

…when water freezes and thaws and freezes again to create patterns only Mother Nature can invent!
Happy Wednesday, Anna
…Home to Custom Guided Upper Bay of Fundy Ocean-floor Tours Tours .


…when water freezes and thaws and freezes again to create patterns only Mother Nature can invent!
Happy Wednesday, Anna












Happy deciphering…
Best wishes for a chilly day, Anna
I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud…
I wandered lonely as a cloud
That floats on high o’er vales and hills,
When all at once I saw a crowd,
A host, of golden daffodils;
Beside the lake, beneath the trees,
Fluttering and dancing in the breeze.
Continuous as the stars that shine
And twinkle on the milky way,
They stretched in never-ending line
Along the margin of a bay:
Ten thousand saw I at a glance,
Tossing their heads in sprightly dance.
The waves beside them danced; but they
Out-did the sparkling waves in glee:
A poet could not but be gay,
In such a jocund company:
I gazed—and gazed—but little thought
What wealth the show to me had brought:
– William Wordsworth, 1770 – 1850

Go with the flow, slow down a little, they say… Nothing helps me slow down more than a winter storm. We have lived in Nova Scotia for 15 months and January 8th, 2022 was the first “real” winter storm” we have experienced.
When we moved here our friends out west all warned us about “the weather”… there would be big storms, they said… “Do you know what you are doing? Are you aware of the huge amounts of snow they get out there? And what about hurricanes?” We were not worried at all. We had made our home in Calgary for 27 years, followed by 13 years in rural Saskatchewan – we were ready for a little snow. We knew snow, and we knew wind and so far those experiences have us well prepared for the weather in Nova Scotia.
I do feel that Parrsboro is uniquely situated in the province. Our friends in Moncton seem to get much more snow than we do. When we watch the radar we regularly observe that the moisture-laden clouds get pushed across our location and release their cargo in the Moncton area.
It’s Sunday and rain is in the forecast… but for now, I enjoy the white blanket of snow that covers the town, slowing down life and making social distancing more natural.
Happy Sunday! Curl up by the fire with a good book and another cuppa. Enjoy and recharge, Anna
…to illuminate the winter wonderland yesterday’s snowstorm created. It was very windy during the night. Since we live in a bungalow in a seemingly sheltered location we didn’t notice the wind too much. Friends with two-story homes talked about “beds shaking and the house moving”. We were cozy and warm and aside from a few flickers later in the evening did not have to worry about firing up the generator.
It’s supposed to be -7 C but with the sunshine, it feels much warmer. Happy Saturday, wherever you are! Best wishes, Anna
The forecast for a major winter storm has been circulating in the news for several days. With temperatures around +10 C yesterday and blue skies I made it to the beach twice. In the morning the tide was out and it afforded us a nice, leisurely walk. When I returned to the same beach the tide was rushing in and the timing wasn’t so great. I have heard that when a storm approaches the tide pushes in faster and sooner… Well, I won’t argue this fact anymore. We still managed to walk along the cliff edge while carefully watching for loose rocks and other debris overhead.
I returned home just before sunset and was treated to this amazing sky and its reflections in the Farrells River that borders our backyard. It made it easier to ignore the snowy forecast…

I had a morning appointment at the GeoPark office here in Parrsboro and during the short meeting, the snow arrived!
It’s time for a steaming cup of coffee while watching the snow accumulate. Can’t wait to see how this plays out… or if it fizzles out like all the other storms we have anticipated. So far we have found that this Bay of Fundy location is quite mild and heavy snow events have eluded us.
Have a great Friday! Stay warm, stay safe, stay positive! Best wishes, Anna
Diligent River Beach is one of the best-kept secrets around. There is a pebbled beach that extends from the wharf and old shipbuilding yard providing an opportunity for walkers who like to keep it simple.
I prefer the hidden approach past the houses on Cottage Lane. It leads to a small parking area and takes the explorer onto a rocky stretch of beach from where ancient Cape Split appears so much closer compared to anywhere else along our shore.
Impressive cliffs and geological formations get submerged during every high tide and slowly re-appear when the tide recedes changing their character and appearance ever so slightly. The millennia-old formations are covered in juicy green seaweed that draws the viewer in to observe the frosted layer of rime around the edges during these colder days.
It is an ancient beach, it is a fragile beach, it is a stretch of the Fundy Shore that demands a huge portion of healthy respect. The temptation to climb the large rocks along the cliff is always there but after my last visit, I noticed how much of the cliffside has deteriorated since last fall. It is dangerous and the advice from Caleb, the Fundy Geopark guide, echoes in my mind: “Stay at least two schoolbus lengths away from the cliffs!”
I kept my visit to Diligent River Beach short. The sun slipped behind a heavy cloud cover almost as soon as I arrived. The sunset light I was hoping for was not going to happen. With fingers frozen and the chill slowly advancing through the thick layers of my winter coat I called it a day and made my way back to the car.
Wishing you all a safe Wednesday. The month is slowly advancing, we are expecting a snowstorm and preparations are underway to ensure we have supplies and are comfortable in case the power goes out or a heavy blanket of snow prevents us from leaving the house. Happy Wednesday! Best wishes, Anna
Remember these images? They were taken the day I explored Wards Brook Beach. I could see as far as the Phinney Green sea stacks and made the decision to visit Phinney Green soon.
It only took one day and with the weather holding back on rain and snow I asked a couple of friends to join me.
The approach to the beach is not difficult. There are no brooks to navigate, I parked the car and we walked onto the beach within minutes. My friends had never visited here and as soon as we rounded the corner their breath was taken away with the impressive single sea stack at the entrance to the beach.
The tide was on its way out and we began a brisk walk to stay warm.
We reached the point where the cliffs break open and a river rushes across the pebble beach. It was a good place to turn around but not until I took the time to survey the water’s edge. I realized that I was able to spot the pyramidal shape of the Wards Brook Beach sea stack close to where I had turned around the previous day.
My primary fascination with Phinney Green Beach is the diversity of sea stacks. Such character! No matter which angle I explore, faces and figures begin to emerge. They rise up, silently communicating with their onlookers, telling stories of times past and natural wonder. I see wizards, birds taking off, warriors staring at each other with grim expressions, a gorilla face, and even a howling wolf… What do you see? My friends pointed out their discoveries and it helped me to discover uncharted territory.
The day was a bit gloomy with low-hanging clouds and fog shrouding the cliffs. Days like this are full of mystery and subdued sounds from the ocean. It was the last day of the year and we gathered all the negative influences that had accumulated in 2021 to collectively hurl them into the Bay, freeing our minds and perceptions to welcome a new year with open arms and positivity.
So far it is working… New challenges are already mounting but we are ready! Sending good vibes your way. Best wishes for a great Wednesday, Anna

The layers of time
Invite my exploration –
More rocks on the beach….

It has been almost a year since I visited Wards Brook Beach for the first time. My second attempt was during a tidal phase when the water was too high to venture more than about 20 meters along the cliff edge. Last week I watched the weather carefully and while the sky was overcast, the wind was down and the rain held off for another day. I decided to explore this striking part of the Fundy Shore and UNESCO GeoPark.
Much has changed since I was here last. I almost didn’t get across the creek. One of the landowners has made a strong attempt at blocking access to the beach. Last year I was able to carefully make my way across the square beam, this year I knew I better not try that route. I walked this way and that and finally found a couple of rocks that were stable enough to walk across to the other side. As soon as I crossed the creek and climbed up to beach level I knew it was worth it. The question whether I would be able to get back to the car was something I pushed out of my mind for now.
I recalled my very first visit to this spot as I was walking toward the water’s edge. A little overwhelmed by the expanse of the beach I had looked down and was immediately drawn to the colourful offerings by Mother Nature. I am sure you will agree that the pebbles underfoot are not only intriguing for their colour but also their textures and patterns. I can’t get enough and finding a favourite pebble isn’t easy!
Small waterfalls along the cliffs are another source of inspiration. It was above freezing and the water was rushing off the smooth rock faces toward the ground providing an additional layer of sound to the concert already provided by the calls of gulls and crows against the gentle waves lapping at the pebble shore.
The cliff edges are as colourful as the pebbles and with the gray sky and high humidity, it was a fascinating display of colour and layers created over the course of this area’s natural history. Evidence of volcanic activity and the incredible force of continental plates colliding to lift, fold, compress and shift the layers juxtaposed with colourful sandstone cliff faces catapulted me forward to find just one more amazing section to photograph.
The receding tide revealed seaweed-covered rocks along the shore which reminded me of ancient sea creatures slowly making their way to land…
…but the main attractions for me are the rugged sea stacks that beckon from the distance. It was the point where last year’s walking group stopped to survey the area and turn around. This time I had timed my visit to ensure that the tide would not be surprising me too soon and force an early return to the car. Instead, I ventured past the sea stack to my left, the cliff to my right across the large slabs of black rocks and onto the sandy ocean floor.
Yes, this is the ocean floor. I was reminded of that fact when I climbed higher and saw dark green seaweed clinging to the rocks at my feet. I was determined to explore beyond this imposing landmark and it turned out that I would be richly rewarded!
I pushed on and once I reached the next pyramidal stack more colour shone brightly. It looked as if someone had accidentally poured a bucket of paint over the rocks! As I was carefully walking across the wet rocks I was reminded of images created by Swedish landscape photographer Hans Strand. “Channeling Hans Strand…” was running through my mind. Have a look for yourself, here is a link to his website and you will see what I mean.
I was nearing the two-hour mark on my walk and I noticed the light was beginning to fade a little. At this time I looked on to see what the beach ahead of me would hold. I was very pleased to recognize the familiar sea stacks of Phinney Green Beach. The first time I visited Wards Brook Beach I tried to orient myself and asked my walking group companion if this beach connects with Phinney Green. I was told that technically it does but the distance was too great to walk to Phinney Green. Imagine my delight in discovering that indeed one could walk from Wards Brook Beach to Phinney Green. It would all depend on the timing of the hike…
…but for now, I was satisfied with my discovery. I turned around and headed back in the direction of my car. I love exploring the beach in both directions and as I approached the first landmark sea stack I discovered that with the changing light this geological formation has so much more to offer.
What does this look like to you? Perhaps an extinct dinosaur grinning mischievously at you… or is it a hooded sea creature ready to pounce?
But wait, what’s this? A monkey nestled between the rocks? Oh no, it’s a tiny Buddha meditating! At least that is what I saw… ;-D
With a bounce in my step and renewed energy, I headed back to where the car was parked. I still had plenty of time before the tide was threatening my safe exit from the beach. I jumped across the creek and clambered up the soft embankment my head and camera full of amazing impressions. I was excited about my discovery that I could have walked on to reach Phinney Green Beach. Let’s see what the weather brings tomorrow…
I sincerely hope you enjoyed today’s recap of my excursion to Wards Brook Beach. I walked a total of 12 km in just under three hours. Happy Monday to all! Best wishes for a productive day, Anna
Have you heard about the universal First Light Challenge? Photographers around the world make it their mission to capture the first light on the first day of New Year. I am usually not that ambitious, especially in the winter. Getting up and out into the cool weather isn’t my first choice. However, yesterday I was up quite early and wide awake.
Sunrise was predicted for 7:57 am. I arrived at Partridge Island Beach at 7:45 and set out walking the beach to prevent the chill to penetrate my clothing. I carefully watched the tiny sliver of light on the far eastern horizon where the waters of the Bay of Fundy met the sky and I was a little disappointed that the change was so subtle.
I spent about 45 minutes exploring the beach, picking up sea glass, watching the crows and gulls and observing the change of light and slight lifting of the fog. It was truly magical, especially since I was the only person at this popular beach at that time of day.
Enjoy your first Sunday of 2022. The tide is rolling in here and we have light rain falling. The grey weather outside calls for curling up on the couch with a good book…
Best wishes, Anna

Nearly two years ago the world changed… and I did what had to be done, or so I thought… I went along with it: Wearing masks, isolating, physically and socially distancing, sanitizing, getting vaccinated to keep my friends and family safe and most of all I did my best to stay positive. Somehow I thought that if I continue to think positive thoughts and engage in motivating others I could get through it. Well, I have to admit that “it” all suddenly got to me. The day coincided with my milestone birthday, a day that ended up being just like any other day… without personal contact, a way to celebrate and share some cake with others. Before I decided to crawl back into bed and wallow in my depressive emotions I checked the tide table and decided to walk instead. Walking has always been my remedy in combating emotional turmoil. I laced up my boots, threw on my jacket and set out without a particular goal in mind. I just knew I had to get to a beach, the place where the light makes the water glisten to add magic to the landscape.
The closest beach is a twenty-minute walk to the pier across from the Parrsboro Lighthouse. The early morning snow had cloaked the world in a white blanket and I encountered no other people.
Once my boots hit the pebble beach I was drawn to the water’s edge where a few deep breaths released much of the negativity I was experiencing. And when I nearly stumbled over my first piece of beach glass I knew it would be a good day in the end. I navigated First Beach and Second Beach and soon realized that the weather was favourable and the tide on its way out. I kept walking.
I love walking in solitude. No need to make conversation or set my pace to anyone else’s needs. I can just move freely, stop when something captures my interest while listening to my own body and gauge how far to meander before it would be wise to turn around.
I suddenly realized what an amazing experience it was to be walking on a beach in late December, not battling a fierce wind, rain or snow… I was making my way across the ocean floor! This is hard to imagine when you have not explored the beaches here but all I had to do was look for the high tide line as it stands out clearly with seaweed and various ocean debris.
By the time I reached this point on the beach, I had been walking for more than two hours. Anticipation was growing, after all, this is one of my all-time favourite destinations on the Fundy Shore. It is also a very powerful place and I asked myself why I don’t come to Clarke Head more often.
Anyone who has been following this blog since its inception seven months ago will recall my first solitary walk to the arch. It was then that I decided to share images and insights from my beach explorations in the Bay of Fundy. Here is a link to the first post.
In August I visited Clarke Head for the second time, this time with a friend, and we busied ourselves photographing rocks and details during the Golden Hour. Clarke Head shares its power with me only when I walk there alone and see the arch reveal itself in its entirety as I slowly approach and it emerges from behind the rocky cliff. Once again I was awestruck by how majestic the arch really is. The base was not littered with rocks like it was in the spring and as I walked through the opening I imagined leaving behind all that ails me. Slowly I emerged on the other side, feeling lighter, with my mind less cluttered. Ahhhh, a deep exhale followed by breathing in the fresh sea air – what could be better, more healing? I can’t think of anything.
I allowed myself half an hour of lingering, enough time to explore the seaweed-covered rocks, observe rivulets of water draining toward the ocean. And then it was time to turn around and head back toward home.
The tide was at its lowest point by now with ripples glistening in the sand near the summer campground. And the light was changing once again announcing that the end of the winter day was fast approaching. I kept walking toward the pier and lighthouse. Not only did the light change but the weather was much different as I reached Second Beach.
I checked my watch as I turned and headed home along Willow Street. I realized that I had spent five hours walking and experiencing the most wonderful sights.
May this long recap of my solitary outing provide you with light for a brand-new year. I wish happiness, health, love and joy for all of you. Let’s make room for a bright and beautiful year. Best wishes, Anna

A recent addition to our bookshelf, “Lighthouses & Lights of Nova Scotia – Complete Guide” is another great sourcebook to plan short or extended trips around our fabulous province. Part 1 in the book covers the lighthouses along the Fundy Shore, our own backyard. The Parrsboro Lighthouse I see every time I head to First Beach and the Pier. Another great destination is Five Islands Lighthouse Park, a 20-minute drive from home.

Five Islands Lighthouse was built in 1914 under contract to A. L. Mury of West Arichat at a cost of $ 750. The first lighthouse keeper was Cyrus MacBurnie. His annual wage amounted to $ 115.67.
The lighthouse was moved in 1952 due to the continuous erosion of the red sandstone cliffs. The coastguard extinguished the light in 1993 at which time the lighthouse threatened to topple off the cliffs into the Bay of Fundy due to the collapse of a retaining wall. A community group led by Ronald MacBurnie (whose family kept the lighthouse for over 5 decades) and Anita Murphy came to the rescue. The community purchased the structure in November 1996 and moved it to its current location where it has been lovingly restored.
The beach is always a draw. It is fairly level and one of the beaches that is easy to navigate. I rarely encounter other visitors and the view of Five Islands is spectacular. We visited and walked the beach on December 28th at low tide. The winter light was magical and the everchanging clouds made for the perfect backdrop for Moose, Diamond, Long, Egg and Pinnacle Islands (from left to right).
I never just observe what is in the distance no matter how wonderful and magical the light might be: I am always interested in what is underfoot or right in front of me. A few icy patches drew my attention and demanded to be captured. These disappeared with the next high tide. I love the ever-changing coastline… no matter what the season, the time of day or weather the beaches offer limitless opportunities!
Thanks for tagging along over the past 7 months. Best wishes for a New Year’s Eve: May you chase out the cobwebs and negative vibes of 2021 and open your home and mind wide for a better year ahead. I am focusing on the future, the new year that will hopefully put an end to the worldwide pandemic, the stress, hardships and anguish that has affected all of us on various levels.
I read something a couple of days ago… It went something like this: “Let’s not wish each other a happy new year or best of luck for 2022! At the stroke of midnight let’s all shout JUMANJI to exit this crazy game!” That sounded like a good suggestion.
Jumanji to all! See you in 2022, best wishes, Anna
…all I can do is shake my head and ask: What is wrong with individuals?
We were on our way home from Joggins and Menudie after navigating Hardscrabble Road. I was still revelling in vivid memories of history, the hardships of our ancestors while at the same time appreciating the natural beauty we experienced following the coastal road.
We passed through Southampton, crossed the Bumblebee Bridge (yes, that is what the sign says…) when I suggested we take a left turn onto Athol Road. We have noticed the road every since we moved here but never took the time to explore where it might lead us.
We travelled through forested terrain, much of it logged and therefore not very inspiring. Suddenly we passed an unsightly plot adjacent to the road. Was it a municipal dump? An appliance selvage location? We actually turned the car around to investigate. As soon as we stopped it became abundantly clear that this unsightly spot along the road was an ordinary dumping ground for appliances, children’s toys, old tires and other unwanted items… To make matters worse, across the road the wooded area was littered with old chesterfields, chairs, tables and other additional household items. Who started this mess? An why? Could it have been sheer laziness…n
We were absolutely speechless, at a loss! Only about 1 km beyond this improvised garbage dump were houses that, as it turns out, belong to the town of Springhill. I am still reeling from this ugly discovery that overshadowed our beautiful coastal vistas experience. Whatever happened to recycling, repurposing and responsibly discarding unwanted appliances and furniture? I have found old cars, car parts and household items during my mushroom hunting adventures last summer… but this Athol Road discovery calls for action.
Sorry to insert such horrible images into this blog. After honouring the beauty of the Bay of Fundy for nearly seven months I could not ignore what was hidden in plain sight along a well-travelled road between communities…
Recycle responsibly! Best wishes, Anna
No, I didn’t make it up… Hardscrabble Road is real. To access Hardscrabble Road we backtracked from the Joggins Fossil Centre through town and took the turn which was well signed.
Hardscrabble Road hugs the Fundy coastline till it connects with Cove Road and you have a choice to carry on to Menudie or turn toward River Hebert. Our stop at the Hardscrabble Road Memorial was rewarded with a detailed storyboard and the actual nine gravestones discovered in August 2017 in the outcroppings of the cliff we stood on. The name of the memorial says it all…
… the bare trees and exposed location further punctuate the difficulties local families had to endure to carve out a living not so long ago. One cannot help but conjure up images and people’s stories that touch the heart and invite a moment of contemplative reflection.
We continued on the road toward Menudie, a small community my husband’s family can trace its ancestors from Ireland to. We plan to visit the School House Museum once life returns to a more regular model, the way it used to be…
Tuesday Blessings, Anna

Christmas morning I found a surprise under the tree! I had expressed interest in “Geology of Nova Scotia” once or twice during the year… and imagine my surprise when I unwrapped my very own copy. I love the layout of the book with its 48 scenic sites clearly defined, each one with a short write-up about the specific site, its natural history and geological significance as well as the mention and images of related sites elsewhere in the province. Perusing the book on Christmas Day awakened the urge to go exploring.
We woke up to glorious weather on Boxing Day and the suggestion to go for a drive and take full advantage of azure skies and the absence of wind was quickly embraced. We had not been back to Joggins, or The Joggins as the locals call it, since November 2020. In 2020 we took the road from Advocate via Apple River, this year we decided to travel the shorter route from Parrsboro toward Amherst where we turned toward River Hebert in Southampton. This route is much shorter and the roads are less pitted with fewer potholes.
Last year the Fossil Centre was closed due to the pandemic, this year the centre was closed because of the winter season. Not much remains open once tourist season is over. I love the interpretive centre with its clean lines and shadows its casts with the sun just at the right angle. We parked the car and navigated our way through the green space, past the meditation spiral toward the stairs.
On July 30th, 1842 the British geologist Charles Lyell in a letter to his sister wrote: “My dear Marianne, – We have just returned from an expedition of three days… I went to see a forest of fossil coal trees – the most wonderful phenomenon perhaps I have seen…” He was in the process of concluding a year-long journey touring geological wonders navigating eastern North America from end to end and the Joggins Cliffs topped his list.
In quoting the authors M. Hickman Hild and S. M. Barr: “For more than 170 years the site has been one of the most closely studied in the world. The cliffs preserve an array of 63 successive, upright forests, rooted in coal or black shale and buried in layer upon layer of sandstone. Among the giant fossil plants are the tracks and remains of forest inhabitants, including the world’s oldest known reptiles. – The site has a unique ability to inspire visions of the Earth’s mysterious Coal Age, as seen in displays at the adjacent Joggins Fossil Centre. In 2008 the cliffs were designated a UNESCO World Heritage site.”
We were only able to get as far as the viewing platform close to the beach. The steps are removed and safely stored out of the elements for winter. The fossil forests eluded us yesterday but we will be returning once winter moves on and geological sites, like Joggins, are more accessible. I captured a few images of the running water oozing from the cliffs to continually erode the red sandstone below… The wall of ice to the right of the viewing platform was equally impressive. Two pigeons appeared out of place as they were exploring the layered rocks nearby.
We spotted people on the distant beach but decided not to scramble down the steep and unstable cliff where they had parked their vehicles. We will wait for another chance to access the beach when the stairs are installed.
Hope this post has sparked your interest in The Joggins Fossil Cliffs. It’s a fascinating place to visit and explore. Wishing you all a good start to the week, one that sees the old year come to a close and welcome a new one. Best wishes, Anna
…just like I promised!
The sky was clear, the wind fierce which made for a blustery beach experience during the early afternoon yesterday, Christmas Eve. As soon as we opened the car door at Advocate Harbour Beach we heard the surf crashing onto the pebbles, and as we approached the access we realized that it might be too icy to walk very far.
Instead, I quickly changed plans and took full advantage of the moment to capture the scenery with the striking light reflecting off the water. I don’t think any words are necessary. The large, powerful waves crashing relentlessly on the shore would have kept me there indefinitely… if my hands didn’t get so cold!
I hope you enjoy the images as much as I loved creating them. Nothing feels better than some time at the beach or near the beach. The sound of crashing waves coupled with the sensation of the wind always drive the cobwebs from the mind!


On the way home, we veered off to check out Spencer’s Island Beach. It looked calm and like a different world. It’s hard to imagine that it’s only a ten-minute drive between Advocate Harbour and Spencer’s Island. But looks can be deceiving: as soon as I opened the door and stepped onto the beach I realize that it was much too cold to spend any time walking my usual stretch. So, I captured two quick images and jumped back into the car with a heavy heart. Can’t wait to venture out again… when it is a little warmer. It will be soon, I promise!
Enjoy your day, perhaps you are fortunate enough to spend time with family and/or friends. Or you have chosen to spend a quiet day by yourself… From the bottom of my heart, I wish you a Merry Christmas! All the best, Anna
2021 is entering into its last week and all the hope and confidence that it would be easier to gather and celebrate this year have dissolved into thin air…
Covid numbers are rising steadily and in fact, have never been so high in Canada. I have made a resolution: We will forge ahead, continue to be cautious, commit to staying positive and spend as much time outdoors as the weather allows. It’s a gorgeous and sunny day here, in the Bay of Fundy… We are heading out to Advocate Harbour for an outdoor “killer eggnog” tasting (as described by the hostess) and a walk on the beach.
The Christmas tree is up, gifts are wrapped, cookie packages were delivered to the neighbours along our street a little while ago and I have time to spare. A walk at the beach is the perfect way to slow down and shift gears.
May your holiday season be filled with warmth, love, family time and much joy. Merry Christmas to all and thank you for following my Fundy Contemplations Blog.
Best wishes, Anna
Click here or here for some beautiful seasonal music! Enjoy.