2009 SCOTIAN HIKER EVENT ARCHIVE
Upper Gaspereau River Hike, Saturday, June 13th 2009 - MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!
Meeting Time and Place: 9:30AM, the old Andy's Tire parking lot in Greenwich across Highway 1 from the old Horton District High School site.
Length of Hike: 8-10kms, several hours
Difficulty: Much, I assume. This hike will likely involve some trailblazing along the river during the first half. A river crossing WILL be required about midway that could be waist-deep (but no swimming required), so wear clothing that you won't mind getting wet and perhaps made of a synthetic material that dries quickly.
Plan: meet up at Andy's Tire, then proceed up to White Rock to Deep Hollow Bridge. Park a couple vehicles here for use at the end of the hike. Proceed 8km to the east end of Sunken Lake and park, and begin walking the trail. This will take us by Little River Falls and to the upper reaches of the Gaspereau River; from here, we walk downstream along the river and eventually return to Deep Hollow Bridge in White Rock. There are no facilities on this trail.
UPDATE: With all this rain, I expect the river water levels to be higher than normal. This might affect where we cross the river, and how wet we'll get. ;)
Amethyst Cove, Saturday, June 20th 2009 - MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!
Meeting Time and Place: 10:30AM, the dirt parking lot adjacent to the Port Williams sign and Cornwallis River, Port Williams on Highway 358.
Length of Hike: approx. 5-7 kms total, less than an hour each way (not including time spent on the beach once there)
Difficulty: Moderate to "My legs are rubbery". This hike will involve an uphill climb from the Cape Split parking lot until we crest the hill and locate the ropes going down the other side. No rappelling is necessary, but there are ropes to assist in the descent down the steep incline to the beach (likewise, they are there to make the climb back up from the beach easier; I find the climb back out tiring, and you will too).
Plan: meet up at the parking lot next to the Cornwallis River in Port Williams, then drive to Scots Bay at the end of Highway 358 (half hour), and park in the same parking area used by Cape Split visitors. Hike to Amethyst Cove; the tide will be on its way out at this point, with low tide around 4:44PM. Explore the beach, look for amethyst, take photos, dip your feet in the Minas Channel. Departure will be 3:00PM unless the group consensus is to leave earlier.
UPDATE: This hike is still a go. Rain or shine, I will be at the parking lot at 1030AM Saturday. It's the weekend, so it's mandatory that rain is in the forecast, but it might not be as bad as called for. Participation is completely optional and voluntary; don't do anything you're not comfortable with. Bring gloves (for the ropes), if you have them. The climb down is quite steep, and if it rains, slippery; it is also rocky and rugged in one spot. Be prepared to get wet and dirty if you slip. We will take our time in the interest of safety. The climb back out will make your heart pound and you'll feel the burn in your legs; once again, we will take our time. From the top of the ropes back down to the parking lot takes approximately half an hour.
Black Rock Community Trail system, Sunday, June 28th 2009 - MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!
Meeting Time and Place: For those who don't know the way, 10:15AM, Tim Hortons in Coldbrook just off Highway 101 west of Kentville. Look for my car, the green Rio with a Scotland flag in the back window. Everyone else, meet up at the Black Rock Community Centre, Black Rock, Kings County (north of Waterville) where the trail begins, at 11:00AM
Length of Hike: 8-10 kms. Several hours, depending on the trail chosen. I plan to hike the longest route, if possible.
Difficulty: Moderate. I've never hiked this system before, but I expect the terrain to be varied. Plan on wet sections, hilly sections, etc. Bring a lunch or snacks, and lots of water. This event takes place rain or shine; plan for varied weather.
Download the trail map in PDF format.
St. Croix Gypsum Cliffs, POSTPONED UNTIL SUNDAY, JULY 12th 2009 - MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!
Meeting Time and Place: 10:30AM, Vaughan's Market/Petro-Can on Wentworth Road in Windsor, next to Subway and A&W and the Highway 101 on/off ramps.
Length of Hike: approx. 3-4 hours (includes stopping for a couple decent breaks)
Difficulty: Much. This hike will involve first climbing up a bank to reach the top of the gypsum cliffs, then walking along the cliff tops, pushing past tree limbs, descents into and ascents out of a ravine or two or three, skirting around sinkholes, negotiating difficult, very uneven terrain, crossing a brook, and entering a sinkhole cave (this part is totally optional, and you should be aware of the risks involved when several tonnes of rock are above your head). Specific hazards on this hike include sheer cliffs, and sharp pieces of exposed gypsum, anywhere along the route and especially in the final third portion of the hike around numerous sinkholes. At the end of the hike, if participants still have energy, an optional side trip to Frenchman's Cave is possible as it is very close by. Afterwards, a trip to Dawson Falls for a swim is available upon demand. :)
Plan: meet at Vaughan's Market, proceed to Sweets Corner (the end of the hike route) and park a vehicle or two for later use. Proceed to St. Croix and Rocks Road to park the rest of the vehicles and begin the hike.
CAVE CRAWL!!, Saturday, July 11th 2009 - MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!
Meeting Time and Place: 10:00AM, Vaughan's Market/Petro-Can on Wentworth Road in Windsor, next to Subway and A&W and the Highway 101 on/off ramps.
Length of Hike: approx. 3-4 hours of walking/hiking onsite, 2 hours of driving (from Windsor to caves and back)
Difficulty: Moderate. This event was originally envisioned as a two-day thing, but due to the travel involved, I have reduced it to one day. This event involves visiting two caves, a bit of climbing up and down slopes, hiking and clambering underground (but really, not too much actual crawling) in a pitch-black, muddy, dirty environment. And there will likely be bats, but most of them will be roosting outdoors at this time of year.
Plan: meet at Vaughan's Market, proceed to the Woodville Ice Cave just off Route 14. A short hike gets us to the cave entrance, where you can feel the cool air emanating from within - there might even be some ice in the cave. We'll spend maybe half an hour checking this one out, then depart for Hayes Cave near South Maitland. Hayes Cave is the largest bat hibernaculum in Nova Scotia, where thousands of bats spend their winter in hibernation. This time of year, there will be far fewer bats in residence. This cave is approximately 1,000 feet long, and involves an underground hike to get to the rear of it. We should plan to be out of the cave by 5:00PM; this will give us ample time to reach the back, explore, and return the way we came.
Special Considerations for Hayes Cave: Participants probably shouldn't be petrified of the dark, bats, guano, closed spaces, or the fact that there is a LOT of rock overhead. Be prepared to get dirty; wear clothes you don't mind getting filthy, or wear coveralls (don't wear shorts!). Conditions will be muddy and slippery in places, and broken glass is likely present due to others partying in the cave and breaking bottles here and there. Bring a good, reliable flashlight - and a backup light. Bring a ballcap to tuck your hair into, and to help protect your head from bumps (if you want to wear a hardhat, feel free). Bring gloves (I recommend the cloth gloves with rubber-coated palm and fingers). The air can be chalky inside Hayes Cave; I will supply basic filter masks to anyone who wants one. Cameras will get dirty; bring cleaning cloths. Hand sanitizer would be a good idea for when we emerge. Sounds like Heaven so far? We will also be crossing the Five Mile River, so wear footwear that is either waterproof or you don't care if they soak through; the water could be knee-deep. I will supply a few headlamps; I recommend the Energizer LED headlamps that are approximately 20 dollars. Also, car-pooling is a good idea, but optional; that can be decided by participants at the meeting place in Windsor. If I've left any questions unanswered, please let me know.
NOTE: It's been pointed out that participants from the Halifax area might just want to meet up with the rest of the group closer to Hayes Cave. Good point, and for those coming in from the city, feel free to meet the rest of the group at Summertime Treats - an ice-cream stand - in Kennetcook, at 12:30pm. To get to Kennetcook, take Beaverbank Road (Hwy 354) north from Lower Sackville through Beaverbank, Upper Rawdon and Gore. Those later participants MUST let me know in advance of their intention to meet up with the group in Kennetcook, otherwise the group will just drive right on by without stopping.
Moses Mountain/Falls Lake Loop, Saturday July 25th 2009 - MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!
Meeting Time and Place: 9:30AM, rear parking lot of Windsor Mall, near gazebo overlooking Lake Pesaquid, in downtown Windsor
Difficulty: Moderate on the Falls Lake Loop. The roads are clear to follow, but involve uphills and downhills, some grades are more steep than others. As for the summit of Moses Mountain, difficult; we'll likely be trailblazing up a mountainside on this optional part of the hike.
The Plan: Hike the 3-hour Falls Lake Loop trail at Moses Mountain, start time 10:00AM; an optional trip to the summit is possible.
The group will meet up in the rear parking lot at the Windsor Mall in downtown Windsor, close to the gazebo that overlooks the lake. From here, we'll travel out to Curry's Corner and turn right on Route 14 West towards Chester, and follow it through Martock and Windsor Forks to Mill Section and the trailhead. We'll make the clockwise loop up the NS Power utility roads that comprise the Falls Lake Loop, cross the gorge and come down the other side to where we parked. Approximate hike length is 3 hours. This property is owned and administered by Nova Scotia Power. We may see eagles, and bears are a possibility (I spotted one here on a September visit). Everyone will make the Loop and return to the parking lot, but at the end of it, if anyone wants to actually summit Moses Mountain, we'll go. Those who don't wish to climb the mountain are free to opt out at this point. Going to the summit will likely involve trailblazing; I have no idea how long it will take to reach the top.
Those who are interested in this hike, please email me to let me know in advance of your plans to attend. Thanks!
Cape Split, Sunday, July 26th 2009 - MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!
Meeting Time and Place: 10:30AM, dirt parking lot at the Cape Split trailhead, Scots Bay, end of Highway 358
Length of Hike: approx. 2 hours of walking each direction, and whatever time is spent at Cape Split (so, minimum 4 hrs)
Difficulty: Moderate. Uphill grade for first half hour to 45 minutes, then trail levels out. Possible beach visit would require uphill/downill hike.
Plan: Maggie Travis - regular Scotian Hiker group participant - is organizing this hike (I can't make this hike due to prior commitment). Meet up with her at the dirt parking lot at the Cape Split trailhead in Scots Bay. To get there, proceed north on Highway 358 through Canning, up to the Look-Off and on to Scots Bay. At the end of Highway 358, turn left on Cape Split Road and follow it to the parking area at the end. Hit the trail by 10:30AM. Bring water, food, and be ready, willing and able to hike. It could be cool and windy at the Split; bring a jacket or windbreaker. If a sidetrip down to the beach is discussed or agreed upon, FYI low tide is at 9:59AM that morning, high tide is 4:11PM that afternoon - keep an eye on the time and tides, as it will be on its way in during the hike! Stay back from the edges at the Split, as erosion can undercut the cliff edges and people have fallen. This hike is entirely at participants' own risk.
Cape Split Sunset Hike, Wednesday, July 29th 2009 - MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!
Meeting Time and Place: 5:00PM, dirt parking lot at the Cape Split trailhead, Scots Bay, end of Highway 358
Length of Hike: approx. 2 hours of walking each direction, and whatever time is spent at Cape Split (so, minimum 4 hrs)
Difficulty: Moderate. Uphill grade for first half hour to 45 minutes, then trail levels out. Possible beach visit would require uphill/downill hike.
Plan: Deana Sharpe and I are organizing this hike, in part as a celebration of the defense of her thesis the day before. Meet up with us at the dirt parking lot at the Cape Split trailhead in Scots Bay. To get there, proceed north on Highway 358 through Canning, up to the Look-Off and on to Scots Bay. At the end of Highway 358, turn left on Cape Split Road and follow it to the parking area at the end. Bring water, food, and be ready, willing and able to hike. The forecast is looking good and warm, but it could be cool and windy at the Split by evening; bring a jacket or windbreaker. A side-trip down to the beach is possible, as high tide is 6:49PM that evening and will be on the way out when we get there (although the beach will still be largely underwater for a while; we'll play it by ear). Stay back from the edges at the Split, as erosion can undercut the cliff edges and people have fallen. This hike is entirely at participants' own risk. Bring a reliable flashlight or headlamp, as we will be returning after dark!
Please contact me if you require any additional information, and it would be great to know in advance who is planning to show up so we know who to wait for if you're running a bit late. Thanks, and Happy Trails! :)
Natal Day 40K, Saturday, August 1st 2009 - MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!
Meeting Time and Place: 5:00AM, paved parking lot on Highway 1, east end of Kentville across from the Research Station
Length of Hike: 40kms from Kentville to Hortonville and back again. At 5kms/hr., approx. 8 hours of walking. Lunch break at halfway point.
Difficulty: High. Your feet will feel like they're burning and will likely blister. Much determination is required to complete the entire course. This is a test of endurance and willpower.
Plan: Deana Sharpe and I are organizing this hike in preparation for her upcoming Dodentocht (i.e. 100km in 24-hr Death March) in Belgium in mid-August. We will leave the parking lot at 5:00AM, heading east on Highway 1 through New Minas, Greenwich, Wolfville and Grand Pre/Hortonville. The pace will be approximately 5kms/hr. If you wish to join in and make a 20km hike from Wolfville, to Grand Pre/Hortonville, and back to Wolfville, meet us at 7:00AM on Main St. Wolfville in front of University Hall as we're travelling through. Halfway point of the march will be Just Us Coffee in Hortonville, which we should make by 9:00AM. The route will be a mix of town and country, flats and hills, busy traffic with no sidewalks and quiet country roads - mostly pavement, but some dirt surfaces, and some great scenery. Feel free to walk with us at any point, but be able to maintain 5kms/hr., and bring LOTS of water and energy snacks! Honk if you're driving by and show your support for Deana at the Dodentocht! :)
Please contact me if you require any additional information, and it would be great to know in advance who is planning to show up so we know who to expect. Thanks! :)
Download the route map in PDF format.
BRIER ISLAND OVERNIGHTER (BIO), Saturday August 8 - Sunday August 9, 2009 - MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!
Meeting Time and Place: 11:00AM, Irving Big Stop, near Highway 101 in Conway (use Digby exit from Highway 101)
The Plan: This will be a hiking/walking-filled two-day event on Brier Island and Digby Neck, and will include hikes that most of us haven't done before.
On Saturday, participants will meet up at 11 AM at the Irving Big Stop just off the highway in Conway, which is on the way into Digby; we'll meet here before travelling together down Digby Neck to the islands. There will be two ferry rides to take, each one costing $5.00 cash (we pay nothing to leave the islands). Once on Brier Island, we'll check in at Brier Island Lodge (participants who aren't staying at the Lodge can check in at their place of lodging), and then begin that afternoon's hike from Northern Light to Western Light along the rugged north shore of the island. This hike will likely take 4 hours. We'll park a couple of vehicles at Western Light for the return trip to the Lodge. Saturday evening, participants are free to roam around and explore, take pictures, and relax - and if the skies are mostly clear, take in a spectacular Brier Island sunset!
On Sunday, we'll check out by 11AM (or earlier, if the group decides to), take an hour or so to take some photos (if desired), then leave Brier Island. Our first stop on the return trip will be the new Fundy View trail in Freeport; this involves a short, steep climb and offers two great views, and can be completed within an hour. Then, we'll proceed to the Balancing Rock Trail; this is an easy walk, although 230+ stairs near the rock will be a workout. This hike can be completed within an hour or hour and a half. Depending on time available, we can proceed to Tiverton and walk out to the lighthouse at Boar's Head. HOWEVER - if we're short on time, I'd recommend skipping the lighthouse and proceeding to Sandy Cove and the final hike up Mt. Shubel; this hike involves a steep, short climb (10 minutes), and offers a panoramic view of St. Mary's Bay, Sandy Cove, Digby Neck and the Bay of Fundy - this one is not to be missed! :)
Travel Arrangements: For anyone interested in car-pooling, I can provide transportation for two participants. Everyone is responsible for their own travel arrangements, expenses and lodging. I will be staying at the Brier Island Lodge for the night. The Lodge has several less expensive rooms available in the Main building for August 8th and 9th and will be expecting calls from Scotian Hiker group members; participants who intend to stay at the Lodge should call and reserve their own room ASAP before these rooms are gone. Your own name and a credit card will be required to reserve a room. Rates are based on double occupancy. Important - mention you are with the Scotian Hiker group when you reserve your room. The number is 1-800-662-8355. If anyone wants to reserve a more expensive room in another building, that is entirely your option to do so. Visit www.brierisland.com for more information. This will be a fun trip, but be prepared for any kind of weather, as conditions can change quickly despite the forecast.
I hope to see you in August!
Cape Split Sunset Hike, Friday, August 14th 2009 - MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!
Meeting Time and Place: 5:45PM, dirt parking lot at the Cape Split trailhead, Scots Bay, end of Highway 358
Length of Hike: approx. 2 hours of walking each direction, and whatever time is spent at Cape Split (so, minimum 4 hrs)
Difficulty: Moderate. Uphill grade for first half hour to 45 minutes, then trail levels out.
Plan: For those who missed it the first time around, we'll be taking another stab at seeing the sunset at Cape Split. The current weather forecast says sunny for Friday, but we all know that the fog can be thick on the Bay of Fundy despite conditions elsewhere. Meet up at the dirt parking lot at the Cape Split trailhead in Scots Bay. To get there, proceed north on Highway 358 through Canning, up to the Look-Off and on to Scots Bay. At the end of Highway 358, turn left on Cape Split Road and follow it to the parking area at the end. Bring water, food, and be prepared to make a steady hike as we'll be racing the clock. The forecast is looking good and warm, but it could be cool and windy at the Split by evening; bring a jacket or windbreaker. A side-trip down to the beach is not really planned for this trip; the tide will be still be fairly high, the light will be fading in the woods by the time we make it to the Split, and the sunset is not viewable from the Little Split Rock beach. Stay back from the edges at the Split, as erosion can undercut the cliff edges and people have fallen. This hike is entirely at participants' own risk. Bring a reliable flashlight or headlamp, as we will be returning after dark!
Please contact me if you require any additional information, and it would be great to know in advance who is planning to show up so we know who to wait for if you're running a bit late. If Scots Bay is fogged in when we get there, I'll still be hiking. I expect the trail to still be wet and muddy in sections. Thanks, and Happy Trails! :)
Cornwallis River Sunrise Hike, Sunday, August 16th 2009 - MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!
Meeting Time and Place: 6:00AM, dirt parking lot at the Port Williams bridge on Highway 358, north of Greenwich
Length of Hike: approx. 12 kms of walking; 3-4 hours
Difficulty: Moderate. Mostly level surface, some pavement, mostly dirt trail.
Plan: How many of us make the effort to experience a sunrise outdoors? Now's our chance. We'll meet just before sunrise at the dirt parking lot by the bridge to Port Williams on Highway 358; from there, we'll walk the dykes to Wolfville as the sun comes up over the horizon, following the Cornwallis River (the natural border between the old Cornwallis and Horton Townships) and emerging near Railtown and Tim Hortons (yay!) approximately an hour later. We'll walk west from Wolfville along Main Street to Greenwich, then follow the trail system at Noggins Corner Farm through old pines and pass a few spots of historical interest; we'll return to the dykes west of Highway 358 and walk the home stretch to the parking lot where we started. This hike will be over by 10AM, leaving us the rest of the day for other pursuits.
Please contact me if you require any additional information; don't be late and miss the sunrise! I'll show up at the parking lot even if it's raining, just to confer with anyone else who arrives and if the majority still want to hike, we'll hike. :)
Pennant Point/Crystal Crescent Beach, Saturday, August 22nd 2009 - MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!
Meeting Time and Place:10:00AM, dirt parking lot at Crystal Crescent Beach
Length of Hike: 3-4 hours round trip
Difficulty: Moderate. Uneven terrain, mostly natural path along a rugged shoreline strewn with granite boulders.
Plan: Arrive at the dirt parking lot above the main beach at Crystal Crescent; hike the shoreline down to Pennant Point and back again. You will see crashing waves, large granite boulders, the Enchanted Forest (acres of dead, skeletal trees remaining from a forest fire years ago; these have been polished and bleached by the elements - not to be missed!), and nudists - yes, the trail leads past the "clothing-optional" beach, so if you're uncomfortable with this, bring blinders or opt out altogether. ;) Bring water, snacks, and the usual gear you'd need for a 4 hour wilderness hike.
After we complete this hike (between 2 and 3PM likely), we can make a side trip to York Redoubt for some additional sightseeing; I recommend this place for the history and scenery!
How to get there: if anyone coming from the Valley doesn't know how to get there, meet me in Windsor at the Petro-Can/Vaughn's Market on Wentworth Road (next to Subway and A&W just off Highway 101) at 8:30AM sharp and follow me. If you're already familiar with driving in Halifax, go to the Armdale Rotary and take the Herring Cove Road exit; follow Herring Cove Road all the way to Ketch Harbour, then Sambro, and watch for signs pointing to Crystal Crescent Beach. At the beach, pull into the first dirt parking lot you come to.
If you are planning to attend, please let me know and perhaps supply me with a contact number where I can reach you if necessary. If I don't know you're coming, I won't know to wait for you if you're running a bit late. Thanks! :)
Download the road map.
Hirtles Beach Hurricane Surf-Watch, Sunday, August 23rd 2009 - MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!
Meeting Time and Place:1:00PM, dirt parking lot at Hirtles Beach, Kingsburg, Lunenburg Co.
Length of Hike: not really a hike, just a gathering
Difficulty: Interesting. Likely poor visibility, high wind and lots of rain.
Plan: Arrive at the dirt parking lot at Hirtle Beach; watch the surf kicked up by Hurricane Bill. Hopefully, it will be an angry spectacle, and the roar of the ocean will be incredible!
How to get there: if anyone coming from the Valley doesn't know how to get there, I'm leaving Kentville at 1130AM; contact me in advance if you wish to follow me down there. Otherwise, take Route 12 from Kentville to New Ross and then on towards Chester Basin. Turn right onto the 103 West and proceed to Exit 11 in Blockhouse. At the end of the exit ramp, turn left and proceed through Blockhouse towards Lunenburg. In roughly 15 minutes, you'll come to an intersection. Turn right onto the 332 towards Riverport and you'll soon come to another intersection/crossroads; follow Highway 332 towards The Ovens, Rose Bay, Riverport. After 15-20 minutes, watch for a left turn towards Kingsburg - the left turn is immediately past the Rose Bay General Store (and NSLC). Travel the twisty, narrow road for 5 minutes; coming down the hill into Kingsburg, look for a right turn towards Hirtles Beach (Hirtles Beach Rd); follow this road out to the beach.
It will likely be raining torrentially and very windy. I assume no liability for anything, much less for falling trees, flooding conditions, flying projectiles and rogue waves. It IS a hurricane, after all, and authorities do warn people to avoid coastal areas during hurricanes. It's entirely at your own risk.
NOTE: If by Sunday morning Bill appears to be veering towards mainland NS, this event will not take place as it will be too dangerous. If the eye of the storm stays well offshore, I will be going.
Download the road map. X marks the spot.
Roxbury, Saturday, September 5th 2009 - MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!
Meeting Time and Place:9:00AM, Tim Hortons parking lot, Bridgetown NS (close to Highway 101)
Length of Hike:16-20 kms round-trip, 4-6 hours
Difficulty:Moderate, involving uphill climb and lengthy hike.
Plan: Meet up at the Tim Hortons restaurant parking lot just off Highway 101 in Bridgetown at 9:00AM (coffee and washroom break for those travelling from afar). Backtrack to Paradise and cross to Highway 201; proceed a short distance east, then turn right on Roxbury Road. Up past the gravel pit, there is a parking area on the left. Walk the rest of the way in.
This will be an uphill hike for approximately the first 3 kms. I have not hiked this route before, but I know that ATVs and some SUVs travel along it so be watchful. We will be going wayyy back in the woods of the South Mountain; bring lots of water and energy snacks, a hat, and anything else you'll need for the duration of the hike. There are no facilities. A headlamp might be useful if we're late on the return trip. Our destination is the abandoned "ghost town" of Roxbury, a lumber-industry community that thrived until the early 20th century when market conditions changed and the town folded up. There are some ruins, cemeteries and natural scenery here. It's possible there may be a hermit living back here, so don't freak out; it's not "The Hills Have Eyes". ;)
As usual, if you are planning to attend, please let me know and perhaps supply me with a contact number where I can reach you if necessary. If I don't know you're coming, I won't know to wait for you if you're running a bit late. Thanks! :)
Gaff Point/Hirtles Beach, Sunday, September 13th 2009 - MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!
Meeting Time and Place:10:00AM, dirt parking lot at Hirtles Beach, Kingsburg, Lunenburg Co.
Length of Hike: 4-6 kms, 2-3 hours
Difficulty: Moderate.
Plan: Arrive at the dirt parking lot at Hirtles Beach by 10AM, and do the loop around Gaff Point. Afterwards, if anyone feels like it and the weather is nice, go swimming once back on the sandy beach (the water will be COLD; the swimming isn't necessarily a group activity, so I might not stick around for that).
How to get there: if anyone coming from the Valley doesn't know how to get there, I'm leaving Kentville at 815AM; contact me in advance if you wish to follow me down there. Otherwise, take Route 12 from Kentville to New Ross and then on towards Chester Basin. Turn right onto the 103 West and proceed to Exit 11 in Blockhouse. At the end of the exit ramp, turn left and proceed through Blockhouse towards Lunenburg. In roughly 15 minutes, you'll come to an intersection. Turn right onto the 332 towards Riverport and you'll soon come to another intersection/crossroads; follow Highway 332 towards The Ovens, Rose Bay, Riverport. After 15 minutes, watch for a left turn towards Kingsburg - the left turn is immediately past the Rose Bay General Store (and NSLC). Travel the twisty, narrow road for 5 minutes; coming down the hill into Kingsburg, look for a right turn towards Hirtles Beach (Hirtles Beach Rd); follow this road out to the beach. Once on the beach, Gaff Point is to the right (west).
Download the road map. X marks the spot.
NEW EVENTS
Taylor Head Provincial Park, Saturday, September 26th 2009 - MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!
Meeting Time and Place:11:00AM, first parking lot you come to at Taylor Head Provincial Park, near Spry Bay, Eastern Shore.
Length of Hike: 12 kms+, 3-4 hours
Difficulty: Moderate/Challenging (length, variety of terrain).
Plan: Arrive at 11:00AM at the first parking lot you come to at Taylor Head Prov Park. Hike the Spry Bay and Headland trails, and more if there is time.
How to get there: Count on a 3 hour drive from Kentville to Taylor Head Prov. Park (and 3 hours back; carpooling is a good idea). If anyone coming from the Valley doesn't know how to get there, I'm leaving Kentville at 800AM; contact me in advance if you wish to follow me down there. Otherwise, it's best to go to Mapquest and get directions from your own residence to Spry Bay, as I've never been this far out the Eastern Shore and don't know all the details to pass along. Essentially, travel the 101 to Bedford, stay on the Dartmouth side of the harbour and look for signs pointing to the Eastern Shore, Highway 107 and Highway 7. This is another coastal headland, so dress appropriately or at least be prepared for cool, wet, breezy conditions. It's best to let me know if you're planning to take part in this excursion, so I'll know to wait for you at the trailhead if you're running a bit late. Provide me with a contact phone number, as well (although I don't know if cellphone reception is available here).
Download the road map. X marks the spot.
Download the park brochure.
Return To Moses Mountain, Saturday October 10th 2009 - MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!
Meeting Time and Place: 9:30AM, rear parking lot of Windsor Mall, near gazebo overlooking Lake Pesaquid, in downtown Windsor
Difficulty: Moderate on the Falls Lake Loop. The roads are clear to follow, but involve uphills and downhills, some grades are more steep than others. As for the summit of Moses Mountain, difficult; we'll be trailblazing up a mountainside on this part of the hike.
The Plan: Hike the 3-hour Falls Lake Loop trail at Moses Mountain, start time 10:00AM; on the return part of the Loop, make an hour-long side trip to the summit for the incredible view and the coloured leaves!
The group will meet up in the rear parking lot at the Windsor Mall in downtown Windsor, close to the gazebo that overlooks the lake. From here, we'll travel out to Curry's Corner and turn right on Route 14 West towards Chester, and follow it through Martock and Windsor Forks to Mill Section and the trailhead. We'll make the clockwise loop up the NS Power utility roads that comprise the Falls Lake Loop, cross the gorge and come down the other side to where we parked. Approximate hike length is 3 hours. This property is owned and administered by Nova Scotia Power. We may see eagles, and bears are a possibility (I spotted one here on a September visit). Let me know in advance if you plan to attend.
Lake Brook Falls & Mount Shubel, Saturday, October 17th 2009 - MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!
Meeting Time and Place: 10:30AM, Irving service station just off Highway 101, Digby exit. Approx. 2.5 hours from Halifax. 1.5 hours from Kentville.
Length of Hike: entire afternoon to accomplish both destinations.
Difficulty: Moderate/High. I have not been to Lake Brook Falls before, so I don't know exactly how long it will take. I estimate 2-3 hours to hike from Sandy Cove to the waterfall and back. We must exercise caution near the waterfall, as there will likely be steep cliffs. Mt Shubel involves a short, steep climb along a natural footpath (roots, rocks) to the summit; total time for the Mt Shubel hike is 1 hour.
Plan: meet up at the Irving station in Digby, then proceed down Digby Neck along Route 217 to Sandy Cove (half hour drive) and hike to the waterfall (2nd highest in Nova Scotia) first, then make the ascent to the summit of Mount Shubel.
Scene of the Crime, Sunday, November 1st 2009 - MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!
Meeting Time and Place: 10:00AM, Irving service station, downtown Berwick.
Length of Hike: one hour each way on the trail, and likely an hour exploring the site.
Difficulty: Easy/Moderate. The trail - for the first half hour - is dirt road suitable for trucks, 4-wheel drives and ATVs, but we'll be walking in from the road as cars could bottom out in large puddles or scrape rocks in places (and it's supposed to be a hike, not a drive). The last 20 minutes of the path becomes narrow and is also puddle-filled (SO BRING SUITABLE FOOTWEAR FOR WET CONDITIONS)
Plan: meet up at the Irving station in downtown Berwick, then proceed to the North Mountain scene of the crime. The crime was particularly heinous, resulting in a notorious trial and hanging - an ax-murder in 1904. For more information, follow this link: BLOODY MURDER
PLEASE NOTE: Deer-hunting season begins October 30, but hunting is not allowed on Sundays. However, it is wise to wear something bright or hunter orange on this hike, just in case.
Meander River Falls, Sunday, November 15th 2009 - MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!
Meeting Time and Place: 10:00AM, Irving service station, Garlands Crossing (east of Windsor, Hants County).
Length of Hike: one hour each way on the trail, perhaps an hour at the waterfall (photos, lunch). Walking from Smiley Prov. Park will add another half-hour each way. So, count on 3-4 hours.
Difficulty: Moderate. The trail will likely be very muddy/soupy in sections, and there are uphill sections. We will be walking on pavement for a stretch, so be mindful of traffic.
Plan: meet at the Irving service station in Garlands Crossing, Hants Co. If you are coming FROM Halifax on Highway 101, look for Exit 5 (Windsor, Chester, Three Mile Plains, Rawdon); this is the exit AFTER St. Croix. At the bottom of the exit ramp, turn left and proceed to the intersection with Highway 1. You'll see the Irving across the intersection. If coming FROM the Annapolis Valley, go past the exit for Windsor's fast-food district (i.e. Wentworth Road, with A&W, McDonald's, etc.) and take the very next exit. At the bottom of the exit ramp, turn right and go to the intersection with Highway 1; from there, you'll see the Irving station. From the Irving station, we will drive out Route 14 to Smiley Provincial Park in Mackay Section, where we will park our vehicles and begin the hike. After this hike, if anyone wants to (re)visit Dawson Falls, there should be enough daylight left to do so.
PLEASE NOTE: Deer-hunting season is now in progress, but hunting is not allowed on Sundays. However, it is wise to wear something bright or hunter orange on this hike, just in case, as we will be going an hour or so back into the woods. Also, bring a lunch, a knife and/or walking stick, and dress for the weather and wet trail conditions.
Kejimkujik Seaside Adjunct, Saturday, November 21st 2009 - MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!
Meeting Time and Place:10:30AM, parking lot at the Keji Seaside Adjunct, Port Joli, Queens Co.
Length of Hike: 8-10 kms, 3-4 hours
Difficulty: Moderate (due to length; terrain is fairly easy).
Plan: Arrive at 1030AM at the Seaside Adjunct parking lot. Count on a 2.5 hour drive from Kentville, through Highway 12 to Highway 103, then west to Liverpool (at Exit 19 as shown on map, there is an Irving service station and a Tim Hortons for anyone needing a break), and then the final leg of the journey to Port Joli. It's roughly the same amount of time to go from Halifax to Port Joli, as well.
How to get there: If anyone coming from the Valley doesn't know how to get there, I'm leaving Kentville at 800AM; contact me in advance if you wish to follow me down there. Otherwise, take Route 12 from Kentville to New Ross and then on towards Chester Basin. Turn right onto the 103 West and proceed to Port Joli. Watch for signs pointing to Kejimkujik Seaside Adjunct from Port Mouton onward. The left turn onto St. Catherines River Road (the way to the Adjunct parking lot) is on a bend in the 103 and it sneaks up on you; a community hall is on the right side across the 103 from the St. Catherines River Road - both are just west of Robertsons Lake (shortly after Liverpool, the 103 becomes a two-lane highway that passes through Port Mouton and Port Joli) This being part of a national park, there might be an entry fee, so be prepared - but I suspect it's not in effect due to off-season.
Dress appropriately for the season and for possible wet, breezy weather - this will be largely along seacoast. Bring enough water and snacks to get you through a 4 hour hike. Sections of the trail are closed due to storm damage, but there will still be lots of walking to do. After the Adjunct hike, on the way back we can stop by Carter Beach in Southwest Port Mouton if time allows, and possibly Summerville Beach (something else to see if you've never been down this way). It's best to let me know if you're planning to take part in this excursion, so I'll know to wait for you if you're running late. Provide me with a contact phone number, as well.
Download the road map. X marks the spot.
*Please note: typically, I prefer that hikers don't bring their dogs on hikes due to the possibility of them running off into deep woods in pursuit of animals, or running over cliffs, or getting eaten or maimed by bears and such. Also, some group members might have a phobia of dogs. However, for this hike only, dogs are allowed, and of course are the responsibility of the owner(s). If anyone has any questions or concerns about this, please let me know. Thanks!
Blomidon Provincial Park, Sunday, November 29th 2009 - MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!
Meeting Time and Place: 9:00AM, dirt parking lot on Highway 358 immediately south of the Cornwallis River bridge in Port Williams (take Highway 101 Exit 11 - Greenwich, Wolfville, Port Williams, Canning)
Length of Hike: 14kms with some steep inclines, so count on 4-6 hours.
Difficulty: Moderate/Hard, due to the length, possible muddy trail conditions, and there are uphill sections which are physically strenuous.
Plan: meet at the dirt parking lot in Port Williams just south of the bridge over the Cornwallis River. From the 101 Highway exit, turn north and proceed to the traffic lights on Highway 1; go straight through the lights towards Port Williams. The parking area is on the right immediately before the bridge. From here, we'll proceed north to Canning, and then out to Blomidon where we can park at the lower parking lot of the Provincial Park. The park is closed for the season, but the trails are still there for the walking. We will walk the Jodrey Trail uphill then along the top to Indian Springs, then follow the Look-Off Trail, Woodland Trail and Borden Brook Trail, returning to the parking lot.
PLEASE NOTE: Deer-hunting season is now in progress, but hunting is not allowed on Sundays. However, it is wise to wear something bright or hunter orange on this hike, just in case. Also, bring a lunch, a knife and/or walking stick, and dress for the weather and uncertain trail conditions.
For more information, visit: http://www.novascotiaparks.ca/parks/blomidon.asp (this page might not load with Internet Explorer 6; use a newer browser)
Cape Split, Saturday, December 19th 2009 - MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!
Meeting Time and Place: 10:30AM, dirt parking lot at the Cape Split trailhead, Scots Bay, end of Highway 358
Length of Hike: approx. 2 hours of walking each direction, and whatever time is spent at Cape Split (so, minimum 4 hrs)
Difficulty: Moderate. Uphill grade for first half hour to 45 minutes, then trail levels out.
Plan: Meet up at the dirt parking lot at the Cape Split trailhead in Scots Bay. To get there, proceed north on Highway 358 through Canning, up to the Look-Off and on to Scots Bay. At the end of Highway 358, turn left on Cape Split Road and follow it to the parking area at the end. Bring water, food, and be prepared for a chilly hike. Dress for winter; it could be breezy and quite cold at the Split due to wind chill. A side-trip down to the beach is not really planned for this trip; the tide will be on its way in, but we'll play it by ear. Stay back from the edges at the Split, as erosion can undercut the cliff edges and people have fallen, and if snow/ice is down, it will be even more risky to go near the edges. This hike is entirely at participants' own risk. Dogs are allowed.
Please contact me if you require any additional information, and it would be great to know in advance who is planning to show up so we know who to wait for if you're running a bit late. If anyone is not sure of the way and would like to follow me out there, contact me.
Wolfville Watershed Nature Preserve, Saturday, December 26th 2009 - Boxing Day - MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!
Meeting Time and Place: 9:30AM, parking lot north of (behind, and across railroad tracks from) Tim Hortons, at the east end of the Railtown complex in Wolfville.
Length of Hike: unknown kms, but count on 4-6 hours.
Difficulty: Moderate/Hard, due to the length, possible muddy/snowy trail conditions, and there are inclines which are physically strenuous. This could be a snowshoe event by then, so gear up! :)
CHRISTMAS EVE UPDATE: THIS IS A SNOWSHOE EVENT. There is enough snow in the woods to easily justify the use of snowshoes, and I can't see this changing unless we get a heat wave or lots of rain in the next 36 hours. Wearing only boots will likely mean a difficult, exhausting slog, as the snow is heavy, wet, slippery and slushy in places. Anyone and everyone are welcome on this hike, whether in boots or snowshoes, but snowshoes are highly recommended. I checked the trail out this afternoon, and I tried walking in boots first, then soon strapped on the snowshoes - big difference. We will stop for rest breaks as needed, because while we may not cover a lot of territory, we WILL be getting a workout.
Dogs are allowed.
Plan: arrive at the meetup spot by 9:30AM (Tim Hortons is a short walk away for those wanting coffee or washroom), then proceed to Gaspereau Mountain and the trailhead. This land is owned by the Nova Scotia Nature Trust, and it was once the water supply for the Town of Wolfville.
PLEASE NOTE: Bring a lunch, a knife and/or walking stick (it's safe to assume there ARE coyotes in the area), and dress for the weather. Bring extra, dry clothes.
For more information, visit: http://nsnt.ca/ourwork/campaigns/wolfville/
Gaspereau River Hike, Thursday, Dec 31st 2009 - New Year's Eve - MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!
Meeting Time and Place: 10:00AM, the old Andy's Tire (blue, white, yellow garage) parking lot in Greenwich across Highway 1 from the old Horton District High School site. From Highway 101, take Exit 11, arrive at the traffic lights at Highway 1, turn left (west), and proceed approximately 2 kms. Parking lot is on the left, next to Deep Hollow Road.
Length of Hike: 8-10kms round trip, 4-6 hours (including rest and lunch stops)
Difficulty: On foot, fairly easy as the trail is gentle, and hike time will be greatly reduced from the estimate shown above. On snowshoes (which might be necessary, so bring them with you), it will be a different story if you're not used to snowshoeing. In fact, a few warmup walks wearing them prior to this hike might be a good idea. Dogs are allowed.
Plan: meet up at Andy's Tire, then proceed up to White Rock to Deep Hollow Bridge. Park vehicles here and start walking upriver on the trail that runs along the right bank. There are no facilities on this trail. However, there WILL be coyote tracks. At the completion of the river hike, there is an optional side trip nearby, if anyone is interested. ;)
THIS CONCLUDES OUR 2009 HIKING SCHEDULE. Thanks to everyone who joined in on the hikes this past year; it's been a blast! New friendships have been made, and a lot of great memories created. God willing, see you all in 2010! :)
"There are good ships, and there are wood ships, the ships that sail the sea.
But the best ships are friendships, and may they always be."
"May those who love us, love us.
And for those who don't love us,
May God turn their hearts.
And if he can not turn their hearts,
May he turn their ankles,
So we may know them by their limping."
|
