Highland Cattle Snowshoe Excursion…

…as part of the Fundy Shore Winter Carnival.

The Fundy Shore Winter Carnival kicked off last Thursday. The event I was most interested in was the tour jointly organized by the Fundy GeoPark and Fundy Geological Museum. It was advertised as the Highland Tour exploring the area surrounding That Dutchman Cheese Farm in Economy.

All day I was wondering if the tour would take place as rain was threatening and strong winds dominated the weather forecast. But, 4 pm arrived and after a brief shopping excursion around the Cheese Shop, Caleb and Regan welcomed our group of 15 participants.

The hike took us through the animal park of the working farm. During the warmer seasons there are not only the ducks to observe but donkeys, potbelly pigs, goats and sheep roam the spacious enclosures.

Our ultimate destination was the Highland Cattle pasture. No promises were made that we would be seeing them as they are quite reclusive.

Shortly after Regan provided a physical demonstration on how tectonic plates collided to form the Cobequid Highlands as part of the Appalachian Mountain Range and these were once connected to the Scottish Highlands, we descended a steep hill covered in ice. We were glad to be on snowshoes!

Our reward at the bottom of the hill was a sighting of the Highland Cattle. At first I cursed myself for not bringing my digital camera with zoom lens, then I decided to test my iPhone. I was not disappointed. The bull stayed safely hidden in the trees but the cow slowly ventured out into the open and I was able to capture some great portraits of her.

We lingered until she turned her back and dismissed us. We arrived at the parking lot around sunset getting rewarded with one last reflection over the melting ice…

Thank you to the Fundy GeoPark and Fundy Geological Museum for this informative free tour.

Hope you enjoyed a short summary of the two hour event. Wishing you all a fantastic Sunday, Anna

Other-Wordly Continued…

Thanks for coming back to find out more about my discovery after I moved to the “dark side” of Clarke Head. Another world opened up, one of wonder and awe!

I felt drawn to move on and round the next rock formation…

Soon I realized that this area connects me directly to Wasson’s Bluff! This is one hike i will embark on during a low tide period very soon.

And what’s this? Could it be a mini iceberg?

There comes a point during my solitary beach excursions where I wish secretly that I could walk on, throw caution to the wind and not worry about tides and vanishing daylight.

I am sure you agree that the discoveries are endless and warrant extended excursions…

The light was quickly moving into the golden hour and I still had to make my way back to the car. So, with a heavy heart I left behind this treasure trove of inspiration.

I made it back right around sunset. Three hours and ten kilometres yielded a special haul of images, discoveries and memories. Time well spent on a sunny, yet chilly day. It took another three hours to warm up. But it was definitely worth “suffering” through the wind on my face to and from Clarke Head.

Best wishes for a restful weekend, Anna

Other-Wordly?

The view from Glooscap Campground toward Cape Blomidon

Yesterday was a beautiful day, beckoning me to take full advantage of the sunshine before the next weather system brings changes.

I snowshoed from the gate of Glooscap Campground all the way down to the beach. I love the spot I featured above: it is always awe-inspiring and Feb. 16th, 2022 did not disappoint: the blue sky over the sparkling Bay of Fundy waters and white snow were beckoning.

The tide was just receding…

When I arrived at the beach I realized how well I had timed my excursion. The tide had receded enough to provide some space to walk. More than once I had to squeeze between a large rock outcropping while the water was lapping at my feet. that was a new experience!

Today I want to focus on what awaited me at the beach. It was a big surprise, one filled with wonder and awe…

You know it will be magical when a well-worn piece of sea glass smiles at you upon setting your foot on the beach!

I no sooner removed my snowshoes and put them in my knapsack when I realized what awaited me!

I thought I had arrived at the zoo with walrus and beaver welcoming me.

The wind was icy but I didn’t feel it because there was so much to explore!

Was that a turtle at the base of the frozen waterfall?

As I rounded the rocky outcropping leaving behind the small hole in the massive rock the wind became even colder…

Sea water and ice: wonderful contrasts!

Soon I stumbled across more natural ice sculptures.

Icicles galore and even a ❓

I spent much time moving from one icy boulder to the next, slowly exploring the textures and formations presented. I knew full well that this was a moment in time I would not be able to duplicate. With each minute, each high tide and warming ray of sunshine these sculptures were changing constantly.

Before I knew it I had reached my destination…

And then, I looked up and found myself at Clarke Head. Already? That was quick and the tide was nowhere near its lowest point yet. I rounded the corner to what I call the “dark side” of Clarke Head.

With time on my side, I decided to venture on. I had walked into the wind and expected to be rewarded with warmer conditions on the way back. I talked myself into moving forward and what I discovered was amazing! Check back tomorrow for Part Two of Other-Worldly. I promise you will not be disappointed!

Happy Thursday. Best wishes, Anna

Snowshoe Destination: FoxPoint Beach

Last Friday was another glorious day in the Bay of Fundy. It definitely called for an extended outing. I packed the snowshoes, just in case and was glad to have them handy when the road approach turned out to be too slushy to drive. Snowshoes were the best solution to make headway though the woods and downhill to the beach.

It’s always an exhale moment when I emerge onto this vast beach. It takes a moment to absorb it all: the water, the blue sky, billowing white clouds and the sound of waves rushing onto the pebble beach. I feel at home here!

Low tide is my favourite time to visit FoxPoint Beach as it provides unique opportunities to walk among rock formations fully immersed during higher tide levels. This stretch of beach was one I had not explored before and new discoveries awaited.

The view of Cape Split never disappoints either! It felt so close last Friday, I wanted to reach out and touch it…

This outing set the tone for the weekend. I was able to soak up some warming sun rays in anticipation of colder weather and snow. I was grateful for the time spent exploring in the sunshine!

Wishing you all a fabulous Tuesday! Best wishes, Anna

Puddle Exploration

On a chilly day long walks are usually not by choice. I made a quick trip to take a letter to the post office yesterday and it was C-O-L-D.

And then I stumbled across this puddle. Talk about going down the rabbit hole… till my hands were so cold I could no longer hold on yo my phone!

Enjoy! Happy Monday, Anna

Disappearing Boulders

Parrsboro’s Second Beach had some impressive sights yesterday afternoon. At first glance these formations looked like sandstone boulders. Walking closer they revealed themselves as ice formations covered in Red Fundy Mud.

It was a sight to treasure! To show how massive these icy boulders were I included an image of my friend next to one.

The sun was out and they were melting quickly. With the next tide rushing in they would have disappeared by now.

Always a fresh sight, no matter when I venture to the beach!

Friday blessings to all. May you wrap up your week to make time for a relaxing weekend! Best wishes, Anna

Fleeting…

I inhaled deeply when I arrived at the beach yesterday: fresh, salty air, a little sunshine overhead and other-worldly ice sculptures only Mother Nature can create greeted me. It felt so good to get out, walk between the large rocks of First Beach toward these pink sand coloured monsters.

Click on the third image in this gallery and find ET… another reminded me of the Spaceship Enterprise. One of the dirty looking ice floes displayed a melting layer of clear candle ice, such a lovely contrast!

Walking toward Second Beach a lonely white ice chunk beckoned which, at first sight, reminded me of a polar bear. It lost its animal nature quickly as I moved closer. There, perched on a large boulder, was this magnificent sculpture, dripping and melting, changing shape with each passing minute.

Seaweed and kelp provided contrast and interest to the top of the flatter ice floes and it was easy to get lost in exploring each little still life.

The tide was coming in steadily and with it the wind picked up. I was glad to get back to the warm car but the walk was invigorating and long overdue!

Have a great Thursday. My big task for today is to get started on the Valentine’s Cake for the Parrsboro Hall Association Auction. The bids are high and I have finally settled on a checkerboard cake filled with vanilla buttercream. It looks fabulous in my mind… we shall see if I can match reality!

Best wishes, Anna

Yearning for Spring.,,

As I look out the window and observe snow changing to rain and back to snow again all within minutes, my eye catches a flash of green reminding me that the countdown to spring is indeed progressing… 39 days and counting.

Happy Wednesday! Stay warm and dry, wherever you are, Anna

Next, please…

Big water drops are forming with the next episode of our wether pattern this year. When we first arrived in Nova Scotia a friend told me that when these drops form and hang from the bare branches of the winter tree, a lot more rain is on the way.

The snow is melting, creating huge puddles and some very large, almost skating rink sized, patches. Extended walks will have to wait a little while longer. Can’t wait to plan an excursion to the beach. Meanwhile I am sharpening the knitting needles and staying in.

Have a wonderful Tuesday, wherever you live. Stay warm, stay safe and may you find beauty everywhere. Best wishes, Anna

Surprise…

…before I knew it the was over and I did not make it outside! The image I am sharing today is a wonderful surprise! I had my camera ready to take some pictures of the ups. I placed it on my coffee table and voilà, a beautiful bokeh effect presented itself.

It will be a better day tomorrow, one with images of my surroundings! Blessings, Anna

Seeking and Finding Inspiration

When winter days appear too similar, without too many changes and little easing of the cold it’s time to examine the landscape for subtle changes.

Inspiration is everywhere: from snow covered backyards polished by rain and wind to shards of ice reaching from their watery depths like alligators. A five minute backyard excursion yields visual treasures only discovered by leaving the comfort of the house.

Happy Sunday, friends! The treasures in the Bay of Fundy are countless… have a wonderful day, Anna

Morning Glow…

Greetings from an ice covered Nova Scotia! For most of the night we witnessed rain mixed with ice-pellets and this morning cars are covered in shiny icy crusts… the roads are very slippery… businesses are either staying shut or closing early adding an extra day of rest for the weekend.

The images I am sharing today were captured three days ago when the morning sun illuminated the frosty backyard scene to create pure magic!

Wishing everyone a safe weekend. It’s another day to stay in, socially distance and play it safe all around. Best wishes, Anna

Small Surprises

While scanning the shoreline during my backyard excursion this tiny area caught my attention.

A large ice floe was pushed up against the shore casting a protective shadow over the hoarfrost covered clump of dry grass… a truly contemplative moment.

May your Thursday be filled with sunshine. Best wishes, Anna

Ever-changing!

I don’t have to venture far when it comes to beautiful sights that inspire: our backyard provides amazing subject matter for my daily post.

After a long day on the road Monday, I didn’t feel like heading to the beach. My heart still got a workout navigating over and through snow drifts as I made my way to the river’s edge bordering our property. There, presenting itself in the most amazing light, were icy sculptures evoking deep emotional responses…

With each tidal change the vista changes and beckons with new shapes. This winter is vastly different from last year and with daily changes to the ice and open water no two days are the same. It truly is the kind of backyard a person craving and embracing change flourishes in.

Hope you enjoy the selection of images for Wednesday. best wishes, Anna