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Hiking the Gibraltar Rock Trail
We stumbled across this trail when taking a drive to Musquodobit and wanted to get out and stretch our legs-all 8 of them-we had the dog with us. Now, I will freely admit I am not much for hiking converted rail beds, preferring something more woodsy or along the water. So, when we spied the sign for the Gibraltar Rock Trail Loop, we decided it may be fun. And it was fun. Fun as in up and up and up some more. Over rocks and boulders and roots and along narrow pathways. It’s listed as ‘challenging’ on some websites, ‘moderate’ on others. Let’s just say I was able to climb it…
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22 Things to Pack When You are Planning a Day Hike
The 1st rule of planning a day hike is safety-that of yours and others.But first, yours. If something happens -God Forbid-to you, you won’t be able to help anyone else. Although I’ve been hiking for years, I’ll admit I’m pretty new to this- be -prepared – and – cram – all – this -stuff in- your -backpack- and- lug -it- with -you – all -day thing. So, I’m preparing to do the Cape Chignecto Eatonville day hike very soon.I’m consulting my manual and gathering things and hefting the bag to gauge the weight. I even agonized over the backpack-one that has easy water bottle access and is not too heavy,…
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15 Great Beaches in Nova Scotia
Sit back….Close yours eyes and think about the last time you stretched out on your beach towel and soaked in glorious sunny rays of sun…where was that, exactly? Maybe you’re recalling a vacation in the Dominican or Cuba or even Hawaii-lucky dog. But before you jump on Expedia to book a tropical getaway, think about trying out of few of our great beaches right here in Nova Scotia. Now, I am not suggesting that February or March is the best time for sunbathing in Nova Scotia. For that, you’d better head south. But for the sweet summertime, here are 15 beaches you should check off your beach bucket list. *Warning-These might…
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Two Easy Walks in Pictou County
Pictou County is lovely, not matter if you are strolling along the Jitney Trail in Pictou, the Samson Trail running waterfront in New Glasgow or taking an easy hike in Trenton Park-which I must admit I had never heard of until I took my Hiking Leader course there recently. Trails are everywhere! It’s like a treasure hunt every day of the week. If only I had more time….. Samson Trail From what I have gleaned about the New Glasgow trails, most seem to stem from one -the Samson Trail. There are a few ways to access this trail network-Duff Cemetery,Kinsmen Look-Off, Carmichael Park,Rotary Park and Pedestrian Bridge. It’s flat and…
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Strawberry U-Picks in Nova Scotia
It’s that time again. Strawberry Time.Shortcake time. Jam time. Time to fill the freezer with these luscious red berries so we have a reminder of sweet summer days in the dead of winter. That means it’s time to hit the local strawberry U-Picks. Only two problems with that. Websites that list U-Picks are often woefully out of date, and The major frost we had a few weeks back really did a number on our fragile, fledgling blossoms and baby plants. So much so that some producers aren’t sure whether that will be open to the public at all in 2018. Hah. I’ve done some work on your behalf.(and mine,…
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Mic Mac Bar and Grill-A Restaurant Review
Would you expect to find a busy restaurant sharing a parking lot with a RV rental? Well we didn’t-didn’t even notice Mic Mac Bar and Grill the few times we drove our visiting friends down to pick up their vacation RV. Once we did notice it, we thought it would be easy enough to find again. My brother is a former Halifax cabbie and he knows where everything is-all the good restaurants, shortcuts and back roads. We should really ask him about shortcuts, ya know? The first time we all went to the Mic Mac, hubby and I took the long route along the 102 towards Truro and got off…
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10 Flower Gardens You Should Visit This Summer
Note: I would visit the Rhododendrons as soon as possible at the Kentville Research Station I scoff at the suggestion of having any kind of a green thumb-really I do. But for some strange reason, I feel compelled over the last several years to dig, plant and even-horrors! weed a bit of a flower garden. Why is this so shocking, you ask? I grew up on a farm.Need I really say anymore? But I will say more. My mother worked outside the home. My father was crippled with extreme arthritis .We gardened to sell produce and survive-long before farmer’s markets and U Picks were a staple in Nova Scotia. You…
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Lightfoot and Wolfville Winery-A Restaurant Review
I’ve been wanting to check out one of the Kings County’s newest wineries (not THE newest-that’s Mercator) not for the wine but for the wood fired pizza that I’ve heard so much about since the opening of Lightfoot and Wolfville Vineyards. Finally, an opportunity presented itself. Lightfoot and Wolfville ‘s executive chef Geoff Hopgood is a Nova Scotia native who honed his craft in the big cities of Vancouver and Toronto before opening a successful restaurant in Toronto. Eventually, the call of the sea and the Nova Scotian air lured him Hopgood and his family back here. Now he oversees the kitchen at Lightfoot and Wolfville,using fresh, seasonal quality ingredients. First,…
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Returning to Kejimkujik Seaside Adjunct
Hubby tells me it’s been 17 years since we last scrambled our way along the trail to Kejimkujik Seaside Adjunct. He was 50. I would have been 46. Yes, we are THAT old. Over 2500 years ago, the now submerged sections of Kejimkujik Seaside Adjunct was home to ancestors of the Mi’kmaq . Since then, it’s rocky and barren landscape lent itself to few successful occupations, however foundations of a large sheep farm are still found along the trails . You’ll find glacial erratics- large granite boulders left by receding glaciers-sticking up out of the bogs and fossilized tree stumps which may be 1000’s of years old. The bogs are home to…
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5 Great Spots to see Apple Blossoms
So, the Apple Blossom festival begins tomorrow and there are lots of events happening all across the valley. But what about the apple blossoms, you ask. Right. Well that is what it is all about. Unfortunately, it’s always a crap shoot as to whether the blossoms are ahead,behind or in full bloom. As of this writing (May 22) they are behind. But, it won’t be too long before they are out in all their glorious splendor. So, without further ado, here are my five best places to see the apple blossoms in the Annapolis Valley from east to west. Click the title for directions. Also, you may be interested in…
