Trail Tales

New Parking Area

     No more pulling over in sketchy areas not meant for parked cars to get your canoe or kayak into Long Lake Provincial Park.  Atlantic Developments, Polycorp, the government of Nova Scotia, with consultations from the volunteer group the Long Lake Provincial Park Association  have teamed up to build proper access off of Northwest Arm Drive, along with a 5km trail system extending from Old Sambro Road to a loop around Witherod Lake. (Have a look at my map for reference).

New 60 car parking lot

     Those of us who have been clamoring for a safe and easy place to park to get access to the lake will only have to wait until late April for that wish to come true.  The parking area which is designed for 60 vehicles will be at the end of a short driveway, set back from the road to "maintain the natural esthetics of the area".  The look-off park area on Old Sambro Road across from Dentith Road will also have its own new parking spaces.

    As for the trails, they more or less augment existing trails and paths.  There will be 5 kilometers of trails from Old Sambro Road to the Witherod Lake Loop.  The existing trails will be upgraded to a 4 meter wide gravel pathway with minimal grades making it fully accessible.  Woodchips alongside the parking lot and trail will help buffer the industrial look. Picnic areas, benches, outhouses, doggie bags, garbage cans and other overdue improvements were also part of the plan.

Witherod Lake

     The project was made possible by a $600,000 investment from both developers. The LLPA volunteer group will be managing the project after it is complete with the assistance of a $40,000 provincial grant.

    This is a good example of developers, volunteer organizations and government coming together to improve access and accessibility to our amazing and under-appreciated natural areas.  It's no coincidence this area is directly across from the companies newly developed Long Lake Villages, but in this case I think everyone benefits.  It's too bad a similar approach wasn't brokered during the destruction of the Whopper Trail in Bayers Lake.

     H.R.M. is undertaking an alignment study of the Northwest Arm Greenway project which proposes connecting Long Lake Provincial park with the Chain Of Lakes Trail via Northwest Arm Drive and St. Margaret's Bay Road.
   
   

 
   If you've never tried snowshoeing before, you're missing out.  If you like hiking, but do a lot less of it in winter, snowshoeing is the answer to get you back outdoors.  It's fantastic exercise, and a simple way to get out and explore what makes winter enjoyable.  The great thing about snowshoeing is that there isn't a steep learning curve, so anyone can jump right into it.  That being said, there are a few things to consider before heading out for the first time:



1) Gear  You don't need to spend hundreds of dollars on top of the line snowshoes.  The basic components you're going to want to look for include bindings that fit well, don't slip off and won't break easily.  There is nothing worse than  stopping to fiddle with your bindings every few minutes.  Something that adjusts easily and is going to stay on no matter what you encounter should be your #1 priority.  Next you'll want poles.  Poles help you balance when you encounter uneven terrain, and help you stride more efficiently on flat areas.  Adjustable poles are key.  Being able to quickly adjust the length of the poles is an important feature. You'll want to adapt the length of the pole to the kind of terrain you're encountering.  Longer poles are good for flat ground and shorter ones are good for digging in and pushing off of uneven and hilly terrain.  Next you'll want something that supports the proper amount of weight.  Snowshoes are rated by weight.  You should factor in your typical backpack weight along with your body weight when you are buying.  See this article on how to choose the right ones.  You'll likely want to buy something with a higher weight rating than you think you need.

2) Locations  As a rule of thumb, most places you would normally hike, are usually good places to snowshoe.  It's important to consider how well used the trails are (the more people on the trails, the more the snow is packed down, making snowshoes rather useless). Fresh snow is ideal, but fresh snow also makes it harder to find the trails you would otherwise easily identify. Paying attention to navigation becomes more important.  Hiking through brush, dead fall and rocky areas can be a pain in the butt, and doing it with snowshoes only makes it harder.  If lakes are frozen (15cm thick or more) they can be ideal areas to snowshoe.  Be sure to check your local ice thickness reports before attempting any lake crossings.   A trail with a lake that you would normally navigate around now becomes a snowshoeing highway, allowing you to explore all kinds of different areas.  Exploring across lakes and using them as a shortcut is perhaps my favourite part of snowshoeing.  For info on snowshoeing in Nova Scotia see my Winter Activities Page.

3) Kinetics Snowshoeing is not simply hiking with snowshoes on.  There are a few things that you have to do to become proficient.  Using your poles is key for balance and striding efficiently.  Using the ice picks on the bottoms of your snowshoes, especially on the balls of your feet is key to climbing hills.  Resisting the urge to go uphill flat footed is important.  Going down hill is sometimes counter intuitive to what you would normally do when hiking.  Sometimes you need to use the picks on the balls of your feet to dig in, which can result in a face plant if you're not using your poles properly.  Going down flat footed can turn into an unanticipated black diamond ski run as your snowshoes lose grip and function (poorly) like skis.   Snowshoeing is a great workout for every muscle in your legs, especially your calves as you dig your toes into icy hills, and your thighs as you steady yourself going downhill.  Stretching and warming up will definitely pay off. For more detailed information on the techniques of snowshoeing, check out this article on Snowshoeing Basics.

4) Clothing  You may be heading out in bone chilling cold, but it won't take long before your body is overheated and sweating (your nemesis in cold weather).  You'll want to layer up and have a backpack to put your unused layers in.  It's usually best to start off wearing less clothes than you think you need. It's better to put up with a couple minutes of being cold, knowing that your body temperature is going to skyrocket as soon as you start moving.   Start off with minimal layers, and add them if needed as you go.  You'll want to avoid sweating and having wet clothes at all costs.  Wetness against your skin can make your body temperature plummet to dangerous levels as soon as you slow down or stop.  Layering your socks is a good idea too.  Start with a base layer to keep blisters and moisture in check, and add an insulating layer on top.  You're bound to end up with your butt in the snow at some point, so you'll want a pair of waterproof/breathable shell pants.   Your extra layers should be in your backpack and put on right away during any breaks.  Sealing in the warmth your body has built up will keep you comfortable as your body temperature drops rapidly in winter conditions.  If managed properly you'll hardly ever be too cold or too hot.  You'll be surprised at how you don't even notice the cold that you otherwise wouldn't tolerate.

5) Water And Food  Even though it's cold, you'll still need plenty of water.  Modern hydration packs can work seamlessly with your backpack to make carrying and drinking the water much easier.  You'll also be burning a lot more calories than hiking.  Having food/snacks (think; fuel) is more important when you're snowshoeing. You need to provide the extra calories your body needs to keep you warm and energetic.  Along with your extra layers, packing water and food is important. You can get extravagant by packing a small backpacking stove and enjoy a nice hot chocolate, coffee or fuel up with some warm oatmeal.  These breaks will be better than anything Starbucks or Tim Hortons can offer!

     Snowshoeing is a great activity to get you outside and actually enjoying Winter, while whipping you into shape.  Get out there and start exploring!

    A polar bear swim isn't the only new years hangover-curing outdoor experience.  Check out these suggestions of places to help you recover from the sins of last night/year.

Charlies Lake Lookoff

5) Charlies Lake Trail.  New Year's redemption can be found overlooking Charlie's lake. A short, but rugged 1km hike from the parking lot at Maskwa Aquatic club, leads to a spectacular place of rejuvenation. Re-fill your lungs with certified fresh organic 2016 oxygen along the steep rocky shoreline.

4) Shubie Park.  If you're in the Dartmouth area, heading to Shubie Park is your best option for a place to be seen being "just great, thanks!" (as your grimace turns into a smile).  Sure last night was a rough one, but you're still out getting exercise and seizing the new year!  ( Check out the map to find a route length that accommodates your stomach condition).

3) Point Pleasant Park. Get off on the right foot by raising your pulse in Halifax's heart.  Give a fist bump, or subtle wink and nod to any fellow party revellers who also opted for nature over nurture for the first day of 2016.

2) Long Lake Provincial Park.  If you want to get away, but just far enough that no one will notice that you look like an extra from "The Walking Dead",  explore Long Lake Provincial Park.  You can find plenty of places off the beaten path to ponder all of the amazing things you will be accomplishing in the new year once you get your voice back.

Herring Cove Lookoff

1) Herring Cove Provincial Park. Sure it might be a little chilly and snowy, but we are in Nova Scotia and nothing rings in a fresh new year like some fresh, cool salty ocean air.   It's a rugged coastal hike, but exploring this place is just easy enough that you don't have to worry about starring in a survival story when you realize your ambition doesn't match your current physiology. Check out a 360 View Here!

Happy 2016!

"Spray Paint On White Pine"

Top 5 Fall Hikes In The H.R.M.

Dog parks, walking trails, sports fields, and active transport.

This time of year, especially after the cruel joke of a Winter we have had to endure, it's almost imperative to be enlightened by Nova Scotia's great outdoors.  It's easy to have logic outweighed by ambition so take it slow, and as Frankie MacDonald says best; be prepared! Check out some tips here first.  The Victoria Day weekend is a perfect time to kick start a new year full of outdoor adventures, so here's a top 10 list to get you started:

10) Belchers Marsh Park.  This little oasis in the heart of Clayton Park may seem very un-assuming at first, but once you walk around you'll appreciate the quaint urban setting.  This unique spot is a major gathering place for all kinds of different birds and waterfowl.  If you stick around long enough you're bound to see some kind of bird you've never seen in the city before.  Stop to read about the nature and the history of the area, with signs courtesy of the Halifax NorthWest Trails Association.  At about 1.5km, a full loop on its gravel pathway can be accomplished pretty easily, making it an ideal stroll with kids.  Video

9) Fleming Park.  What Haligonian doesn't love Fleming Park?  Saying you don't like Fleming Park is like saying you hate Point Pleasant Park, which is enough to get you deported.  Whether it's a picnic, a jog, a paddle or some good old fashioned gallivanting, this place is amazing in the Spring.  Seeing everything starting to bloom at Fleming Park, makes it no wonder why it's such a popular place for weddings.  I think every Haligonian is married to Fleming Park.  Video

8) Point Pleasant Park. Each change of season means it's time for another visit to Point Pleasant Park.  You can almost see the heart of Halifax beating here.  I sometimes think that the mood of the city is a reflection of the current climate at Point Pleasant Park.  It's ideal for Jogging, walking, catching, throwing, pondering and most other verbs. Video

7) Herring Cove Provincial Park Reserve.  It may be a little early to spend a lot of time taking in views of the chilly Atlantic coastline, but if  you're a true  Nova Scotian, there's never an unacceptable time to head to the coast.  Bring extra layers, and be cautious on the wet rocky terrain.  The area stretches for about 1.5km so its' short enough to head back if things get chilly, or if your body betrays you.  Scampering along the coast here can make anyone feel like they could have been an expert rock climber if they chose to.  Ditch your cross-fit class and get your exercise here in nature's yoga studio. Video

6) Hemlock Ravine Park.  It has a heart shaped pond.  This area has been loved since Halifax's early days.  What's not to love about old-growth forest minutes from downtown Halifax? If you love Point Pleasant Park, you'll love the sans-coastline version of it too.  The ravine itself is pretty cool, and the trails are exactly like what you see at Point Pleasant.  Ideal for strolls with loved ones.  You could become another chapter in Fleming park's amorous history by proposing marriage next to the heart shaped pond. Get married at Fleming Park, have photos taken at Point Pleasant and accomplish the Halifax relationship trifecta.  Or you could just go and appreciate the absolute jewel we have here.  Video

5) Blue Mountain hiking trail.  This one requires some navigation and hiking prowess.  The area is always in flux with logging and development, so some roads and paths may lead you in the wrong direction.  Nonetheless, making it atop Blue Mountain is spectacular.  If you've never been, you're probably unaware that Halifax has such high vantage points of the peninsula.  It can be windy up there so dress accordingly, and bring some binoculars to have a look around.  Video

4) Chain Of Lakes/ B.L.T. Trails.  If you have something that has wheels and is powered by human kinetics, go take it for a rip on this converted railway trail system.  The Chain Of Lakes Trail is paved, so possibilities abound.  The B.L.T. trail is gravel.  Have a look at the maps and plan how far you want to go.  This is quickly becoming an active transportation highway, so follow the rules of the road.  Perfect excuse to dust off that new fitness tracker you got for Christmas and never learned how to use.  Video

3) Musquodoboit Trailway.  This area is for the experienced and the fit.  If you love being challenged on your hikes, this is the place to go.  The old adage that good things come with hard work is proven here.  Another one of those spots that you'll wonder how you never knew about it if you've never been.  Bring a camera and a lunch. Video

2) Polly's Cove.  If you've spent more than an hour in Nova Scotia, it usually means you've been to Peggy's Cove.  Rightfully so. It's absolutely beautiful. If you can't take a photo that gets at least 10 "likes" there, you obviously need a new camera.  What's lesser-known is the nearby hiking trails of Polly's Cove.  If you want a different perspective on Peggy's Cove, head there.  You get all the benefits of Peggy's Cove (astounding coastal beauty) without the crowds.  Peggy's Cove looks just as cool from a distance. Bring binoculars and a camera with a zoom.  You'll see the area in a way you haven't seen it before. Video

1) Kearney Lake Trails.  This area is set to become part of one of the most spectacular urban parks in North America.  Haven't been there? Go.  Here's a few reasons why: 1) If you've ever been to Kejimkujik National Park, you'll be astounded to see the same kind of setting right here in our backyard.  Pristine un-touched lakes, surrounded by old-growth forest. It's something you'd normally have to drive hours to find. 2) In the Spring, without full foliage, it's easier to navigate.  For the same reason, you have more views of the lakes.  3) Unbeatable authentic hiking experience.  If you appreciate a raw, natural hike, this place has everything you've been looking for. Video

This list could easily contain many other places, and the order is merely a formality. The important thing is to get outside and get acquainted with the assets that make Halifax such a unique city.  Don't forget to share your experiences with us on Facebook and Twitter (@halifaxtrails)

My latest excursion was to a place that I had heard good things about but never been.  With a new camera begging to be taken on a tour. I decided to check it out.

 The trail, like many throughout the province, is not marked or signed very well. Once you pull onto Duncan's Cove Road, there is no hint of where the trail is other than a small gravel parking area on the side of the road near a private access road entrance. I guessed that this was where we enter even though it looked a bit sketchy.


 Right away as you walk down the main road toward the private road you get to see a glimpse of the great views you are about to encounter. The unique community of houses are also blend of classic nova Scotia coastal communities and modern architecture. The first few hundred meters might seem as though you are trespassing but once you reach the top of the hill, the beautiful rugged coastline and the rest of the trail become visible. It is a great example of some of the hidden gems that are everywhere in the province. The coastal views are as good as it gets. For a short day hike which isn't a far drive from Halifax, you'd be hard pressed to find a better spot than this.

 It was late august and the blueberry bushes which saturate the coastal Barrens were in full bloom. A few seconds of foraging bore a handful of delicious Huckleberries. My sister in law later visited here with my nephews and I received some fantastic arctic blueberry jam! (Recommended reading: "Field Guide to Edible Plants in Eastern and Central North America")

 There are a couple of world war one era lookouts which mark roughly the mid point and end point of the trail. When I reached the first lookout which only took about 30 minutes I felt like there was no need to go any further, as the views here were spectacular. My stop here probably added 20 minutes to the trip but I would advise others to do the same. I'm sure that spotting whales from here can be achieved with the proper amount of dedication and daydreaming.

 The second leg of the journey includes some really great rock climbing opportunities and great spots to watch the powerful surf up close (caution strongly advised). The trail gets more rugged toward the end and there is potential for a catastrophic fall in a couple of places if you aren't paying attention. These dangers are to be considered if you bring kids along but otherwise add to the character of the trail.

 The second lookout marks the end of the trail and again the views are spectacular. Green rocky barrens stretch as far as the eye can see to the west, blue skies and ocean as far as you can see to the east. Another great example of modern architecture lies further down the coast on what has to be one of the nicest dwellings in the province. I'm not sure which aspect of this place is the most impressive: the house, the pool, the property, or the immense rock wall surrounding the property.




 After this point the trail ends and you must turn back around and head back the same way you came. Usually I'm not a big fan of linear pathways and prefer looped trails but in this case there is so much scenery to take in, that doubling back isn't a chore.

 All in all this was another unexpectedly spectacular day trip even to someone who was born and raised in Halifax but had never been.  I recommend it to anyone who wants to see one of Nova Scotia's greatest coastal landscapes. You can snap some great photos, get back to your childhood rock climbing days, breathe in some fresh ocean air while getting top quality exercise....and end up with some fresh blueberry jam! 


For more detailed info on Duncan's Cove, visit my website.

     Based on the tragic incident that occured in Cape Breton 3 years ago, there has been much attention and discussion paid to coyotes in Nova Scotia.  I often dismiss many of the stories I read in the local news about coyotes, as a topic that the media has jumped on-board with to grab people's attention whether warranted or not.  To me, one very tragic incident throughout the coyote's history of living in Nova Scotia, doesn't seem to warrant all of the negative press they now receive.  Or is it warranted?  I decided to delve into the topic more deeply.

Part 3: Nature

Last week I headed out to a river in Sackville with my brother, for lucky? visit #3. My sister in-law had done what has taken us a month to do, which is to locate all kinds of fish. Earlier that day she had gone for a walk and noticed fish jumping all over the place in the river. When we hear that fish have been spotted, we quickly move in to disperse them.

As we pulled into a parking lot near our spot, another car pulled up to us and asked us if we had fished that particular spot before. We said we hadn’t and the guy said that he had, and that there is some good fishing to be had in there. We contained our enthusiasm and thanked him for telling us. As we started to walk in, a car pulled out and the guy stopped to tell us that there were tons of fish in there, and he pulled out a bag full of ones he had just caught. We could hardly wait another minute to get to the river, and refrained from a full out sprint. Today was definitely the day, and we were sure we would soon be pulling fish out of the river within the first cast or two.

I suddenly thought of something I had never even considered before: do we have a container to put in all the fish we catch? I asked my brother, he looked at me, smiled, and said he also hadn’t even considered this. It was a problem to be addressed later, for now we were concerned about getting our hooks in the water as quickly as possible. The spot looked ideal. I couldn’t wait see what happened when I did my first cast of the evening. It turns out I could wait. I waited a lot. I waited until it got dark, and cold.

A few desperation casts were all that was left of my evening, but with one of them, something I had never seen before. A fish chasing after my hook, nibbling on it, glancing up at me, laughing, and then swimming away. I couldn’t believe my almost luck. As it turns out, this was just another insult to injury. I packed up my stuff, told my brother I was going to go get the car, while he fished for a few more minutes. I walked off slowly, pondering the reasons for my latest failure. A while later my brother emerges, fish in hand. I thought it was surely a gag. It wasn’t. He had caught a fish, just shortly after I left. Schools of fish were jumping around everywhere immediately after I left. What does this mean? It is obviously an omen.

Beware the day I do catch a fish, as it sure to signal the coming of the next anti-christ.

Today (May11) I headed out to Long Lake Provincial Park, a place I’ve been quite a few times before.  My main purpose for the trip was to get some material to compile a video for the website.
My first visit to Long Lake came many moons ago when I was a young high school student, with a new bike and a keen interest in shit disturbing.  After getting kicked out of Point Pleasant Park more than a couple of times for doing some nature ravaging off-road stunts, I needed to broaden my range.  I had heard that there were some good off-road trails off of St. Margaret’s Bay Road so I phoned up a partner in crime and we headed out.  When we arrived, we were surprised to see a small parking lot and what looked to be a park that we had never seen before, yet was 15 minutes from our house.  The discovery changed everything.  No longer were parks purely for hordes of us to converge on after dusk with backpacks full of bad news.  Now we had found a place that was more fun than most illegal activities.  The trails were perfect for some serious off-road biking, and the park was so large that each excursion took us on a different adventure. 
The park has changed considerably since then.  Today it is a well known spot, popular with all sorts of people.  It’s not uncommon to see the parking lot full, and the trail head packed with people walking their dogs.  It has a Point Pleasant Park type feel when you arrive, but you can quickly escape the main area and set out into the unknown (thanks to our Province being too cheap to mark or maintain any official trails).  The spring time is typically not a good time to visit this park. As my friend pointed out a couple of weeks ago, with the snow melted, a winter’s worth of dog crap doesn’t make for a pleasant atmosphere.  I can remember the same problem with Point Pleasant, jogging in 30 degree heat, with the smell of frying dog crap greeting you, Joe Camel himself waiting for you at the finish line, and a group of “The Fast and The Furious” extras idling their cars in the parking lot as you try to catch your breath.  This place does suffer from the same dog crap stench greeting you and bidding you adue with each visit, but if you can get past the main trail as soon as possible, it offers much more room to explore and escape the crowd.
My most recent visit was another surprise, as I got on a few trails that I didn’t remember and saw some things I’d never seen.  There are some interesting rocks and plants hidden throughout the park, and if you keep an eye out you’re bound to see something cool.  The biggest surprise this time was a tent, with extensive supplies that we came upon as we were “getting our bearings”.  This tent didn’t seem to be a vacationer’s getaway, it looked to be a lifestyle choice.  We quickly backpeddled and headed out towards the Bay Road as we did not want to encrouch on the Long Lake axe-murderer’s space.
All in all it was a good spring outing, and the park looks like it’s about ready to start blooming.  Be sure to check it out if you’ve never been. Set aside enough time to do lots of exploring and bring a compass/GPS so you don’t wander in circles.