. We enjoyed the spring flowers and green shoots before the equally steep descent.

And here is the reward for climbing so high: a fabulous view toward Advocate Harbour.

Lucky for us, the path was dry! Since I left my hiking poles at home I was concentrating hard on each step and made it down Arch Gulch without slipping or tripping. Phew, one big “hill” successfully navigated!

I saw the signs and thought to myself “only six kilometres to go!” That was deceiving but helpful as I had no idea that the toughest stretch was just ahead, 2 km of even steeper climbing than the first “hill”… my biggest mistake was to stop and look ahead. It took my breath away and brought a momentary sensation of defeat. In the end I made it just fine, after much huffing and puffing. I definitely need more cardio workouts…

And there they are, the Red Rocks! We started here at 6 a. m. and made it back by 3:15 p. m.

When the Red Rocks came into view a feeling of accomplishment came over me. I made it. I had met my personal challenge, I completed one of the most demanding hikes in many years.

Heather and I had inadvertently pulled ahead of the pack and decided to enjoy some ocean time overlooking the Red Rocks while waiting for everyone to catch up.

This hiking adventure will stay with me for a very long time. It was a privilege to be invited and with it I have met a personal fitness goal I can expand from.

Hope you enjoy today’s images and recap of the epic hike! Enjoy your long weekend. Best wishes, Anna

Refugee Cove Hike Impressions, Part 1

Yesterday’s epic hike meant an early morning for all. I met my ride just before 5 a. m. at the Parrsboro Tim Hortons. It was still dark with a bright moon guiding the way. The winding drive to West Advocate to the meeting place takes 45 minutes. Everyone was gathered there by 5:45, ready to start the long hiking day.

The tide was still moving out, beach partially cast in shadow with the moon moving across the sky and the sun beginning to rise in the east.

The beach never disappoints. Between breath-taking geological formations and what the tides leave behind I can spend hour exploring. Our navigation was carefully timed as we had a narrow window to get past one particular spot right at low tide. We arrived minutes before the low tide point and successfully moved passed the large boulders jutting out into the surf. A late arrival would have meant wet shoes and feet or possibly turning around and trying another day.

This stretch of beach is not for the faint of heart or occasional hiker. I was grateful for my sturdy hiking boots, hand-knit wool socks and several layers of clothing. Some hikers in the group even kept their hands warm with hand warmers and mittens. These were the people who had done this hike before.

Images cannot really describe the actual experience of six hikers dwarfed by the 600’ high cliffs standing tall against the mighty Bay of Fundy.

Isle Haute in the distance

Our destination beckoned in the distance, a pyramidal stack called “Ol’ Sal”. What a sight after several hours of walking across slippery rocks, loose gravel, seaweed covered rocks and pebbles.

But before we arrived at our destination we stopped into the Mermaid’s Cave, another true marvel of nature.

After about 3 ½ hours of walking along the beach we reached “Ol Sal” at 9:30 am, the clouds had cleared and Isle Haute appeared within reach.

We took our time exploring, rested a bit, out came the food and spirits were high. We all knew that the strenuous part of the hike was still ahead… check back tomorrow for Part 2.

Thanks for your continued support of my blog. If you like what you see and read please take the time to click on the like symbol. It means the world to me, thanks!

Best wishes, Anna

Springtime Impressions

After a day of mist and rain the trees are coming into full leaf. Flowering shrubs are lining the road and during my after dinner walk I noticed lovely floral scents in the air. Spring is in full swing and the rain is ridding the world of dust presenting us bright colours.

Happy Tuesday, Amna

Exploring the Bigger Picture

It’s no secrets how passionate I am about “the beach.” But what exactly is it that I find so fascinating? For me it’s all about I what find after taking in the view.

Last Sunday in West Advocate I discovered tide pools. I had not found any like this since I started roaming various beaches along the Fundy shore. Granted, they are vastly different from those tide pools I have explored along the coastline of British Columbia but, none the less, I had some fun jumping from rock to slippery rock trying to see what I could find.

My personal favourite is a sandy ripple beach. It’s still shiny from the receding tide but firm enough to walk on without sinking ankle-deep into red Fundy Bay mud.

This is the type of beach where I look for Sand dollars and still life compositions presented by Mother Nature. I could walk these sandbanks for hours!

The ripple formations themselves are mesmerizing.

Wishing you all a sunny Friday the 13th. May it be a great start to your weekend, Anna