Hi All. I’ve been away for a while, but am now back and eager to get out on the trails again. While on the road, I tried to follow along whenever possible with events happening back home in NS. It was good to see people keeping busy with hiking adventures throughout the province; looks like some great memories were made over the past few weeks.  I’m posting this weekend’s hiking schedule here on the blog for the benefit of those who have trouble accessing the calendar on the website:

ROXBURY. Saturday, June 5th, 10AM meetup at Tim Hortons in Bridgetown, Highway 101 Exit 20 (approximately 45 minutes from Kentville). Try to be a few minutes early for coffee refueling and restroom break. We will proceed from here east to Roxbury Road and park near the gravel pit a short distance up the road. This hike will follow Roxbury Road all the way back to Paradise Lake on the South Mountain, points of interest being the ‘ghost town’ of Roxbury, abandoned cemeteries, wells, and scenery. Difficult hike as first 3-4 kms are uphill, with total round-trip distance being approx. 20kms. Bring lots of water, energy snacks/lunch, proper attire and footwear, and bug repellent. Dogs are allowed. Please note that this road is travelled by ATVs and trucks, so be watchful. Current forecast is calling for rain, so if you own quick-dry clothing, wear it.

CAVE CRAWL (HAYES CAVE). Sunday, June 6th, 10AM meetup in Kennetcook, Hants Co. We’re going underground in Hayes Cave, the largest known cave (and bat hibernaculum) in the province. Meetup is in Kennetcook; coming from the south, as soon as you cross the bridge over the river into ‘downtown’ Kennetcook, look for a spot to park on the right between the Guardian Drugs and the river. From here, we’ll drive to the cave location. Email me if you have no idea how to get to Kennetcook (from Lower Sackville, take Beaverbank Rd/Highway 354 north; from Windsor, take Hwy 14 to Brooklyn, then take Hwy 236 east). IMPORTANT CONSIDERATIONS: Participants must not be afraid of the dark, bats, guano, closed spaces, or the fact that there is a LOT of rock overhead. The cave is 1,000 ft long, with rocky, uneven terrain. Crawling not required (except to reach optional places). We will get dirty; wear clothes you don’t mind potentially ruining, or wear coveralls (don’t wear shorts – gypsum can be sharp!). Conditions will be muddy/slippery in places; broken glass is likely present. Bring a reliable flashlight AND a backup light. Bring a ballcap or hood to tuck your hair into, and to help protect your head from bumps (hardhats are fine). Bring gloves (I recommend the cloth gloves with rubber-coated palm and fingers). The air can be chalky inside Hayes Cave; if you have respiratory issues, bring a mask, bring your puffer, or reconsider attending. Cameras will get dirty. Hand sanitizer is a good idea. We must cross a river, so wear pants and footwear that are either waterproof or quick-drying (strive to keep dry; the temps inside the cave are cool). Headlamps are ideal; I use $20 Energizer LED headlamps. No dogs allowed on this hike. This event happens rain or shine, as there will be neither underground.

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