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!

Point Pleasant Park in Halifax, NS

Caution: Dog lovers may experience some dog envy.

On a chilly afternoon, we decided to go for a walk around Point Pleasant Park in Halifax's south end. Following along the popular main trail off Tower Road, we turned left and headed down the hill that led us to the outer edge of the park. The outer perimeter of Point Pleasant Park measures 3.2 kilometers, making it a fantastic stroll for walkers or a route for runners. One of Halifax's great civic spaces, the park provides magnificent views of ships and yachts entering and leaving Halifax's busy harbour. Its roads and trails wind through the forest and among military ruins, rocky hills and ravines.

At many locations along the trails you'll come across feeders filled with seeds or oatmeal. Critters such as chickadees and squirrels find some sustenance in these feeders as well as from park visitors. Next time you go, fill your pockets with sunflower seeds. Look for a wooded area, stand really still, extend your hand with seeds and soon chickadees will appear and eat right out of your hand. This time of year is perfect for this because their food sources are low. Squirrels? I haven't tried hand feeding them, yet.

Because of its location, the park is exposed to the harsh elements. Just a week before we visited, there was a bad winter storm. These storms wash up sea urchins, mussels, sea weed etc. It's here where adults and children alike can crunch along as they stomp on shells. Seagulls and crows feast at low tide. It's amazing to watch them put a mussel in their beak, then fly into the air and let the mussel drop onto the ground. Natures fast food.

In September, 2003, Point Pleasant Park was devastated by Hurricane Juan. Nearly three quarters of the park's trees were knocked down and the park remained closed until June 2004. While there are still trees remaining, the park now has a very thin canopy. In some areas where you couldn't see the ocean, now you can. However, in June 2008 over 70,000 Acadian forest trees have been planted in the park, surpassing the number of trees lost to Hurricane Juan.

In the wake of Hurricane Juan, it was realized that a long term vision and strategy was needed to renew the park. A steering committee of volunteers and city staff oversaw an international design competition to set this vision and strategy in motion. In October 2008, the Point Pleasant Park Comprehensive Plan was presented to HRM Regional Council. This plan will assist in the direction, management, and operation of Point Pleasant Park now, and for many years to come.

Useful links:
History
Maps
Prince of Wales National Historic Site
Shakespeare by the Sea

Nova Scotia Christmas Trees, A Tradition

A few minutes ago I asked my daughter, "what feeling do you get when you see a Christmas tree?" She simply replied, "happy!"

Christmas just wouldn't be the same without a real Christmas tree. Big or small, fat or skinny, with needles or rapidly falling ones - this over-sized air freshener brings the outdoors in and over three short weeks can add so much cheer.

Did you know that Nova Scotia is one of Canada's top three producers of Christmas trees (along with Quebec and Ontario)? Up until this year, 80 per cent of Nova Scotia's Christmas trees were exported to the United States. When I visited a tree lot the other day, a grower from the South Shore told me he cuts his trees in late October to get ready for the season.

Each year, it's tradition that a Balsam Fir from Nova Scotia is sent to Boston to become the Boston Christmas Tree. This tree is a thank you gift from the province to the people of Boston in remembrance of the city's response after the Halifax Explosion in 1917.

How we decorate a Christmas tree, we all know, is a personal choice. Many trees this year will be "green" with LED lights. It'll be a preference between multi-coloured or plain white lights or blue or red. Some trees will be professionally decorated while many will be decorated with heirloom ornaments and dough treasures our kids made in pre-school. Whether your tree is 8 feet or a table top, decorated from head to toe or only the bottom third (thanks to an overzealous toddler), every tree is beautiful. Even Charlie Brown's.

Mine definitely won't have tinsel. "What's tinsel?" my daughter asks.

Happy Christmas.

Making a Nautical Rope Wreath in Halifax, Nova Scotia

A few years ago, I took a nautical rope wreath workshop at the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic. The museum holds these workshops every November and if you're interested, you'd better sign up early. This rope wreath is really known as the "Turk's Head Knot".

So, this past weekend, with a good set of instructions in hand and 100 feet of 1/2 inch Manila rope, my sister and I made rope wreaths. I had the rope cut into 25 foot lengths (to make 4 wreaths). This rope smells wonderful but it can give you splinters that's why many people wear garden gloves. Manila rope is relatively easy to find, after a couple phone calls I found it at the Army Navy Store on Agricola St. in Halifax. It was a whopping 26 cents per foot :)

Once you stumble through the first steps of weaving the wreath starts to take shape. These step by step instructions guided us and working on the floor is best so you can spread out. Your knees will likely complain.

After about 15 minutes, here is the end product. I quickly moved on to finish the other three wreaths and then started looking around my fathers garage. I was on a roll. Interestingly enough, my father is sweet on collecting rope. Eureka! I made three more wreaths made from rope that, at one time, was tied to lobster traps. To me, this only adds more character.

Check out this video on You Tube for step by step instruction on how to tie a Turk's Head Knot:


If you live in Halifax, you can sign up for a workshop at the Maritime Museum.

DRUM! Show Excitement Halifax, Nova Scotia (Part 2 of 2)

My friend Lyn and I checked out an amazing DRUM! performance on Friday night in one of my favourite places... Halifax, Nova Scotia.

The show was such a rich cultural experience. I was amazed at the versatility of these cultural performers. These talented Aboriginal, Black, Celtic and Acadian artists gave us goose bumps. =)

After the show, I had a chat with Hubert Francis, one of the Mi’kmaq performers, about the new drum at centre stage, hand-painted by Alan Syliboy. You can listen to him describe the drum in my YouTube.com video below.



To check out a show, go to the DRUM! website.

Fall Harvest at Halifax Farmer's Market

It's that time of year again! I love autumn. It's my favorite season actually; the leaves start to change colour, I take out my warmer sweaters, and put that extra blanket on my bed. It's also my favorite season because of the Fall harvest!

As per usual, my day at the market started with a trip to Julien's bakery for a phenomenal baked good. I got a delightfully flaky pastry with a creamy custard on the inside and sweet, juicy apricots.

Happily, Brian Boates was back at his post with apples and cider today, his first day back since the summer season. Though I'm eagerly anticipating the return of my favorite, Cortland apple, I got a bag of Gravenstein, newly added to Slow Food Nova Scotia's "Ark of Taste" for endangered culinary products. I'm a firm believer in the 'apple a day' superstition...normally, I tally it up to about three!

At Ted Hutton's spot, I bought an interesting carnival squash, eggplant and cute little pattypan squash. I foresee a rich veg stew in my future! That makes two newbies added to my culinary repertoire as I've only eaten eggplant, never cooked with them.

I also got a tub of Hutton's grape tomatoes. It's funny, that until about a year ago, I didn't even really like tomatoes. Now, these things are so good, I eat them like popcorn! Sprinkled with salt and pepper! They're little snacks that burst in your mouth.

York ReDoubt... No Doubt (Part 2 of 2)

While on a recent visit to York ReDoubt National Historic Site, I couldn't help but notice a pattern that was emerging as I snapped pictures. Doors kept popping up. I guess it is a fort after all and it's supposed to keep people out.

So, here's my collection of doors. What's behind door #1?



What's behind door #2?



What's behind door #3?

The Red Shoe Pub

The Red Shoe pub is certainly one of the busiest, and probably THE most popular eatery in Cape Breton. What is it about this place? There must be something in the water here; you can't turn around without tripping over a musician. The two sweet boys behind the bar were fiddlers and guitarists, whose cousins were musicians, whose siblings were musicians, and, well you get the point.

We weren't famished so we decide to split an order of The Red Shoe's nachos. These aren't your regular nachos however. The base of this dish was deep fried, waffle cut potatoes, a lovely alternative to tortilla chips. These were topped with spicy seasoned beef, sweet peppers and onions, all nestled beneath a melted three-cheese layer. They were served with sour cream and salsa $9.50.

The name 'The Red Shoe Pub' came from a tune by Cape Breton fiddler Dan Rory after local shoe-maker Angus McEachern coloured a pair of his shoes red with Sherwin-Williams paint. The story behind the name emphasizes the community's abundant history and its colourful citizens. The Red Shoe does have a certain old time atmosphere, but the tunes, the food and the staff are all up to snuff.

The pub's entertainment schedule is available online at
http://www.redshoe.com/

The Red Shoe Pub
11573 Route 19
Mabou, NS

902.945.2996
Open June 1st to mid-October

York ReDoubt... No Doubt (Part 1 of 2)

As often as we can, my husband and I organize "family days". We like to create adventures wherever we go. Since we haven't been to York ReDoubt, we knew this would be cool place to check out.

So we pried the kids off the computer and followed the well marked signs along Purcell's Cove road to York ReDoubt National Historic Site (which was about 15 minutes from the Armdale Rotary).

Once there, we quickly paired off to explore the rooms of the fort on our own. By the way, this is THE perfect place to play tag or hide and seek!

Built in 1793 by the Duke of Kent to defend Halifax from invasion from the French, the walls of the fort are rock solid. To get to the other side of the fort, you can walk through a long tunnel to get to the other side. York ReDoubt is part of the Halifax defense complex comprised of Citadel Hill, Prince of Wales Tower, Fort McNab and George's Island. I'm told that, back in the day, they all communicated to each other using an elaborate flag system.

After going through a tunnel that takes you to the ocean side of the fort, we discovered many hiking trails. As we walked along, we noticed a cruise ship leaving the harbour, a bunch of blackberry bushes that were bursting with berries too early to pick (darn!) Along the way by daughter collected burrs that, unbeknownst to me, were secretly placed all over my back.

One trail led us to York Shore Battery, an abandoned WWII Command Centre where you can still explore around the rooms and all but climb onto the grass roofs. There is also an informative display panel explaining the role the facility had during its operation. One of them was keeping a watchful eye on German U-Boats that floated just outside the Halifax harbour. A giant underwater gate ran from here to McNab’s Island that kept the U-Boats out and our ships (and city) safe from attack.

The walk back to the car was another adventure. A shortcut to connect onto the path to the tunnel, ended up being a steep crazy climb. We happened to arrive at the tunnel entrance just in time, because the park attendant was about to lock up for the night. I am glad we took the shortcut.

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.

Pier 21 Canada's Immigration Museum

A place that is very near and dear to my heart is Pier 21. It's a museum/interpretive centre/art gallery located along Halifax's waterfront. In 2007, it was voted one of Canada's Seven Wonders in a national contest.

It was at Pier 21 where 1 million immigrants, displaced persons and war brides first stepped foot on Canadian soil between the years of 1928 and 1971. To these people, every day was Canada Day. Canada was a country of hope and promise for a better future.

This National Historic Site was lovingly restored and re-opened with national fanfare on July 1st, 1999. I had the privilege of working at Pier 21 for 4 1/2 years. I've never worked in a place where I was so inspired and so moved. It instilled in me a strong pride in my country and it's immigrants. Cause, when you think of it, we are all immigrants (with the exception of First Nations, such as the Nova Scotia Mi'kmaq).

We all have a story to tell and Pier 21 is all about stories. Some are poignant, of surviving the holocaust and weeping for joy when finally arriving in Halifax to start anew. It was always nice to see them, years later, return to the new Pier 21 with their families. The emotions of that day of arrival are still very raw and sometimes there are tears. I recall one day a man stood quietly alone, looking pensive, after a very long time, he knelt down and kissed the floor.

That's my Canada.

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.

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.

Louisbourg National Historic Site, Cape Breton, Nova Scotia(Laura - Part 2 of 8)

My friend Laura took these great shots during the Louisbourg Encampment (July 25-27). You can see the lone French captain in dark blue, and all the British invaders encroaching on him. I just love this shot in the fog, because it really makes the event seem real to me.

The Louisbourg National Historic Site put on this encampment as part of the 250^th anniversary of the second siege. During the second siege the British took over from the French. This is when the fortress was destroyed back in mid-1700s.

Today, you can visit this magnificently restored fortress in Cape Breton from May to October. Depending on the day, the French or the British may be in power, but you will be sure to experience how these fort dwellers lived in the early 1700s.

This second shot was taken from across the harbour and featured the modern-day Louisbourg Lighthouse. It's the fourth lighthouse built on this site, and you can see the ruins of the other three if you look closely. This working lighthouse site is oldest in North America.

York ReDoubt...No Doubt Part 2

While on a recent visit to York ReDoubt National Historic Site, I couldn't help but notice a pattern that was emerging as I snapped pictures. There was something about doors that kept popping up. I guess it is a fort afterall and it's supposed to keep people out.

Well, here is my collection of doors.

What's behind door #1: A stone wall

What's behind door #2?: A lighthouse at McNab's Island

What's behind door #3?: Your imagination

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?

Halifax Club Luncheon Theatre, Nova Scotia

Until early Fall, the Halifax Club is serving lunch, afternoon tea, and high tea with a twist.

I checked out one of this season's theatrical luncheons, and I was delighted to experience hilarious interactive performances, dating back to the 1800s. The Cunard family wowed me with their dated outlook on the world. For example, when I took out my digital camera, I got some pretty funny looks. They had never seen the likes!

We were served delicious tea, sandwiches and squares while we watched the performers tell stories about the goings on in Halifax at the time.

From time to time the actors engaged the audience. All of the tables were brimming with happy participants. It was a wonderful way to clear my head over lunch and take in some Nova Scotia history.

Lunenburg, South Shore, Nova Scotia

I heard today that Lunenburg ranked 16th in Trip Advisor's 2008 top 25 travel destinations in Canada. I'm very impressed that this quaint little fishing village on the South Shore of Nova Scotia, and home to the Bluenose II, is such a popular destination Canada-wide.

The news reminded me to plan my annual trip down to Lunenburg this summer to see what's new at the Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic, wave to this year's Bluenose II crew, and enjoy some fish cakes with rhubarb chutney at my favourite Lunenburg restaurant - Magnolia's Grill.

Happily, my friend Cordell recently attended the Toronto Nautical Festival, and he shared this great shot of himself with our beloved Bluenose II tall ship in the background.

DRUM! Nova Scotia (Part 1 of 2)

Over the past couple of months, I've been involved in the makings of two Gathering Chants with the amazing artists from DRUM! Thanks to Trevor my instructor (featured in full dress in the image on the right), I've learned to keep the beat Mi'kmaq style.

I think the DRUM! website says it best: "DRUM! is a spectacular musical event featuring four of Nova Scotia's principal cultures: Aboriginal, Black, Celtic and Acadian in a heart-pumping fusion of music, dance, rhythm and song."

What an awesome experience it was for my friend Karen and me to create the pulse for our chant with teams of people gathered around, and beating on, big Mi'kmaq drums. All the while, we were belting out the Mi'kmaq lyrics. Suffice it to say, we got goose bumps. Thanks go to my friend Lang for taking this action shot of us.

After my participation in these Gathering Chants, featuring performances from artists in all four cultures, I can't wait to check out one of the DRUM! performances held throughout the fall across Nova Scotia.