Category Archives: nova scotia

What moves you while driving to work?

2 Replies

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?

Tidal Bore Rafting on the Shubenacadie River

Leave a reply

A couple weeks ago I had the wonderful opportunity to go tidal bore rafting.

Tidal Bore Rafting in late October?

Yes! We wore survival suits 🙂

According to Wikipedia a Tidal Bore is “is a true tidal wave (not to be confused with a tsunami).” This wave comes from the Bay of Fundy (flowing in one direction) and meets the Shubenacadie River (flowing in in the opposite direction).

Picture this, you’re in a power boat and you are heading full speed into a 10-20 foot wave STRAIGHT ON. While you’re very instinct would be to flee, you are powerless as this giant wave splashes over you. No sooner can you say “let’s do it again” the boat operator is turning around to go just ahead of the wave then turn around to ram into it again. Pow!

What is really eerie is just before the wave approaches, you can see and hear it coming like a locomotive up the river. First you see a ripple and then one minute later there is churning water all around you. All this while gigantic bald eagles are watching you from the trees along the bank. Silently laughing at the silly humans.
Sea of Shoes
Before you knew it, it was time to go back to the dock, step out from the boat onto the muddy shore and then tear off the survival suits. The feeling was exhilarating and I can’t wait to go back during the summer months on a 4 hour excursion that includes a bbq and mud sliding.

Here’s where to get further info:
Shubenacadie Tidal Bore Rafting Park

Bay of Fundy Tourism Information:

novascotia.com

Donair l’egg roll

Leave a reply

We Atlantic Canadian’s have a weakness for donair’s. For a select few, especially at 2 a.m. on a Saturday – when any knowledge of Canada’s four food groups is kicked to the curb.

Ok.

Wait one sec.

Let’s get something straight.

I am NOT up at 2 a.m. (anymore) I’m NOT 19 (anymore). I prefer a stick of celery as a snack (these days).

Not all Atlantic Canadian’s even like donair’s. Just thought I’d add that disclaimer.

So. Here’s an egg roll with a twist. It’s yummy and it comes with “donair sauce” to dip them in. What is that delicious white sauce called anyway? Never mind, there are some things one doesn’t need to know in life, like what is donair meat made of anyway? Don’t matter, it’s still good.

Someone told me today I should be a food photographer. I scoffed. Then reached for my bag of celery.

Falling for the leaves

1 Reply

When I lived on the west coast, I longed for the bright reds and fiery oranges of fall. Since the leaves there were predominately yellow, a dear friend took pity on me and mailed me red and orange leaves from the east. The thing was, when they arrived in the mail, the leaves had turned brown because they were in a Ziploc bag. Guess it wasn’t in the cards for me to see gorgeous east coast leaves that year.

Sigh.

But I get my fair share now!

The French Basin Trail

Leave a reply

It’s funny. For the past 5 years my family and I have visited the town of Annapolis Royal and it wasn’t until this past weekend that I realized how much there was to explore. Don’t gasp when I tell you that I have YET to visit Port Royal National Historic Site. I told you not to gasp!

For the past few years, while driving past the Tidal Power Interpretive Centre, I’ve always noticed people walking along a marshy wetland. Well, on an overnight trip to Annapolis Royal this past weekend we went on a hike there. It was along this marshy wetland that I discovered its name, the French Basin Trail.

Basically right in the town of Annapolis Royal, the French Basin Trail is a 45-minute walk around a Ducks Unlimited wetland. Home to several species of ducks, at least one pair of Great Blue Herons, a family of muskrats and, if you’re lucky, foxes. The well-maintained gravel trail around the marshland leads into an old Dominion Atlantic Railroad line railbed/trail that goes east or west as far as your feet will take you.

Along the trail were decorations hanging from trees or lying on the ground made from pine cones, birch bark and other natural materials that were a hit with the squirrels and birds. I was told later that these were made by art students at a local school.

Next time I visit the area, I am definitely taking along my running shoes. With no hills and lots of scenery, this trail is a runners dream.

To get there: In Annapolis Royal, drive along Saint George Street until you see the set of traffic lights (Historic Gardens will be on your left), turn onto Prince Albert Road then drive 300 meters and turn right onto the gravel parking lot.

More info:
Annapolis Valley Vacation
Annapolis Royal Recreation

SNOWSHOE LUNCH-WALKS
Each Wednesday 12:15pm (January – March)
French Basin Trail
Shoes available
Info: 902.532-3144

OUTDOOR SKATING & WALKING
At the French Basin Trail & pond: watch for the skating sign in the parking area (green indicates skating; red – no skating).

Pomquet Acadian Trails (Sentiers Acadiens de Pomquet)

Leave a reply

Last weekend, my family and I made a quick visit to the village Pomquet. Located on the Northumberland Shore, this area was settled in 1761 by Acadians and it is one of the friendliest places in Nova Scotia.

We hiked a series of trails that led us through the Monks Head Provincial Park Reserve. The trail started just behind Chez Deslauriers, an Acadian historic site overlooking the magnificent expanse of Pomquet Beach. There are five trails starting with the Beach trail and ending with the Coastal trail. These trails (with the exception of the Coastal Trail) shoot off the main trail to their own loop. We decided to hike along the main trail along the coast.

The trail led us through a field, a wooded area and along the rocky shore of St. George’s Bay that offered stunning views of Cape Breton from across the water. Every now and then we’d have an opportunity to look (from a safe distance) over the edge to see the cliffs below. These cliffs are rapidly eroding and many well posted signs reminded us of this.

The only animals we encountered were two friendly red squirrels, very cute to see as they were as curious about them as they were about us. What weren’t so cute were Poison Ivy plants that were scattered along the outskirts of part of trail. As long as you steer clear of them, there would be no problem. We discovered cranberries along the shore were abundant and ripe for picking. Note to self for next fall: bring a bag.

This was a wonderful easy to moderate level hike with amazing views.

How to get there?
Pomquet is a 20 minute drive from Antigonish. Follow the 104 hwy (east)and watch for the large Pomquet sign.
Map

Pomquet Beach