To say I
was nervous could be considered a bit of an understatement. While I live with
many anxieties, part of that means worrying over small, tiny little,
inconsequential details, such as what if I can’t figure out the automated gate
system at the campground and have to spend the entire trip living out of my car
instead? It turns out it was a lot more simple than I had conjured up in my
head – as is usually the case.
Putting
aside all of these unfounded fears, spending a week amongst nature was just
what I needed. Anyone who argues against the impact that the natural
environment has on our mental and physical health has simple not done it
right…if ever. But the highlight for me was getting to see parts of the
province I have spent the majority of my life in, that I hadn’t previously
seen. And, it was even better to have my favourite four-legged buddy to
experience it all with me. Seriously – Gertie is quite possibly the best little
travel companion I’ve ever had… minus the fact that she refuses to enjoy swimming.
I drove 1285.9 km, at an average speed of 69 km/hr, which took 18 hours and fifteen minutes in total (I got lost or took a wrong turn on more than one occasion...). I read two books, explored numerous Nova Scotian gems (including stays at three provincial campgrounds), thought about what’s next, and finally found the urge to write again. Here are just a few photographic highlights from the week under the care of Mother Nature*:
This was the morning I left from my grandmother’s. It was sunny. Within approximately 30 minutes of this snap, it began to pour! |
Teaching yourself how to put up a tent can be challenging at the best of times. I did it a torrential downpour. This is the look of achievement ...soaking wet! |
The boardwalk behind the municipal building was a great spot to stretch our legs. The sign post indicates how close various cities are, which I always find interesting. |
A view of The Hawk aka the turning point of Cape Sable Island.
The sound of waves crashing not he shore never gets old.
Fort Saint-Louis ... or perhaps just Green Space Saint-Louis... |
One of spots I took a wrong turn landed us at a dead end in Baccaro...which also
happened to house this lighthouse and some painted rocks that were free for the taking,
but I opted not to. Instead, I just took a picture of them all!
Sometimes you just need to take in a little history... like a visit to the Black Loyalist Heritage Centre! |
Finally the rain subsided, and I got to snap this beaut from the campground looking out towards the town of Shelburne. |
Our first stop - post coffee - leaving Shelburne on our way to Grand Lake was the Port Medway Lighthouse. (You will start to notice there’s a bit of a lighthouse visiting theme within this trip!) |
Our second campground happened to be one of my childhood stomping grounds, although only for picnics, never for camping. However, it’s pretty small, so Gertie and I decided to do a little hike in Victoria Park!
Walton Lighthouse located in what apparently used to be known as Petite Riviere.
It had a beautiful view of Cape Split, which happens to be my favourite view in all of Nova Scotia.
Unfortunately, a phone camera doesn’t quite have the zoom technology to capture it!
Another ‘never been’ stop - the Burntcoat Head Park. This is the lighthouse that you will find if you happen to stop in for a visit. |
The tide was on it’s way in...or out, who really knows. It was windy, and loud, and Gertie did not appreciate the many others that came to observe alongside us! She must take after her mother! |
On my final night of camping I found myself to be the only one in the campground. It was really nice to have a quiet night, but also really strange to not see anyone. |
Now that I’ve resurfaced, I’ve found myself in a far less anxious state. I feel a sense of calm that had been missing from the past several months. The week of camping - while a bit tiring - was also much needed. It started out a lot more wet than I’d have preferred, but ended on a sunny and peacefully quiet note.
Reflecting on the entire experience, I’d have to say, that aside from the many sights I was able to take in, the best part was just doing it. I’m not sure I would have done this if I didn’t have Gertie with me, but regardless, I’m really glad I decided to go. The anxieties leading up to the trip were worth it in the end, not only for the state of mind I have been gifted, but for the bragging rights to have faced, yet another, fear and lived to tell about it.
I’m hoping my rejuvenated spirit and rehabilitated love of writing will result in getting this ‘ol blog back up to speed! Until then - take care of your sweet selves!
Reflecting on the entire experience, I’d have to say, that aside from the many sights I was able to take in, the best part was just doing it. I’m not sure I would have done this if I didn’t have Gertie with me, but regardless, I’m really glad I decided to go. The anxieties leading up to the trip were worth it in the end, not only for the state of mind I have been gifted, but for the bragging rights to have faced, yet another, fear and lived to tell about it.
Just a little evening candle action, for if you/re needing a sense of calm yourself! |
-the Orange
Canadian
*Quite
possibly the most hippy thing I have
ever written.
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