Coastal Adventures
84 Masons Point Road B0J 3H0 Tangier, NS, Canada

Looking out over Tangier Harbour from our home on Christmas eve morning as the sun is about to rise.

Along the expansive rocky shelf of White Island [off Ecum Secum] the tide pools are fringed with a bright green seaweed, Enteromorpha intestinalis. This is a tubular, segmented, annual seaweed and one of the few that are common in the upper tidal zone, especially in isolated pools that are only flushed by high water. Sometimes they even remain isolated for days while the seawater gradually evaporates and the salt concentration, and temperature, rises. Very few plants [or animals] can withstand such extremes of temperature and salinity.

It's been an unusual year, to say the least, but hopefully 2021 is when everything will get back to normal. In the meantime we wish all the best to you and yours for this holiday season. Gayle, Scott, Sadie, Ellie and Poppy

Bothy Bags [named after the shepherd huts in the Scottish Highlands] are personal emergency shelters used for many years in Britain. They provide excellent protection during inclement weather for paddlers, skiers, and climbers. Warms up fast with your own body head. Lightweight, and quick and simple to deploy. No ropes or trees needed! 4-Person [best for 2 people]: $95 + tax 8-Person [best for 4-6 people]: $150 + tax We can drop off in Halifax/Dartmouth.

Passing by a few cormorants this summer during a calm day off of Ecum Secum [Eastern Shore]

Impressive cliffs of pillow basalt tower above the northern side of Black Island [Bay of Exploits, Newfoundland]. These were formed from volcanic islands in an ancient ocean that separated an early North America and an early Africa [and were probably much like Iceland today]. When these continents collided the islands were thrust up against North America, where they remained attached when the continents eventually separated again [to create the Atlantic Ocean].

Heading towards the White Islands [Eastern Shore] during our Bay of Islands tour. These outposts are among the farthest from the mainland and the sea state en route can be very challenging due to the numerous shoals along the way. However, on that particular day it was flat as far as the eye could see.

We are offering a 10% discount for Christmas Gift Certificates on any of our 2021 day trips, tours or courses for that special someone (which could even be yourself!). For the 2021 program check our website: http://www.coastaladventures.com/

Assisting on a recent PC Level 4 course with Committed to the Core off Laney Island [Little Harbour, Eastern Shore]

Pilot whales during a tour along the CB Highlands coast [north of Polletts Cove]

In October we once again headed up to the Cape Breton Highlands to explore this fascinating wilderness region during the height of the autumn colours. Our trek this time took us from Aspey Bay across to the Gulf of St. Lawrence via Grays Hollow gorge and Polletts Cove River.

The red seaweed Irish Moss [Chondrus crispus] washed up on shore in various stages of bleachng

Artwork by P. Wolfe on a Cape Breton Island beach [with apologies to Edvard Munch - and all Norwegians]

Last Saturday [October 24] we led our third Destination Paddle along the coastline near Owls Head. Each trip was different and during this late fall paddle it was cloudy with occasional drizzle [and no sign of the promised sunny breaks]. We encountered an interesting sea state in some areas however the wind was light and the water was warm for this time of year - aided no doubt by the southerly breeze and the effects of Hurricane Epsilion far out to sea. It was an exciting day.

Meandering among the inner shoals at low tide near Little Harbour during our latest Destination Paddle[and probably last this season] During this trip we explored the coastline near Owls Head but the weather, although relatively warm [14C], did not include the sunny breaks promised in the forecast. We stuck to the inner islands as the often unpredictable, and very large, swells from Epsilon were where washing over the outer shoals.

After crossing over the plateau, the hiking was much easier on the trail leading from Pollets Cove to Red River [climbing up here from Otter Brook].

Day two on our recent backcountry trek from Aspy Bay to Red River across the Highlands. We are about to reach the narrow divide [or the narrows as I like to call it] coming up from Grays Hollow- and the only place where you can cross the northern Highlands from south to north without having to descend deep into a valley and up the other side.

Near Cape North during a previous trek in the Cape Breton Highlands. This week we are heading up there once again to explore another backcountry area.

OWLS HEAD DESTINATION PADDLE Join us on Saturday October 24th for our final Destination Paddle of the season where once again we will explore this coastline and islands around Owls Head [rain date Sunday, October 25]. Over the past several months, a debate has surrounded the planned sale of public lands at Owls Head and Little Harbour to a private developer to build a series of golf courses. This topic has divided the community between those who consider it a good economic ch...oice and those who are concerned that a precious and pristine coastline is about to be lost to us. On October 24 you can come and see for yourself what is at stake. Coastal Adventures will lead a day long paddle along this beautiful, rugged shoreline, and out to the adjacent islands. We will supple cold water gear if needed [e.g., paddling jacket, wet suit]. Cost: $90/person [with your own equipment] $125/person kayak and equipment supplied by Coastal] Contact us for further details: info@coastaladventures or 1-877-404-2774

Heading across Popes Harbour in a bit of a swell [towards Gerard Island, the Eastern Shore] on our most recent Ocean Bridge expedition.

Paul checking out a piece of turf that is being frittered away by the sea [near Laybold Island, 100 Wild Islands]. It is a remnant of a previous era when the sea level was much lower, the coastline further to the east, and the land covered with forests and bogs. Over time the rising sea [coupled perhaps with the sinking land] invaded river valleys and surrounded the hills, creating islands. The existing vegetation has slowly been eroded over time leaving these earlier remnants struggling to survive. It is a process that continues to this day and when they finally succumb to their unwinnable battle with the elements only the barren bedrock will remain.

Throughout history mushrooms have been regarded with fear and fascination - sometimes revered, sometimes hated, but always mysterious. Join Dr. Scott Cunningham, co-founder of the Halifax Field Naturalists and mushroom expert, on a foray to learn more about this much maligned group of organisms. Find out what is fact and what is fantasy, what is edible and what is poisonous and where (and when) to find them. Discover how fungi are absolutely essential to our well being. When:... Sunday, October 4, 10 am Where: Taylors Head Provincial Park Cost: Free https://www.facebook.com/friendsoftaylorhead/ Note: Bring a small basket, roll of wax paper, knife, lunch and clothing appropriate for the weather (rain or shine).

Arriving at Egg Island, one of the more remote lights along the Eastern Shore.

A large, and noisy, colony of Grey Seals hauled out on the Ship Ledges at low tide, just south of Egg Island on our recent Destination Paddle.