Trail Tales

 
   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!

5 Simple Preparation Lessons I've Learned About  Hiking

1) Comfort. This may seem like it should rank low in importance, especially if you fancy yourself a no frills adventurer who can overcome obstacles with teeth gritting.  Unfortunately, that little strap rubbing against your shoulder and that tiny pebble in your shoe are enough to bring down Paul Bunyan himself after a couple of hours.  Quadruple the degree of discomfort you feel when you start off on a hike and you'll have an idea of what it's going to feel like further down the trail.  When you stop for your first break you will be surprised how small discomforts have suddenly morphed into handicapping pain.  Before you begin, it's a good idea to have everything adjusted.  Even if it means holding up your companions, spending time getting everything adjusted at the outset always pays off by not getting held up making repeated gear adjustments further down the trail.  Make sure your socks don't have an annoying wrinkle in them, tighten up your laces and double knot them, perfectly adjust your backpack, and eliminate anything that may cause blisters and chafing.

2) Less is more.  Bringing that massive beach cooler seems like a great idea when you picture yourself living the good life at your camping/resting spot, but the mental and physical battle endured getting it there can quickly outweigh any benefits.  A heavy pack is never worth a twisted ankle which can turn things into a survival situation in a hurry.  When you pack for your excursion, always start with the most important items and work your way down (Water >Food >Warmth>...Bottle of wine).  Every ounce counts when it comes to hiking, so even the smallest item that you really don't need should be left behind.

3) Layers.  It doesn't matter what season it is, layering is extremely important.  Knowing the basic fundamentals of layering is essential, and must be considered for every part of your body.  Being soaked with sweat is always your enemy, and being too hot or too cold can be life threatening.  The same basics apply to each body part. The base layer should be thin, light and moisture wicking, followed by a thicker insulating layer such as wool, and topped by a wind breaking/water repelling shell layer  (choosing light colours for your outer layers can help you identify and remove dark coloured ticks). The reason layering is so important is because it allows you to adjust to your changing body temperature and environmental conditions by dawning or shedding layers as you go. Whatever the conditions are when you start out, it's no guarantee that they will stay that way.  Dense forest can shield the wind, rain and sun, so that when you get to a more open area you are exposed to a massive change in conditions.  Coastal versus inland areas can also cause dramatic condition changes.  Temperatures can rise and fall one season's worth depending on your activity level.  Stopping can make summer feel like winter, and going at a good pace can make winter feel like summer. If you aren't careful to adjust your layers accordingly, you can quickly encounter dangerous hypothermia or hyperthermia situations.

4) One foot at a time.  The most important part of your body in the outdoors is your feet.  Taking proper care of your feet should be your #1 priority.  If your feet hurt, you can't move, and if you can't move you're in trouble.  Most important of all is having dry feet. Wearing a sock liner is a good way of keeping your feet dry and blister free.  Make sure your footwear is comfortable and will not cause any blisters or other discomforts which can hobble you after a few hours of hiking. Waterproof and breathable are two key words in looking for footwear or almost every other type of clothing for hiking. Top things off with a set of gaiters, and you can have lightweight protection for your shins, while keeping water out of your feet.  Warmth is really only a concern in winter.  Thick wool socks over top of your sock liner, combined with insulated waterproof boots are usually enough to do the job.  During other seasons you don't want to insulate too much.  Foot sweating and wetness is more often a problem than warmth is.

5) Anticipate to hydrate.  You can survive weeks without food but only a couple of days or hours without water.  You should never overlook bringing water even on a short outing.  Water is always #1 on my packing list for any excursion.  Many hiking backpacks now have built space for a hydration pack which is often the most convenient way of carrying water.  On longer trips where bringing a large supply of heavy cumbersome water jugs just isn't practical,  consider water filtration devices, purifying tablets, or good old fashioned boiling to make use of available water sources.  You should also be attuned to recognizing the symptoms of dehydration and try not to reach even the earliest stages.

    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.

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)

     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