Tide Rollers & Mudlarkers...

Soley Cove Flower Pot

I will never forget the first time I set eyes on the Soley Cove Flower Pot. This was in November 2020. Since that first discovery the signs of erosion cannot be ignored. This important Minas Basin landmark is a sight to behold, whether you experience it on the ocean floor rising high above you or during high tide when you can view it from the view point above.

The idea to feature a few of the images I have gathered over the past 3.5 years came to me today when I had the opportunity to witness the flower pot surrounded by water at high tide during the Golden Hour. Enjoy!

Earth Day 2024 Free Guided Hike

Please mark your calendars!

You do not have to be a geologist to be amazed by the coastal cliffs and sea stacks at Clarke Head. The cliffs in places are contorted into improbable shapes like something from a Dr. Suess drawing, are faulted against one another, and contain unusual minerals and fossils.

This particular stretch of the coast bears witness to great tectonic forces that accompanied the assembly of continents to form the famous supercontinent of Pangea approximately 300 million years ago.

Join geologist Dr. John Calder who will share some of the riddles – answered and answered – that faced he and others as they mapped this area of the Cliffs of Fundy Geopark.

This free guided walk is approximately 7 km return. We meet at 3:45 pm at the gate at Glooscap Municipal Campground.

Please wear layers against wind and weather. Choose sturdy shoes to wear and carry a pack with water and your preferred snack. We will be following the tide out. Due to the nature of the hike and potentially large group we kindly ask you to leave your pets at home.

Feel free to email Anna or text 1-306-631-8539 if you are interested and have questions.

Sun & Beach

…looking closer and focussing on details.

Nova Scotia’s Fifth Season Officially Over for 2024

Nova Scotia has a Fifth Season? Absolutely! Sugaring Season is the time the maple sap runs and the syrup producers work long hours to filter and boil down the sap into liquid gold, otherwise known as maple syrup.

On our way to Amherst today we decided to swing by our favourite sugar bush to pick up the annual supply. As luck would have it, Thompson’s was just about to close their sales window when we rolled into the parking lot. I can’t believe my good fortune: I snatched up the last two bottles of oak barrel aged, bourbon-infused maple syrup! On we went to Ripley’s to get a gallon of their product. This is our favourite maple syrup, rich, dark coloured and full of flavour! Such a treat… and it was their last day of boiling so I got my nose full of the most wonderful maple scented steam anyone can imagine. Bonus!

Plans are under way for an official trek of like-minded walkers to explore the sugar bush in early 2025, whenever the sap starts running again…

Until then, this will have to last😋

Wards Falls Woodland Hike

The trail to Wards Falls holds treasures to discover any time of the year. We were happy it wasn’t too muddy. The brook was gurgling gently as we navigated the trail of sixteen bridges, criss-crossing the woodland stream as it glistened in the sun. We even found some icicles in the shaded areas.

There were beautiful reflections and woodland scenery to capture along the way.

The falls beckoned at our destination, lulling us into a relaxed mood. The rushing water was the perfect backdrop for our coffee break. Conversation flowed easily as we chatted among friends.

The perfect way to spend a sunny afternoon! Thanks for joining me.

Crocus Time

After the excitement of witnessing the near total eclipse of the sun it’s time to focus on things closer to home. The flowerbeds are getting ready for their annual colour display. First to make an appearance: the humble crocus.

Eclipse 2024 Recap

Sometimes a picture is worth a thousand words… while I did not capture images of the eclipse itself I enjoyed watching my tour group take it all in. Following are a few more pictures of the scenery. Check out the sun rays and halo that are so different from a regular sun capture.

Participants today hailed from near and far. Thank you to all who travelled from St. John and Moncton, New Brunswick, Shubie and the Parrsboro area. Interest was keen and despite everyone following the advice to wear layers we had a few chilly moments while the sun was obscured.

A memorable afternoon spent with like-minded people exploring the beach and observing the near total eclipse. My heart is full!

Wishing everyone a relaxing evening!

Event Prep – Check!

I just returned from scouting Phinney Green beach and stash some water for tomorrow’s Eclipse Tour.

What a glorious afternoon my friend and I enjoyed walking this vast beach in solitude. And then our sense of adventure struck: we decided to go exploring… across the river and through the woods!

On the way back to the car this large driftwood log caught our attention.

We left the beach admiring the soothing colour scheme Mother Nature presented just in time for our departure!

I can’t wait for tomorrow’s tour group to explore this special spot along the Parrsboro Shore. The eclipse glasses and special viewers are packed, snacks have been baked, water stashed on site, backpack with cooking stove and pots ready. Check back for the recap later tomorrow.

Eclipse Tour Sold Out!

Thank you to everyone who has signed up for the Solar Eclipse Tour on Monday, April 8th. We have a full group heading out.

I spent the day preparing snacks and creating face masks to complement the solar viewing glasses in an effort of providing additional protection for everyone’s eyes. Pictures to be posted Monday.

Enjoy the rest of the weekend, Anna

Beach Treasure…

…in the eye of the beholder…

Spring on Pause…

Spring hit the pause button today. There was snow, huge fluffy flakes… and it looked more like Christmas would be on its way. But it’s April and it won’t last long! 😊

Clarke Head in April

The day has been filled with typical April weather, sunshine and snow flurries, grey storm clouds and strong wind. Anne, Molly and I didn’t let the weather deter us from a brisk hike to Clarke Head. Thanks for joining me!

Ravenhead Wilderness Area Hike

A birthday is a great reason to hit the trail. It’s an even better reason to explore a trail less travelled. We headed past Apple River to embark on our 23.2 km excursion taking us through the woods to Polley’s Flats Beach.

Cape Capstan with the Apple River Lighthouse was the perfect place for a rest, lunch and birthday cake with freshly brewed coffee.

Back through the forest we went to find the very wet path to Birch Cove. The long beach hike over pebbles and sandstone slabs was completed quicker than planned as we were keenly aware of the incoming tide. But, there was enough time to capture some unique textures and very photogenic rocks.

And then there were the waterfalls…

We made it around the pinch point with time to spare and more unique cliff formations on offer.

A short break before we set out for the last leg of the hike to get us back to the car.

What a day! Sunshine, like-minded friends and celebrations on the trail less travelled! Nothing could be more perfect.

Movie Recommendation

There has been a buzz on social media and among my Wednesday afternoon hiking group lately. One of our members organized a private screening in her home this afternoon. The sun was shining brightly and some of us quietly grumbled that we would really like to be outside. But once inside and with images flashing across the big screen nobody complained! If you are passionate about Canada’s wild landscape and its less-travelled paths do yourself a favour and spend the roughly 2.5 hours experiencing the cross-Canada journey through the lens of the exceptionally talented documentary film maker Dianne Whelan.

Two Islands Beach Easter Sunday Walk

When the sun finally made an appearance after three solid days of rain it was time to finally head to the beach!

I arrived just as the tide was turning. There was still plenty of time left to explore. Best of all: the beach was mine, not another soul in sight!

It was my first time at Two Islands Beach this spring. Signs of active erosion were everywhere, a good reminder to keep that school bus-length distance at all times.