Category Archives: atlantic ocean

10 Outdoor Winter Activities in NS

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It’s early January and already I’m shack wacky. Even though I am getting lots of fresh air as I train for The Hypothermic Half Marathon, I still want to “do” something. For the last couple days I’ve been suffering a mild case of writers block. A few months ago I was bursting with ideas on things to blog about. Now it’s January and I’m not even inspired to clean the kitchen floor (okay, I’m never inspired to do that). I blame it on the January blahs. So, to help me shake out of it, I got a hair cut. Somewhere between the pungent smell of hair dye and purring like cat with someone playing with my hair, a thought popped into my head – write about how to get the “ick” out of January.

10 Activities to Get The “ick” Out of January– in no particular order:

1. Outdoor Photography
Yes, at this time of year we curse the ice and snow but before you reach for that shovel and ice pick, discover the beauty in the white stuff. Take a picture of it. Get close-up, and zoom in on an icicle.

The Photographic Guild of Nova Scotia motivates its members and guests with seminars, workshops and field trips for all levels of shutterbugs. Their next field trip is January 25th (Eagle Watching in Sheffield Mills).

2. Eagle Watching
January and February are the best months for viewing eagles and the Sheffield Mills Eagle Watch is where you’ll be guaranteed some action. This annual event runs Jan. 24 – 25, 2009 and Jan. 31 – Feb. 1, 2009 and is in its 18th year. Near Kentville, this community comes alive with eagle watchers. There are lots of viewing areas so bring your camera a knock off items #1 and #2 from this list.

3. Snowshoeing
If you can walk, you can snowshoe. Follow these handy tips and get ready to burn a lot of calories with this safe, low impact sport. Thanks to technological improvements from the cumbersome wooden variety, you can choose to do a leisurely stroll or a full out sprint.

Snowshoeing in Guysborough is easy. Just sign out a pair of snowshoes (they’re free) from the Guysborough Fitness Centre and then explore around the grounds of the Osprey Shores Golf Resort. I’m also told that snowshoeing is fabulous on Five Islands Provincial Park’s hiking trails. While the park is officially closed for the season, no one minds if you strap on your shoes. Be safe!
For more info:
Nova Scotia trails (maintained during winter)

4. Winter Surfing
Watch them, cheer them on while standing firmly with hot chocolate in hand from the beach. This is really something to see and at Lawrencetown beach is where you’ll find these brave people. Hot tub dude?
Click on the image to watch a winter surfing video (January 4th, 2009)
For more info:
Scotia Surfer
Surf Nova Scotia

5. Geo caching
Geocaching is an outdoor high-tech treasure hunting game by adventure seekers equipped with GPS devices. The basic idea is to locate hidden containers, called geocaches (with “treasures” inside), and then share your experiences online. If you take a treasure, you must leave one for the next person. Did you know that Nova Scotia’s first cache was also the first in Canada? Placed: Jun 18th, 2000. Today, there are 709,820 active geocaches around the world. Wow.
For more info:
Maritime Geocaching Association
Stonehame Lodge and Chalets-Weekend Geocaching Packages

6. Winter Camping
Grab your wool, polypropylene, hydrophobic, Polarguard, Hollofil, Quallofil, Primaloft, Microloft, Thinsulate, pile and fleece and do good research before you set out.
Kejimkujik National Park offers wonderful sites in Jeremy’s Bay and has four warm-up shelters. In the backcountry, 8 campsites and 2 backcountry cabins are available. Call the Visitor Centre (open on weekends) for more information and backcountry reservations (1-902-682-2772). Get inspired by watching an episode of Survivor Man.

7. Sliding
I’m usually corrected when I say “coasting” but I grew up saying it on the Eastern Shore. Must be a Maritime saying. Whatever you call it, it really gets the heart rate up. It’s self-explanatory, find a hill, get on something that slides and go. While it’s not wise to wear suede, it sure is fun.

There are too many hills to name but for a thrill, slide down the steep hills at Fort Anne in Annapolis Royal. What a rush.

Chedabucto Bay also calls tobogganing “coasting” (so there!) and a hill curving down to a dock in Mussel Cove is a local popular spot. No need to bring your own, as a guest at the DesBarres Manor Inn you’ll be provided with your own slider or coaster (whatever you call it). Nuff said.

8. Dog Sledding
Long before there were airplanes and snowmobiles, dog sled dogs were once one of the main methods of transportation in the Arctic regions. There is a lot of coordination in dog sledding. All dogs must run approximately the same velocity and be about the same size as the dog to their lateral position. Mushers have to be in good physical shape and carry tasty rewards for the dogs.

Simple sled dog commands:
“Mush!” — Let’s Go
“Gee!” — Turn Right
“Haw!” — Turn Left
“Whao!” — Slow or Stop
“On by!” — Straight Ahead
Click on the video to see one persons first dog sledding adventure in Cape Breton.
For more info:
Guided dog sledding tours in Cape Breton

9. Skiing
What’s your style? Downhill or Cross Country or Snowboard? These activities will get your cheeks red and give you a good nights sleep.

For more info:
Ski Martock
Ski Wentworth
Cross Country Ski Areas in Nova Scotia

10. Ice Fishing
Handy check-list:
Power Auger- check
Fishing rod- check
Fishing hut- check
Fish finder- check (hey, isn’t that cheating?)
No matter, there’s smelt and trout to be found in the cold water.
For more info
Canada Adventures Guide (they do hut rentals)
Pond skating in Nova Scotia, Canada
More winter activity ideas:
Bay of Fundy Tourism
Winter in Nova Scotia
Authentic Seacoast
novascotia.com Winter Packages

It’s your turn, what are YOUR 10 outdoor winter activities!

Point Pleasant Park in Halifax, NS

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Caution: Dog lovers may experience some dog envy.

New signage at Point Pleasant Park in Halifax, Nova ScotiaOn a chilly afternoon, we decided to go for a walk around Point Pleasant Park in Halifax’s south end. Following along the popular main trail off Tower Road, we turned left and headed down the hill that led us to the outer edge of the park. The outer perimeter of Point Pleasant Park measures 3.2 kilometers, making it a fantastic stroll for walkers or a route for runners. One of Halifax’s great civic spaces, the park provides magnificent views of ships and yachts entering and leaving Halifax’s busy harbour. Its roads and trails wind through the forest and among military ruins, rocky hills and ravines.

At many locations along the trails you’ll come across feeders filled with seeds or oatmeal. Critters such as chickadees and squirrels find some sustenance in these feeders as well as from park visitors. Next time you go, fill your pockets with sunflower seeds. Look for a wooded area, stand really still, extend your hand with seeds and soon chickadees will appear and eat right out of your hand. This time of year is perfect for this because their food sources are low. Squirrels? I haven’t tried hand feeding them, yet.

Because of its location, the park is exposed to the harsh elements. Just a week before we visited, there was a bad winter storm. These storms wash up sea urchins, mussels, sea weed etc. It’s here where adults and children alike can crunch along as they stomp on shells. Seagulls and crows feast at low tide. It’s amazing to watch them put a mussel in their beak, then fly into the air and let the mussel drop onto the ground. Natures fast food.

In September, 2003, Point Pleasant Park was devastated by Hurricane Juan. Nearly three quarters of the park’s trees were knocked down and the park remained closed until June 2004. While there are still trees remaining, the park now has a very thin canopy. In some areas where you couldn’t see the ocean, now you can. However, in June 2008 over 70,000 Acadian forest trees have been planted in the park, surpassing the number of trees lost to Hurricane Juan.

In the wake of Hurricane Juan, it was realized that a long term vision and strategy was needed to renew the park. A steering committee of volunteers and city staff oversaw an international design competition to set this vision and strategy in motion. In October 2008, the Point Pleasant Park Comprehensive Plan was presented to HRM Regional Council. This plan will assist in the direction, management, and operation of Point Pleasant Park now, and for many years to come.

Useful links:
History
Maps
Prince of Wales National Historic Site
Shakespeare by the Sea

Nova Scotia Wild Berry Bushes

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Winterberry HollyI like to go “au naturel” when I decorate my home for the holidays. Wait a sec, that came out wrong, I am FULLY clothed. What I meant to say is that I like to use natural sources for my seasonal arrangements. My sister calls it “wild crafting” and we’ve been doing it for years now. My collection method is gathering pine and balsam fir branches and picking red berries from land that is soon going to be developed.

The end result is fabulous. I have to admit to something though. For the longest time I didn’t have a clue what the berries that I like to use in my arrangements were called. So, after 30 minutes with Google Search, Detective Maria finally found out what they were. Here’s what I found out, they are called Winterberry Holly and Rosehips:

Winterberry HollyThe top two berry pictures are what “Winterberry Holly” looks like. A holly has glossy evergreen leaves, right! No, not always. Ilex verticillata, Winterberry Holly, or Winterberry is Nova Scotia’s native, wetland holly that loses it leaves each autumn. This beautiful shrub is a gorgeous burst of bright red colour during the winter months. Watch out though, their berries can easily fall off when shaken. Birds love these bushes and provide the avid bird watcher hours of entertainment.

RosehipsThe last picture are Rosehips. These bushes tend to grow in bunches. If you want to snip off a few of their limbs for their burgundy coloured berries, you practically have wear metal-plated gloves and garden clippers. This plant to thorny and you’re guaranteed a few scratches and thorns if you’re not careful. Take my advise and don’t make wear your favourite down-filled jacket.

Also known as Rosa canina (Dog Rose), Rosehips are very high in Vitamin C and contain vitamins A, D and E, and antioxidants. These babies are sometimes made into jellies, preserves, syrups, tea and even wine. Who knew that something on my doorstep had so many uses.

Cooking with Rosehips

Winterberry Holly Attracts Birds

Canada’s Best Smoked Salmon (from Nova Scotia)

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Willy Krauch's Smoked Salmon and Smoked MackerelGrowing up on Nova Scotia’s Eastern Shore, I was aware that there was famous Danish smokehouse just up the road. So when time came for me to host a holiday brunch and wanted to make a smoked salmon quiche, there was no choice but to use salmon from J Willy Krauch’s and Sons.

So off I went to my trusted Canadian Living website to search for recipes and came across a Smoked Salmon and Asparagus Quiche recipe. This quiche was simple to make but difficult to contain my urge to nibble on the salmon. I went a little overboard and made four quiches but knew they’d freeze well if there were leftovers, there barely were any.

J. Willy Krauch & Son’s Smokehouse smokes high quality Atlantic salmon, mackerel and eels in traditional Scandinavian style. Their newest flavour is lemon pepper and garlic mackerel or try others such as Cajun or Maple Pepper. You will find other delicacies such as smoked herring, smoked eels and smoked trout. Their products are available in most grocery stores in Nova Scotia.

Willy Krauch came to Canada from Denmark and began smoking fish in 1956. Willy developed a method that was uniquely his own and using only Nova Scotia hard wood kindling and sawdust. Willy passed away several years ago and the business is now run by his sons. They continue the fine craft of smoking the finest quality fish. In the tiny village of Tangier, Nova Scotia (about 1 hour 20 minutes outside of Halifax) you can see smoke billowing from the smokehouse. Tours are available but I recommend contacting them first.

The local rumor is that they ship their gourmet fish to famous people all over the world, royalty included. If you don’t live in Nova Scotia, they’ll even ship it to you.

To Order:
J. Willy Krauch & Son’s Smokehouse
Tangier, Nova Scotia – Eastern Shore
Phone: 1-902-772-2188
Toll Free: 1-800-758-4412 or 1-800-299-9414
Email: willykrauch@ns.sympatico.ca
No website available

Making Nautical Wreaths

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A few years ago, I took a nautical rope wreath workshop at the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic. The museum holds these workshops every November and if you’re interested, you’d better sign up early. This rope wreath is really known as the “Turk’s Head Knot“.

So, this past weekend, with a good set of instructions in hand and 100 feet of 1/2 inch Manila rope, my sister and I made rope wreaths. I had the rope cut into 25 foot lengths (to make 4 wreaths). This rope smells wonderful but it can give you splinters that’s why many people wear garden gloves. Manila rope is relatively easy to find, after a couple phone calls I found it at the Army Navy Store on Agricola St. in Halifax. It was a whopping 26 cents per foot 🙂

Once you stumble through the first steps of weaving the wreath starts to take shape. These step by step instructions guided us and working on the floor is best so you can spread out. Your knees will likely complain.

After about 15 minutes, here is the end product. I quickly moved on to finish the other three wreaths and then started looking around my fathers garage. I was on a roll. Interestingly enough, my father is sweet on collecting rope. Eureka! I made three more wreaths made from rope that, at one time, was tied to lobster traps. To me, this only adds more character.

Check out this video on You Tube for step by step instruction on how to tie a Turk’s Head Knot:

If you live in Halifax, you can sign up for a workshop at the Maritime Museum.

What moves you while driving to work?

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While many of you will reply “my car.” I mean, what do you see along your daily commute that wows you?

For me, it’s the Northwest Arm. Part of Halifax Harbour, the Northwest Arm (or “the Arm” to locals) measures approximately 3.5 km in length and 0.5 km in width and defines the western side of the Halifax Peninsula.
With the Dingle Tower in the distance and the Armdale Yacht Club to the right, while creeping in traffic along Quinpool Rd, my gaze often veers to the right. It’s a good thing I’m the passenger because I’d have my share of fender benders.

Every day is different. In the morning, the tide may be very high or a kayaker will be out for a paddle or you’ll see storm clouds blowing out to sea. A couple days last week, a duck has been spotted standing on the sidewalk, people nervously drive by hoping he doesn’t decide to make a waddle/run for it and cross the street to get to water. On the way home, and coming from the opposite direction, it’s refreshing to see the water as you round the turn going down the hill toward the roundabout (formerly known as the rotary).

What is your “wow” that you drive by every day?

Between a rock and a soft seat

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Economy, Nova Scotia

Today, I decided to venture off the Trans Canada Highway and meander through the communities of Bass River and Five Islands on my way to Parrsboro. Route #2, “The Glooscap Trail“, hugs the coast of the Minas Basin. This area is known for its powerful tides, courtesy of the Bay of Fundy. This is a route where drivers wish they were passengers so they can fully appreciate the scenery.

I knew that I just had to pull over, somewhere, anywhere. So just outside the village of Lower Economy and just before Five Islands Provincial Park, I turned left at Soley Cove Road. This windy gravel road, led past farmers fields to a large guard rail. Now, one knows a of popular spot when you notice the car tire prints from the hundreds of cars who also stopped there before you.

After soaking up the beauty of the Bay of Fundy, I jumped back in my car and drove about 500 meters to a dead end. It was also where a funky coach was sitting in a field. As a friend often informs me, it must’ve been “good garbage week”. Because for someone, this couch would be a real “find”.

I like to think this couch is saying, “enjoy the scenery, with the comfort of home”.

Peggy’s Cove in 15 minutes

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Fishing boats on the way to the lighthouseToday I had the chance to go to Peggy’s Cove for work-related business. Once I finished my tasks, and before jumping in the car for a 25 minute drive back to Halifax, I wanted to spend a couple minutes with “Peggy”.

This small fishing village is a photographer’s paradise. Every where you turn there’s a photo op. Today’s blue sky made it perfect but, then again, fog would have added mystique and drama. Even the local fisherman working on their boats while tourists watched were photogenic.Boats and buoy

Everything in Peggy’s Cove is a stones throw away. You can walk anywhere and everywhere there isn’t a “private road” sign. There is a mix of cars and people along the windy paved road leading up the hill and eventually to the rocks.

A fisherman’s glove caught my eye, doesn’t it look like it’s reaching for something? The tide was low during my brief visit and the water in the small cove was calm but just around the corner, it was a different story with wind and surf. So interesting to see how just a few feet away from this protected cove there were white caps.Reaching out

My 15 minute break is up. I’ll start walking back to the car now.

York ReDoubt…No Doubt #2

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While on a recent visit to York ReDoubt National Historic Site, I couldn’t help but notice a pattern that was emerging as I snapped pictures. Doors kept popping up. I guess it is a fort after all and it’s supposed to keep people out.

So, here’s my collection of doors. What’s behind door #1?

A brick wall

What’s behind door #2?

A lighthouse

What’s behind door #3?

Your imagination