Profile
Blog
Photos
Videos
After my zen start to the day at Blue Rocks, I got back in my Fusion, grabbed a map and plotted out my day. I had initially thought I'd drive straight to Wolfville but I wasn't really ready for a city (even a small and reportedly beautiful city). So I opted to detour through Halls Harbour - I even got my GPS working to direct me and off I set.
Driving across Nova Scotia was really pretty - so many trees! As I approached Halls Harbour I drove up a huge hill (when does a hill become a mountain?) and was greeted by the Bay of Fundy! Halls Harbour was a cute little stop - more fishing boats, beautiful scenery, fresh lobster (I desperately wanted one but I was not the least bit hungry and my financial responsibility kicked in).
When I left Halls Harbour, I was still planning on going to Wolfville but the mapped out route looked terribly boring. Determined to find a more scenic route, I took a random turn in the general direction of where I was headed and figured I would eventually end up somewhere near Wolfville.
This was definitely better and drove among fields and farm houses but it still wasn't quite scenic enough. Even though, my map did not show any roads that went along the Bay of Fundy I was sure that it must be wrong so I made another turn. I was now on a dirt road leading pretty much opposite of my desired destination. Still, my logic (and keen navigational skills) told me that I could take this road until I reached water and then turn towards the right direction and have a great view (still with me?).
Well this old dirt road twisted and turned and was pretty narrow, not to mention deserted. The thought of turning around came and went. After all, despite having lost track of which direction I was headed, I was still sure that it would take me to where I thought I should be going. And besides which I wasn't really sure HOW to turn around on a road like this. Eventually it did straighten out and just in time for me to spot another, smaller dirt road veering off to the left of me. It looked like it led straight down to the Bay of Fundy. I had just passed it so I stopped, reversed about 20 feet or so and made my way down Old Baxter road, which was even more twisty and narrow.
When I got the end (it stopped right at the edge of a cliff over looking the water), I got out, looked around and discovered I'd landed in one of the coolest places I'd ever been.
It was low tide and the ocean floor was bare except rocks, seaweed and a couple of small boats tied up. There were huge rocks (called flower pots) jetting up from the earth and off to the side was a waterfall.
Two women were out exploring and I climbed down to join them, exhilarated by my found treasure. We said hello and I remarked at how amazing this place was. They asked if I was staying around here.
"Nope, just passing through and took a couple of back roads."
"Really? I am amazed that your found this place - it is Way of the beaten path. We see a lot of tourists here."
"Well I guess it's just my lucky day."
"I'd guess you a pretty brave and adventurous young woman."
However I got here - I couldn't be happier.
The woman gave me a quick tour. Theses flower pots, she said are similar to the more famous ones in New Brunswick. 'But these ones belong to us.' she said proudly. Just on the other side of the flower pots there was a natural bridge formed of rock) and she suggested that I climb across the stream and have a look at that. And while I'm over there I should have a look at the view from that side. Great idea- and I did just that -amazing!
I spent some more time exploring (and snapping pictures that would never be able to live up to this moment) then made my way back up to my car. I took another look and decided I should head back on my adventures. Maps would not work since I had no idea where I was and the GPS was acquiring signals. There was a woman water painting at a picnic table and I asked her how I might get to Wolfville. Her friend came out of the cottage (which looked as though it might be a couple of rooms and a roof) and the two of them bantered about which direction I should go. At some point throughout the direction giving they mentioned 'The Lookoff' and asked if I'd been there. When I said no, they both (finally) agreed that I should hit there first especially since it was on my way. Of course their directions to the look off were inconsistent and somewhat vague but I set off confident that I would be able to find something to look out at.
And then for about the 20th time this trip, I marveled at my uncanny sense of direction because neither of their directions were right but somehow after taking random turns, I found my way to 'the look off'.
WOW - what a great sight to look at! It was beautiful (how many times have I used that word so far, I wonder). Parked at the side of the road, I got out and stared at the vast valley below. Farmlands, water, trees…. so many many textures in the landscapes.
It was almost 4pm and I was hungry. I decided to balance out my days diet of nectarines, carrot sticks, crackers and an entire pack of mentos and I walked across the street for ice-cream!
After my delicious snack I set off again. I was pretty sure my direction giving friends told me that this road would take me straight to Wolfville. Well it didn't. But it did lead me to yet another great spot - Scott's Bay.
A gorgeous beach at low tide . The dark sand just went on and on….
From there I went the wrong way, again but again I ended up with a great view at Cape Split.
At this point, I decided to get serious about heading back to Wolfville. I wasn't really sure how to get there but from what I could see there was only one way out of town (and I use that term loosely) so I went that way.
The one thing I've noticed about Nova Scotia is the lack of road signs. You could drive for miles without any indication of where are or where you might be headed. I stared at my GPS but it was still acquiring signals and my cell was claiming 'no service'. Ah well I didn't really see a lot of options other continuing on my way so kept on and eventually saw a sign that I think said I would eventually find Wolfville. Too bad it was covered by branches.
I should mention that a giant man eating flying beetle was discovered in my car about now. It sat on the passenger seat amidst my pile of travelling stuff and stared at me (really, I could tell). Since I knew it could fly, I braced myself for imminent attack. Unfortunately for me, my road became increasingly challenging (downhill, windy, narrow) and I was forced to ignore my new friend. Every once in a while, I could hear it give off a rustling noise that was clearly an intimidation tactic but I kept my eyes on the road and gave it the cold shoulder.
This worked until I glanced over and it was gone. Seriously, the only thing worse than seeing a creepy looking but in your car was NOT seeing it.
Thankfully I was distracted by civilization. And thankfully I saw clear signs for Wolfville. In a short while, I arrived in the picturesque university town. I drove the main drag orientating myself and looking for a place to sleep. I found one of those [?] signs and followed it to the information centre. As soon as I opened the car door - the man eating beetle flew out. Apparently he was just trying to find his way to Wolfville too. The nice girl at the counter provided me with suggestions of various B&Bs to stay at. I picked the cheapest and closest option a block away from here and 2 blocks from downtown. The nice girl called ahead, confirmed they had a room free and before you know it - I was there and receiving a warm greeting from Brian.
- comments