Hitting the 200km Mark

            Hello kind krafters! I hope you’re all doing well, and enjoying these remaining few weeks of summer. I am happy to say I have made a full recovery after being sick for a few weeks, and with that I’m slowly getting back into the swing of evening and weekend adventures. With the procession back into my usual routine, I have also gone back to spending most of my free time working on my Sustainability Internship Project, mapping and hiking HRM trails. As it currently stands I have 10 trails left to map, and four weeks to do it. This week I hit a pretty significant milestone in the mapping process, officially breaking the 200km mark of total kilometre’s hiked since the commencement of this project. 

Between now and the end date for my internship, I will end of hiking approximately 300km, a number even as an active and energetic outdoor recreationalist, I would never have imagined being capable of doing in a single summer. I’m proud of the work I’ve put in so far, and ready to tackle that which still has to come. In the meantime, I thought I would share some lessons I’ve learned over my last 200km of hiking, and share some of the trails I’ve encountered since my list mini-trail review.
 

Lessons Learned on the Trail

• Always bring a quick dry towel, it will help on rainy days, if you have an adventurous pet companion, and to give your sweaty or wet feet a wipe when you get off the trail before heading home.
• On rainy days put your phone in a waterproof sleeve, especially if you’re using it to follow a map or route.
• Bring a portable charger in your pack, and if you have one keep a charger in your car. This is especially helpful if you’re using google maps or GPS which will eat up your battery.
• On that note, use an app that doesn't eat up too much battery! Interning for AllTrails, I 100% recommend their app for your trail adventures!
• Wear moisture wicking socks, I recommend Smartwool. On multiple occasions within minutes of stepping in bogs and puddles and being soaked through, Smartwool has consistently left my feet dry and comfortable, even with a couple of hours of hiking left.
• Get a rain cover for your pack. They will keep your things dry on rainy days, and prevent snags if you’re in a tree covered area or bushwacking.
• Invest in good hiking boots that are actually waterproof and have been broken in on a short hike or walk. I’ve worn Keen Targhee II Mid’s for the past three years, and put over 400km of hiking on my pair.
• Always bring a headlamp, you never know when your plans may take an unexpected turn or end up longer than expected. Be prepared with other supplies such as a pocket knife, matches, shelter, a compass, and first aid supplies.
• If you’re with a pet bring extra water, a water bowl and some food to keep them energized and hydrated.
• Wear lightweight layers you can take off as you warm up and still carry in your pack comfortably.

Put These Tips to Work: More Trails to Check Out in Halifax

Admiral Cove with Eagle Rock and the Bedford Monolith

​This is a beautiful little trail located in Bedford. The trail begins on Shore Drive, winds into the woods and up a hill. Here once you reach the top you encounter the Monolith and receive incomparable views of the Bedford Basin. Continue onwards and upwards and you will each Eagle Rock, offering more breathtaking views of the basin. This one is great for a quick and quiet getaway after work or on a busy day. 

​Old Annapolis Road Trail  

​I mentioned this one in my last post as my first hike after getting sick. It’s a bit off the beaten path, requiring some driving on an old and extra bumpy service road, but is a gorgeous pathway through the woods and surrounding lakes. The areas surrounding the service road in are also nice spots for camping and kayaking. 

McCurdy Woodlot Interpretive Trails ​

​This spot is pretty cool. The woodlot is located adjacent to the Musquodoboit Valley Natural Resource Education Centre run by the Department of Natural Resources. The spot demonstrates integrated forest management and offers a plethora of outdoor based education opportunities. The pathways are lined with giant old growth trees and interpretive signs, along with a shorter pathway known as the storybook trail, which guides visitors through the path while displaying pages from a children’s book. 

Uniacke Estates Trails

​Uniacke Estates trails are a series of 8 trails located on the grounds of Richard John Uniacke’s former estate, now preserved as a museum park. The park offers a wide range of outdoor experiences for every level of recreationalist, with short lakeside paths, gravel pathways, and some bushwacking off the beaten path trails at the farthest end of the loop. It’s especially beautiful after a rainy day when the forest is brilliant green. 

Cole Harbour Heritage Park

​This is a pretty gorgeous spot located in Cole Harbour. An historic site of former farmland, the park has numerous trail options perfect for biking and hiking. The pathways also lead down to the water for amazing sunset views and swimming opportunities. We even saw a giant adolescent eagle when we hiked this trail!

Pennant Point Trail

Amazing up-close coastal views! This trail truly showcases the beautiful of Nova Scotian coasts. It can be pretty boggy (remember those Smartwool socks!) and a bit tricky to follow (check out my AllTrails map for waypoints to watch out for), but it is truly a must hike trail if you’re in Halifax.
 
Now It’s Your Turn
 
      I hope you’ve enjoyed my trail recommendations, and find some benefit in the little tips I’ve shared. As always, please reach out and share with me your trail experiences. And if you have any tips and tricks for staying safe, happy, and comfortable on the trail, share them with me!
 
Stay Kind,
Niki
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