SATA News August 2018

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HAPPY HALLOWEEN!
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Image from: redbeard-bikes.myshopify.com/blogs/news/

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More Fall Updates

Spectacular colours!

October has been a beautiful month here on the Shore. The colours have been spectacular! For the past couple of season, it has seemed that the colours were duller and did not last too long. This Autumn season, the colours have been so vibrant and they have held on for weeks, despite the winds and rain. Drives along the #7 have offered a blaze of red, yellow and orange, often reflected in calm waters. It has offered joy and colour to all who pass and certainly inspiration to painters, poets and other artists.

The colours have been very visible along the Gaetz Brook Greenway. We have some lovely fall images in our SATA Trails Updates.

Our SATA on the Road doesn't showcase as many trips this issue. Not only was it a shortened time between issues, we had to cancel a couple of outings due to wind and rain. But we have some fabulous shots from the outings that were taken so you won't be disappointed by this months travelogue. We always love seeing shared images on our Facebook page and you are also welcome to send them for the newsletter at info@shoreat.ca. The stories and pictures from the rides are always a favourite part of our monthly news. We recently received this comment from a reader: "Your outings always look like such fun and I love seeing all the places that you visit. Thanks for the tours of the hidden treasures you explore."

This month, Co-Chair Patricia Richards was off on a South American Adventure. She tells us just a little about her trip to Peru in our article Beyond the Shore.

Our Upcoming Events schedule is transitioning from biking to hiking this month and there are some fun and challenging activities planned. As always, be sure to visit our Facebook page for information on planned or new events, pictures and descriptions of past events, and changes to plans, including any necessary cancellations.

Check out our In Other News for updates from other organizations that support active transportation.

Newsletter pictures this month are from Mary MacDonald, Judy Myatt and Shirley Smith.

Enjoy the last of the fall colours and get out walking. Stay safe and be sure that you are visible when you are out on the roads at this time of year when the days are getting shorter - and drivers are still adjusting.

Happy trails.

Thanks for playing our choose-your-own-caption adventure

"Things are looking up for SATA". - from John Hawkins
"Da plane, da plane!" - from Darlene Hart
"Is it a bird? Is it Superman? or a flying saucer?" - from Dee Dwyer

And several anonymous contributions;
"wtf???????"
"Oooooh. aaaaah. Wow."
"Did anyone else see that?"
"OMG - how did THAT get there?"
"Do you think we should call someone?"

Thanks again to Darlene Hart for the picture
(we're all curious Darlene - what is the real story behind this fun shot?)

SATA Trails Update

Walking and biking the trail

The trail is looking great and has been greeting fall walkers and cyclists with an amazing colour show. Mary took her bike down the trail last week and captured some beautiful pictures to share.

Remember that we are still seeking stories and pictures about features of cultural, historic or natural interest along the Gaetz Brook Greenway. If you would like to volunteer or share your stories, you can reach us through the Contact Us page on our website or with an email to info@shoreat.ca.

Judy has been posting some glorious shots of her views in Gaetz Brook. Stunning. Thanks for sharing!

SATA on the Road

Grey skies and bright leaves

Share your active transportation adventures on our Facebook page or submit a paragraph or two for our newsletter by sending it to info@shoreat.ca.

Duncan's Cove (Oct. 25, 2018)

Mary shared a lovely description of this gorgeous hike:
Duncan’s Cove was amazing today. Constant light changes as the sun ducked in and out. Granite boulders contrasting with the flaming fall colour of the huckleberry. This is a tough hike and we will go better prepared next time.
Great place to watch seals playing and sunning

Shirley added: Wow what a beautiful beautiful place Duncan’s Cove!!

Their pictures let us share the striking scenery of this challenging hike.

Shubie Park, Nordic Pole Walk (Oct. 26, 2018)

Judy shared some thoughts on the scenery at Shubie:
The bark is really showing up now that their clothing is all on the ground.
What a treasure!

Don't know what was more interesting: the nuthatches that were so friendly and unafraid or this most interesting bird house/ feeder .

Beyond the Shore

Active travel to distant shores

Patricia Richard had an adventure to Peru this month. She shared an overview of her journey. We look forward to hearing more of her stories.

I didn’t go to Peru for a cycling or hiking holiday but for a cultural, unique experience. It was unique because I felt that I got to see how real people live. I was fortunate to visit with people in their homes and see some of the issues that Peruvians experience. My two brothers make this possible, but that is another part to the story.

I believe Peru is all about the people even though there are many beautiful historical places to visit as well as trails and even opportunities for cycling excursions. Also to add, Peru has the longest waves in the world for the best surfing. A Chezzetcook influenced Company is providing an opportunity to surf and work there.

The people of Peru are extremely friendly, humorous and calm. They have had many hardships but seem somehow to move forward in a positive approach to life.

I wasn’t there long enough but believe it is indeed a place to visit and get to know Peruvians. They rock!

Parting shots and thoughts

Picture taken by M.E. O'Toole on Musquodobit Trail (Oct 2018)

Upcoming Activities

Something for everyone. Come explore!

Currently scheduled outings:
Thurs. Nov. 1 - Lawrencetown to Conrad Beach (Hike ~12 k)
We will venture along Atlantic View Trail west to Conrad Road out to Conrad Beach. This is a hidden gem in our community. This will be approx 12 km walk If you want to make it shorter you could join us at Conrad Road for a 8 km hike or at Conrad Beach parking lot for 3.5 km beach walk.

Thurs. Nov. 8 - Taylor Head Bob Bluff to Bull Beach (Hike~5k)
We will start on the main beach in Psyche Cove and head out to the headland at Bob Bluff then along Ranger Bluff to Bull Beach. This trail gives us views into Mushaboom Harbour and some of the 100 Islands. Lots of shore birds and seals
It is always cooler out here so be prepared and bring food and water.

Thurs. Nov. 15 - Musquodobit Trails Admiral Lake Loop (Hike~ 10 k)
This is a 5.5km loop trail with 5 stunning look offs. It is rugged terrain with lots of ups and downs and large granite boulders. It starts at the 1.8km mark on the Musquodoboit Trail and exits at the 2.7km mark so this adds 4.5km to your hike. It takes 4 to 4.5 hours to do the entire trail including a side trip to Skull Rock and lots of breaks. Hiking boots and poles are recommended.

Thurs. Nov. 22 - Gully Lake Protected Wilderness Area (Hike~ 15 k)
Gully Lake Trail, 10.0 km long, begins about 4 km from the Gully Lake Wilderness trail head or 1.5 km from the Van der Veen Road entry point. The trail has sugar maple, red spruce and white spruce woods, and a huge variety of lichens, mosses, and wildflowers - testament to the lack of pollution in the protected wilderness area. The trail passes many old logging camp sites, a Salmon River log brow, Small Pox clearing, a wilderness lake, many brooks, and 4 waterfalls.

Thurs. Nov. 29 - Dartmouth City Walk (Hike~ 15 k)
We will walk and explore Dartmouth, canal system and waterfront.

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SATA events are open for participants of all ages and abilities and follow a relaxed pace. Events are at a relaxed pace with time for discovery and photography.Visit our Activity Calendar for all event details and new events. As always, be sure to watch our Facebook page for the most current news on outings, updates, weather changes, and event pictures.

Remember:

We would love to hear any suggestions for new routes - or old favourites. Talk to activity leaders, share on our Facebook Page or contact info@shoreat.ca with any ideas.

In Other News

Updates from other organiziations working to improve Active Transportation in Nova Scotia

Halifax Cycling Coalition - Survey due by Nov 16
North End and West End Bikeways
From the HCC Chainring newsletter: The city is hosting a public consultation...for the North End and West End bikeways. They are proposing several options connecting through the North End between Africville Lookoff Park and Cogswell Street, as well as through the West End from Windsor Street to the Mumford Transit Terminal.

You can provide feedback by filling out the online survey until Nov. 16, 2018.

Nov 2018 - Hike Nova Scotia - Fall Guided Hikes
Hike Nova Scotia will offer Fall Guided Hikes until mid-November this year. The schedule includes walks around the province and a range of ability levels. See the Hike NS calendar for details. And watch for the Snowshoe hikes, coming soon.

Have you heard about Bike Friendly Nova Scotia?
From the Bike NS website Bike Friendly Certification is a recognition and training program for businesses and institutions that support bicycle commuting, bicycle travel and bicycle tourism experiences in Nova Scotia. Bike Friendly Certification is a brand new program delivered by Bicycle Nova Scotia.

Click here to visit the Bike Friendly Website to join the bike friendly community.

Have you joined SATA yet?
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