10 Outdoor Winter Activities in NS

It's early January and already I'm shack wacky. Even though I am getting lots of fresh air as I train for The Hypothermic Half Marathon, I still want to "do" something. For the last couple days I've been suffering a mild case of writers block. A few months ago I was bursting with ideas on things to blog about. Now it's January and I'm not even inspired to clean the kitchen floor (okay, I'm never inspired to do that). I blame it on the January blahs. So, to help me shake out of it, I got a hair cut. Somewhere between the pungent smell of hair dye and purring like cat with someone playing with my hair, a thought popped into my head - write about how to get the "ick" out of January.

10 Activities to Get The "ick" Out of January- in no particular order:

1. Outdoor Photography
Yes, at this time of year we curse the ice and snow but before you reach for that shovel and ice pick, discover the beauty in the white stuff. Take a picture of it. Get close-up, and zoom in on an icicle.

The Photographic Guild of Nova Scotia motivates its members and guests with seminars, workshops and field trips for all levels of shutterbugs. Their next field trip is January 25th (Eagle Watching in Sheffield Mills).

2. Eagle Watching
January and February are the best months for viewing eagles and the Sheffield Mills Eagle Watch is where you'll be guaranteed some action. This annual event runs Jan. 24 - 25, 2009 and Jan. 31 - Feb. 1, 2009 and is in its 18th year. Near Kentville, this community comes alive with eagle watchers. There are lots of viewing areas so bring your camera a knock off items #1 and #2 from this list.

3. Snowshoeing
If you can walk, you can snowshoe. Follow these handy tips and get ready to burn a lot of calories with this safe, low impact sport. Thanks to technological improvements from the cumbersome wooden variety, you can choose to do a leisurely stroll or a full out sprint.

Snowshoeing in Guysborough is easy. Just sign out a pair of snowshoes (they're free) from the Guysborough Fitness Centre and then explore around the grounds of the Osprey Shores Golf Resort. I'm also told that snowshoeing is fabulous on Five Islands Provincial Park's hiking trails. While the park is officially closed for the season, no one minds if you strap on your shoes. Be safe!
For more info:
Nova Scotia trails (maintained during winter)

4. Winter Surfing
Watch them, cheer them on while standing firmly with hot chocolate in hand from the beach. This is really something to see and at Lawrencetown beach is where you'll find these brave people. Hot tub dude?
Click on the image to watch a winter surfing video (January 4th, 2009)
For more info:
Scotia Surfer
Surf Nova Scotia

5. Geo caching
Geocaching is an outdoor high-tech treasure hunting game by adventure seekers equipped with GPS devices. The basic idea is to locate hidden containers, called geocaches (with "treasures" inside), and then share your experiences online. If you take a treasure, you must leave one for the next person. Did you know that Nova Scotia’s first cache was also the first in Canada? Placed: Jun 18th, 2000. Today, there are 709,820 active geocaches around the world. Wow.
For more info:
Maritime Geocaching Association
Stonehame Lodge and Chalets-Weekend Geocaching Packages

6. Winter Camping
Grab your wool, polypropylene, hydrophobic, Polarguard, Hollofil, Quallofil, Primaloft, Microloft, Thinsulate, pile and fleece and do good research before you set out.
Kejimkujik National Park offers wonderful sites in Jeremy's Bay and has four warm-up shelters. In the backcountry, 8 campsites and 2 backcountry cabins are available. Call the Visitor Centre (open on weekends) for more information and backcountry reservations (1-902-682-2772). Get inspired by watching an episode of Survivor Man.

7. Sliding
I'm usually corrected when I say "coasting" but I grew up saying it on the Eastern Shore. Must be a Maritime saying. Whatever you call it, it really gets the heart rate up. It's self-explanatory, find a hill, get on something that slides and go. While it's not wise to wear suede, it sure is fun.

There are too many hills to name but for a thrill, slide down the steep hills at Fort Anne in Annapolis Royal. What a rush.

Chedabucto Bay also calls tobogganing "coasting" (so there!) and a hill curving down to a dock in Mussel Cove is a local popular spot. No need to bring your own, as a guest at the DesBarres Manor Inn you'll be provided with your own slider or coaster (whatever you call it). Nuff said.

8. Dog Sledding
Long before there were airplanes and snowmobiles, dog sled dogs were once one of the main methods of transportation in the Arctic regions. There is a lot of coordination in dog sledding. All dogs must run approximately the same velocity and be about the same size as the dog to their lateral position. Mushers have to be in good physical shape and carry tasty rewards for the dogs.

Simple sled dog commands:
"Mush!" -- Let's Go
"Gee!" -- Turn Right
"Haw!" -- Turn Left
"Whao!" -- Slow or Stop
"On by!" -- Straight Ahead
Click on the video to see one persons first dog sledding adventure in Cape Breton.
For more info:
Guided dog sledding tours in Cape Breton

9. Skiing
What's your style? Downhill or Cross Country or Snowboard? These activities will get your cheeks red and give you a good nights sleep.

For more info:
Ski Martock
Ski Wentworth
Cross Country Ski Areas in Nova Scotia

10. Ice Fishing
Handy check-list:
Power Auger- check
Fishing rod- check
Fishing hut- check
Fish finder- check (hey, isn't that cheating?)
No matter, there's smelt and trout to be found in the cold water.
For more info
Canada Adventures Guide (they do hut rentals)

More winter activity ideas:
Bay of Fundy Tourism
Winter in Nova Scotia
Authentic Seacoast
novascotia.com Winter Packages

It's your turn, what are YOUR 10 outdoor winter activities!

Destination Guy's Frenchys

"I won't buy anything from a bin", this is what an out of province relative said when Guy's Frenchys was described to her. The idea of buying used clothing was not appealing at all to her, in fact it was appalling. The eco-conscious will say it's "recycled clothing", I say roll up your sleeves and dig in.

Recently, I went on a "Frenchys run" where we started in Digby one day and traveled along the Evangeline Trail to the Yarmouth and Acadian Shores Region the next. Through villages such as Meteghan, Saulnierville and Church Point.

6 Guy's Frenchys in 36 hours, a new record.

Here's what I got:
3 sweaters (American Eagle, Banana Republic and Aeropostale),
2 hoodies (both Aeropostale)
1 blouse (Banana Republic)
3 shirts (Banana Republic, Gap and H&M)
= one happy camper who paid a fraction of the cost for gently used clothing

There are so many diamonds in the ruff just waiting to be grabbed. Seasoned "Frenchys" goers have a particular method of how they sort through the clothing. Just like how you may have a strategy for hanging clothes on your clothesline or how you unload your dishwasher. It's fascinating to watch them but then again, there's no time to waste, there are diamonds to be found!

Most of what you sort through will be quickly passed over. Hold tight because every hour, on the hour, there is a new arrival of goods that are tossed in the bins. Clothes, toys and household items are checked over by staff many times for quality. Some items still have the original store tags on them.

What started as a small store in Digby Guy's Frenchys has expanded to 18 stores throughout Nova Scotia and New Brunswick processing thousands of pounds of clothing daily. I've heard that many girlfriends take weekend Frenchys getaways, stopping at various locations along their pre-planned route. Even travel tour companies offer Guy's Frenchys motorcoach tours.

Oh, remember that relative who said she'd never shop from a bin? They say it took her 20 minutes to convert, only after finding a designer cocktail dress. This new convert joins the rest of the evangelists.

Tidal Bore Rafting on the Shubenacadie River

A couple weeks ago I had the wonderful opportunity to go tidal bore rafting.

Tidal Bore Rafting in late October?

Yes! We wore survival suits :)

According to Wikipedia a Tidal Bore is "is a true tidal wave (not to be confused with a tsunami)." This wave comes from the Bay of Fundy (flowing in one direction) and meets the Shubenacadie River (flowing in in the opposite direction).

Picture this, you're in a power boat and you are heading full speed into a 10-20 foot wave STRAIGHT ON. While you're very instinct would be to flee, you are powerless as this giant wave splashes over you. No sooner can you say "let's do it again" the boat operator is turning around to go just ahead of the wave then turn around to ram into it again. Pow!

What is really eerie is just before the wave approaches, you can see and hear it coming like a locomotive up the river. First you see a ripple and then one minute later there is churning water all around you. All this while gigantic bald eagles are watching you from the trees along the bank. Silently laughing at the silly humans.

Before you knew it, it was time to go back to the dock, step out from the boat onto the muddy shore and then tear off the survival suits. The feeling was exhilarating and I can't wait to go back during the summer months on a 4 hour excursion that includes a bbq and mud sliding.

Here's where to get further info:
Shubenacadie Tidal Bore Rafting Park

Bay of Fundy Tourism Information:

novascotia.com

The French Basin Trail

It's funny. For the past 5 years my family and I have visited the town of Annapolis Royal and it wasn't until this past weekend that I realized how much there was to explore. Don't gasp when I tell you that I have YET to visit Port Royal National Historic Site. I told you not to gasp!

For the past few years, while driving past the Tidal Power Interpretive Centre, I've always noticed people walking along a marshy wetland. Well, on an overnight trip to Annapolis Royal this past weekend we went on a hike there. It was along this marshy wetland that I discovered its name, the French Basin Trail.

Basically right in the town of Annapolis Royal, the French Basin Trail is a 45-minute walk around a Ducks Unlimited wetland. Home to several species of ducks, at least one pair of Great Blue Herons, a family of muskrats and, if you're lucky, foxes. The well-maintained gravel trail around the marshland leads into an old Dominion Atlantic Railroad line railbed/trail that goes east or west as far as your feet will take you.

Along the trail were decorations hanging from trees or lying on the ground made from pine cones, birch bark and other natural materials that were a hit with the squirrels and birds. I was told later that these were made by art students at a local school.

Next time I visit the area, I am definitely taking along my running shoes. With no hills and lots of scenery, this trail is a runners dream.

To get there: In Annapolis Royal, drive along Saint George Street until you see the set of traffic lights (Historic Gardens will be on your left), turn onto Prince Albert Road then drive 300 meters and turn right onto the gravel parking lot.

More info:
Annapolis Valley Vacation
Annapolis Royal Recreation

SNOWSHOE LUNCH-WALKS
Each Wednesday 12:15pm (January – March)
French Basin Trail
Shoes available
Info: 902.532-3144

OUTDOOR SKATING & WALKING
At the French Basin Trail & pond: watch for the skating sign in the parking area (green indicates skating; red - no skating).

U Gotta Hike Cape Split, Annapolis Valley, Nova Scotia

Amy, Mandy, Jett (Mandy's dog) and I excitedly jumped into my car at around 10 a.m. on Saturday morning, and we headed to the beautiful Annapolis Valley to hike Cape Split, Nova Scotia... finally! Although I grew up in the valley, this was my first Cape Split experience.

Following Highway 101, we took Exit 11 to the 358 North and drove to Scott's Bay. Then we followed the Cape Split signs to the trailhead. Since my boyfriend Steve had hiked to Cape Spilt a few times, I knew we needed to stick close to the fence on our right until we hit a well-trodden path through the woods. Luckily, there was a couple ahead of us who seemed to know what they were doing, and we had no trouble finding the path.

Gradually we made our way up-hill, and over many rocks and roots. We passed a bunch of other hikers along the way, which was not surprise given the beautiful weather.

After about an hour of walking at an energetic pace (to keep up with Jett - LOL), the path opened up to some grassy clearings and magnificent cliffs. On this crystal clear day, we saw the most amazing views of the Bay of Fundy shores I have ever seen.

All in all, the hike only took us about three hours in and out, but we did jog a bit of the way, and we didn't spend too much time admiring the views of the cliffs and the shoreline. Next time, I think I'll be more ambitious and take a full picnic with me.

On the drive back down the mountain, we stopped at the Blomidon Look-off to grab a couple of shots of the Annapolis Valley's beautiful fall colours. Check out Amy's amazing pic. It's hard to believe the view is even more spectacular in person.

Annapolis Valley Apple Torte

This torte cuts into firm slices, each studded with apples, a fresh change from apple pie.

Base
1/2 cup butter 125 mL
1/3 cup granulated sugar 75 mL
1/4 tsp vanilla 1 mL
1 cup all-purpose flour 250 mL
1/2 cup raspberry jam 125 mL

Filling
1 cup cream cheese, softened 250 mL
1/2 cup granulated sugar 125 mL
1 large egg 1
1/2 tsp vanilla 2 mL

Topping
4 cups apples, peeled, cored and sliced 1 L
1/3 cup granulated sugar 75 mL
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon 2 mL
1/2 cup slivered almonds 125 mL

Cream together butter, sugar and vanilla; add flour and mix until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Press into bottom and 1 inch (2.5 cm) up the sides of a 9-inch (23-cm) springform pan. Spread raspberry jam on the bottom crust. Mix filling ingredients until smooth and spread evenly over base. Toss peeled and sliced apples with sugar and cinnamon and arrange gently on filling. Sprinkle with slivered almonds.

Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 10 minutes. Reduce oven temperature to 350°F (180°C) and continue baking for 30 minutes or until apples are tender. Cool and serve with whipped cream. Makes 10 to 12 servings.

Print 4 x 6 Recipe Card (pdf)

To find fall recipes, go to novascotia.com

Next...my pumpkin cookies!

Between a rock and a soft seat

Economy, Nova Scotia

Today, I decided to venture off the Trans Canada Highway and meander through the communities of Bass River and Five Islands on my way to Parrsboro. Route #2, "The Glooscap Trail", hugs the coast of the Minas Basin. This area is known for its powerful tides, courtesy of the Bay of Fundy. This is a route where drivers wish they were passengers so they can fully appreciate the scenery.

I knew that I just had to pull over, somewhere, anywhere. So just outside the village of Lower Economy and just before Five Islands Provincial Park, I turned left at Soley Cove Road. This windy gravel road, led past farmers fields to a large guard rail. Now, one knows a of popular spot when you notice the car tire prints from the hundreds of cars who also stopped there before you.

After soaking up the beauty of the Bay of Fundy, I jumped back in my car and drove about 500 meters to a dead end. It was also where a funky coach was sitting in a field. As a friend often informs me, it must've been "good garbage week". Because for someone, this couch would be a real "find".

I like to think this couch is saying, "enjoy the scenery, with the comfort of home".

Paradise, Nova Scotia

Ever been to Paradise?

Well, I can say that now I've been to Paradise. I was there long enough to snap a picture. I can't say that I felt any different during my brief visit. I didn't feel any sense of euphoria, I didn't burst out in exultation. Certainly didn't hear angels singing. But maybe that was because thirty minutes before I reached Paradise, I got a speeding ticket. Wouldn't it have been interesting to get one in Paradise? I would've framed it.

You should go. Take your time. I know I will.

How to get there: Paradise (Nova Scotia) is on Trunk Highway #1, (Evangeline Trail) about 7 minutes outside Bridgetown. Take exit 20 off Hwy 101 and take a left if coming from Halifax or a right if coming from Yarmouth.

Download: Fundy Shore & Annapolis Valley Driving Guide (4.41MB)

Annapolis Tidal Generating Station(Laura - Part 8 of 8)

The causeway in Annapolis Royal is home to the only salt-water Tidal Generating Station in North America. Nova Scotia enjoys the unique opportunity to harness power from the highest tides in the world on the Bay of Fundy shores.

For more information, or to visit the interpretive centre, visit the Nova Scotia Tourism Website.

Age of Sail Museum(Laura - Part 7 of 8)

My friend Laura had a fabulous time exploring an East Coast treasure called the Age of Sail Museum, located in beautiful Port Greville, Annapolis Valley, Nova Scotia. This kewl museum features two floors of exhibits to demonstrate the rich heritage of the Minas Basin timber and shipbuilding industries.

For more information, check out the Port Greville website.

Fort Anne National Historic Site, Annapolis Royal, Nova Scotia(Laura - Part 6 of 8)

My great aunt Eleanor lives in Annapolis Royal, home to the oldest fort in Canada, Fort Anne National Historic Site. Laura's photos featured with this post remind me of visits with my Aunt, and walking the pathways around Fort Anne's fortifications, originally built in 1629.

The Fort Anne Museum houses an amazing needlepoint tapestry, depicting over four centuries of local history. This quilt was unveiled on Canada Day in 1995 to commemorate the 400-year history of Annapolis Royal and the story of Fort Anne.

Grand Pre National Historic Site, Nova Scotia(Laura - Part 5 of 8)

Grand Pre National Historic Site is located on the Evangeline Trail in the Annapolis Valley of Nova Scotia. I remember going to Grand Pre during school trips as a student in the valley. The first time I read the poem Evangeline by Longfellow, I shed a tear for all of the Acadians deported from their homeland and separated from there loved ones.

Laura visited Grand Pre this summer and took this awesome shot of the statue of Evangeline with the memorial Acadian Church in the background. You have to go there in person to truly appreciate the church's stained glass windows.

Lavender Jelly, Annapolis Royal Farmers Market, Nova Scotia

Every year, my family and I make a visit to Annapolis Royal. First thing on Saturday morning I head over to the Farmer’s Market. It’s an open air market that is bursting with the smells, sights and sounds of the Annapolis Valley. For a few locals it’s a weekly social gathering, for others it’s a plethora of local produce and fresh baked goods that can easily stir you to dizzying heights.

As I was walking past the local town crier who was handing out fliers for that evenings Kings Theatre performance, I glanced at a table of jellies and other preservatives. I never used to like jelly. Don’t know why. Maybe it’s because I’m a messy eater and can imagine the inevitable.

As I handed over the cash, the nice lady standing behind the table must’ve sensed my trepidation when out of the corner of my eye I noticed a jar of lavender jelly.

“What?” I exclaimed, “Lavender jelly?” The lady told me that the recipe was her grandmothers and it’s one of her best sellers. Knowing this, I simply had to give it a try.

Monday morning when the toast popped up, I had the jar of lavender jelly and a knife ready to go. Suddenly, as I opened up the Mason jar a thought came to me. What if I hate it? What if the one thing I boasted about (before even tasting it) is something that will end up in the back of my fridge beside the expired prune yogurt and the baking soda box?

So I slathered it on my toast and took a huge bite. WOW! Thanks to lavender jelly for Annapolis Royal’s Farmers Market, I can enjoy summer from a jar on my toast and am now looking to experiment with other flavours.

By the way, I say I’m not a fan of marmalade either, but based on this experience anything could happen. =)

Shand House, Windsor, Nova Scotia(Laura - Part 4 of 8)

While visiting Windsor in the Annapolis Valley of Nova Scotia, Laura checked out this beautifully restored Victorian home.

The Shand House Museum is a late-style Victorian museum, featuring wood work and crafted furniture from the Windsor Furniture Factory. From the tower, you have a panoramic view of entire town of Windsor and the Avon River.

That Dutchman's Farm, Fundy Shore, Nova Scotia(Laura - Part 3 of 8)

My friend Laura checked out That Dutchman's Farm in Upper Economy on the Fundy Shore in Nova Scotia. While at this traditional Dutch-style farm, she ate some delicious Gouda cheese produced on site.

The photos feature that Dutchman's wooden shoes left outside the front door of the cheese factory. She could put her entire shoed foot inside one of these shoes, still leaving lots of space. She also captured mamma and baby highland cattle. Aren't they cute!

Cape d'Or Lighthouse, Fundy Shore, Nova Scotia(Laura - Part 1 of 8)

My friend Laura tells me that the Cape d'Or Lighthouse is an excellent destination for a day trip from Halifax. Nestled on the Fundy Shore in Cape d'Or, the lighthouse sits on a jagged cliff with a beautiful view. Apparently, it's a great work out walking back up the hill to the parking lot.

Laura tells me there is a quaint Lightkeepers Kitchen and Guest House on site where you can rest and relax and listen to the waves crashing into the cliffs.

The day Laura visited for lunch, among other tasty treats on the menu, fresh biscuits, homemade seafood chowder, and homemade minestrone were the crowd favourites.

Oaklawn Farm Zoo, Aylesford, Nova Scotia

I just love Oaklawn Farm Zoo in the Annapolis Valley. I go there every year to see the lions and tigers and bears... Oh my!

The zoo is located in a village called Aylesford. From my home in Halifax, it only takes about 1.5 hours to drive door-to-door, and it is well worth the trip.

Two years ago, I timed my visit later in the afternoon at feeding time, and I got to kiss a bear!!! Actually, the poor bear had no choice but to kiss me in order to snatch the mint between my lips. =)

Joggins Fossil Cliffs, Fundy Shore, Nova Scotia

Have you heard that the Joggins Fossil Cliffs on the Fundy Shore of Nova Scotia near the New Brunswick boarder were recently designated a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site?

Fossils found in these cliffs provide the best geological history record in the world of life in the coal age, 300 million years ago.

To celebrate, I'm happy to feature these shots taken by my friend Laura on her last visit to the Joggins Fossil Centre. The centre shown in her first photo features displays of fossils found in the area, including the fossil of the oldest known reptile, Hylonomus lyelli. There is also a video display of the history of Joggins and the discovery of the fossils, hosted by an animated land snail, Dendropupa vetusta, whose fossil caused dissension in England regarding the theory of evolution.

Laura's second shot features a fossil found along the beach near the Joggins Cliffs. According to her, specimens like this can be found along the rugged shores, but she asks us to remember that you must not take them home! Also, she cautions us to be careful not to get to close to the cliffs, as the eroding rock may fall at any time.

In Laura's third photo, can you spot the fossilized tree branches?

Blomidon, Annapolis Valley, Nova Scotia

I remember when I was a little girl and my parents took me to run around the mud flats in Blomidon in search of various sea critters.

It was lovely to recall these fond memories when my friend Mike sent me these photos of his family trip to Blomidon Provincial Park. Isn't this photo of Mike's little guy with the tiny baby crab too cute for words?

Blomidon Provincial Park is situated in the Annapolis Valley on the shores of the Minas Basin near Canning and Wolfville. This breathtaking park features picturesque landscapes, high tides and cliffs, and a 14-km system of walking and hiking trails.

There are also many other thing to do nearby. For example, you can stop at the Blomidon Look-off to take some photos of the Annapolis Valley on your way to hike Cape Split.

Local Farms, Annapolis Valley, Nova Scotia(Angela & Ken - Part 6 of 6)

I've known my friend Angela since kindergarten. When she found out I had started this blog, she sent me a series of great stories and photos from her travels with her partner Ken. In this, her sixth story, she tells of bountiful harvests in the Annapolis Valley Region:

"We love all the road side stands of fresh fruits and veggies. This is something we really, really miss here in Manitoba. They simply do not exist. When we were home in January we went to Foote's Farm over near Grafton to pick up their honey and apple cider. They even gave us a tour of the apple cider press. Just a feel good spot with local valley charm."