Hiking & Walking
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My Planned Gear List for Cape Chignecto
Almost as important as starting to get in shape for a backpacking trip, is planning gear list. Backpacking is not cheap but I am trying to do it as economically as I can, at the same time getting quality. Here the humongous suggested gear list for Cape Chignecto straight from the mouth of Mountain Equipment Co-Op. Because of the looonnngg list I’m going to break it up into several posts. FYI, Because of Covid, MEC is not offering their gear rental option this year, but hope to in 2023. Too bad because that’s a way to try on backpacking with too much of an investment-in case you hate it guts.…
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What is Your Why -Cape Chignecto Hike
I did it! I booked nights at 3 bunkhouses along the Cape Chignecto Loop. Not as easy as it might seem-sort of like a puzzle to get consecutive available nights booked. Get two booked and the third is not available for the night you want..go back and start all over again. Some may ask why I would want to do such a crazy thing at my age. Certainly my husband does…often. What is my reason? My why?? I guess I want to prove I can do it – that ‘women’ of a certain age’ can do hard things -providing we aren’t foolish about it and are totally prepared and physically…
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Research and More Research-Cape Chignecto
I’ve always loved research, and it’s going to stand me in good stead for this trek. I’ve decided my best chance at success is to go as light as I can with my gear. Its not like I’m attempting the Appalachian Trail.. but a 52 km loop with numerous gut grinding climbs is nothing to sneeze at either. I’m a backpacking rookie. I’ve taken a backpacking course and I’ve done the Bluff Wilderness Hiking Trail before with a very knowledgeable friend who held my hand throughout the entire process and that’s it. I’ve hiked lots and some of them were damn hard. But not Chignecto hard. And not lugging 30…
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Red Spruce Loop Mount Uniacke Estate Park
I can finally say I have completed all the hiking trails in the Mount Uniacke Estate Park-it always seem the Red Spruce Loop got a miss for some reason or other. Last fall, it was because it was flooded during our ‘Mud Hike of 2021 ‘. Those of you who joined me on that hike will know what I mean. This hike is just over 4.5 km and rims Uniacke Lake for part of it and the turns uphill and into the woods. We wore our ice cleats and I’m glad we did…. although some of the trail was bear a of it has ice or hard packed slippery snow.…
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Unlikely Hiker
I’m doing it! I’m actually going to hike the Cape Chignecto Coastal Trail.It’s been on my radar for years, ever since Hubby and I did a stretch from Red Rocks to Refugees Cove many years ago. I thought then those ascents would kill me. Why did I wait so long? Simply put…Fear…I would do what seemed like a difficult hike and I’d tell myself “You’d never be able to do Chignecto” ! Cape Chignecto is rumored to be a spectacular wilderness backpacking path which provides a scenic and challenging hiking experience . Most websites list it as difficult-I’m not surprised. Different sites also list it as being 44-52 km depending…
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Hemlocks and Hardwoods Trail- Exploring Kejimkukjik
I’ve spent a lot of time at Keji over the years, camping with the kids,with the husband, by myself. I’ve hiked it and biked it and kayaked to an island for lunch. One of Keji’s most popular trails I hadn’t had a chance to explore until recently is the Hemlocks and Hardwoods trail. The trail starts at the parking lot at Big Dam Lake. Unless you are like us and go in January, when the gate to Big Dam Lake road is closed.This adds several kilometers to your hike (out and back) This trail is roughly a 5km mostly looped route rated as moderate. I think most people would…
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Hiking Gaff Point
There’s a a trail in Lunenburg Co. that is (one of ) my new favorites…It’s Gaff Point,located about an hour and a half from Halifax. As part of the trailhead, you need to across pebbly Hirtles’ Beach. but if you go during low tide you can walk across sand instead of rock. Wear good hiking shoes regardless. Next, there is a short climb through a privately owned field. Please heed signs for keeping gate shut, etc. The hike is just over 7 km , and rims around around the Point. Much of the trail is easy traveling, but you’ll encounter roots and rocks. Look out for wet sections and some…
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Morse’s (Moore’s) Brook Falls
More Kings County explorations. This time it’s Morse Brook Falls in New Minas. This is a spot I’ve wanted to find since an acquaintance mentioned it to me…. This is a lovely set of three falls with a spectacular 50 ft one in the middle, and we had the most fun getting there. The far side of the brook is a high rock wall. The trail is about 2 km out and back. Any of the pools beneath the falls are really too shallow to swim. Some accounts I’ve read say it’s a good hike for kids…but I wouldn’t be bringing little ones. Now, the path up the brook can…
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My 7 Wonders of Nova Scotia
InI recently stumbled across an old CBC article listing the 7 Wonders of Nova Scotia, as part of a greater 7 Wonders of Canada. These were: Peggy’s Cove Annapolis Royal Elizabeth LeFort’s Hooked Rugs The Halifax Public Gardens Oak Island (treasure) Fortress of Louisbourg The criteria was thus: Essential ‘Canadian-ness’ – historically significant, character filled, valued Originality/uniqueness of the pitch and place Spectacular physical site or amazing human creation Ability to inspire Canada is indeed beautiful, from sea to shining sea. And it was a tough job to choose just 7 from Nova Scotia, studying nominations, online voting and adherence to criteria. I get that. And I get that everyone…
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Noggins Corner Farm Historic Walking Trail-Updated with Map!
( Note:) I’d planned to publish part three of free things to do, but with lock downs and closures-it seems a little useless because it may already be outdated.Instead I present to you.. Noggins Corner Farm Historic Walking Trail Tucked neatly in a back corner of the Noggin’s Farm is a quiet trail that winds up and down through the through the woods and even across the Harvest Moon Trail at one point. I usually see others walking dogs all year long-it’s a great spot for that. Click this link to find out all the fun to be had on the farm! There are signs on the Noggins Corner Farm…
