Before I became immersed in the world of running, I hiked. I hiked a lot. When I travelled and lived in Korea, I hiked nearly EVERY SINGLE DAY. My pals Lucy and Andrea were my two best hiking pals in Busan. Andrea is back living in Halifax and Lucy is in Ottawa so I do not get to see them very often.
But I was really thrilled to spend some time with Andrea on the trails (and in the Halifax pubs) during my vacation. Andrea will forever be my saviour! Read all about how I was stranded with a broken toe on top of a Korean mountain here.
Anyway I digress … So Andrea and I were in the Valley at the same time so we decided to do this short trail. Neither one of us have been there before so it would be a fun venture. It was 10 on the easy scale. We took our time posing for photos and enjoying the fresh air. I even stopped to do a plank a few times. Not sure if my form was spot on in this picture but it will do.
It was really great to see Andrea. It was great to relive some memories including the “toe drama” and other jaunts. We picked up in our friendship where we left off. Some exciting news in her world, she’s getting hitched next year. I am thrilled for her!
A few days before I met Andrea I decided to check out Cape Split on a whim. I noticed the sign on the road and I thought what the heck. I wasn’t really prepared to hike. I didn’t have any food and little water.
Now that I have hiked/ran the route, I can firmly say the toughest part was getting to the trailhead. Look at these potholes. Nova Scotia Tourism needs to talk to the province. Cape Split, on the Bay of Fundy, is one of the go-to destinations for tourists in this region. It’s appalling that they have to lose their car in a pothole en route. This was not just a short patch. There’s probably at least 2 kms of potholes. Serious stuff. Cars were swerving all over the road to avoid other vehicles and the potholes. Very disappointing.
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Still the view was breathtaking. There’s not much to see on the heavily forested trail leading to the cape. I followed these three guys along the trail. They were going pretty slow for my liking so I kept a reasonable distance from them.
There were about half a dozen people on the top having picnics and taking in the view. Apart from the human voices, the only sounds were those of wildlife. I spent a few minutes at the peak stretching and breathing in the sea water infused air. I didn’t waste time walking/hiking down. I ran. (I only wish I had worn my running bra. Yes, maybe that’s TMI). I highly recommend this 16 km trail if you’re looking for a sweet run. On a difficulty scale, I would give it a 4.
Have you ever started hiking only to end up running?
lol Am MUCH more likely to start running and end up hiking!! Gorgeous pics, after Nova Scotia Tourism fixes their potholes they should hire you to do promotion!