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Help us plan activities and advocate for safe, connected Active Transportation in our communities. Basic membership is free.
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February Report
Cold, snow, rain - and ice grippers.
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February has been cold and wet this year so most people were glad to hear that Shubenacadie Sam predicted an early spring. And, in case that wasn't exciting enough, Sam created even more action during his Groundhog Day outing when he bit a reporter. Apparently, Sam calmed right down after his stroll, which just goes to show that anyone can benefit from a walk on a grey day.
Our February outings included walks, hikes and ice crossings on the Shore and to other areas. We even held our first two-day adventure in Economy. Read more about the journeys in SATA on the Road. Thanks this month to Mona Bordage. Wendy Hanlen, Mary MacDonald, Anne O'Sullivan, and Shirley Smith for pictures and quotes. Many of the contributions came via Facebook posts so please keep sharing your thoughts and pictures so those of us who could not participate can still enjoy the discovery.
March promises to be another full schedule of events. Read more in Upcoming Events and find event details - including meeting times and places - on the activity page on our website. March is another unpredictable weather month so be sure to check the Facebook page for most current information. Note that there is no scheduled activity during March Break.
Patricia Richards has provided a brief update on the Gaetz Brook Greenway development in our SATA Trails Updates.
Read our In Other News section to see some updates about AT in the province and across Canada.
That is it for this month. Happy trails. We'll see you out there.
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SATA Trails Update
Gaetz Brook Greenway
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Planning continues for work on the Gaetz Brook Greenway in preparation for the summer work session.
Tender documents for necessary work on the three steel bridges have been prepared and delivered. Submissions will be evaluated with assistance from WSP Consulting.
Look for updated in next newsletter.
As we have written in past newsletters, this greenway on the abandoned rail covers several areas of historical interest. We are continuing to develop the final design of the Greenway and still looking for input on strategies for recognizing the area history. You are invited to share your thoughts on trail design at
info@shoreat.ca or through the Contact Us page on our website.
DID YOU KNOW that there is an active - and growing- Facebook page where people are sharing their memories of growing up in the area? Check it out at head & east chezzetcook gaetz brook/ conrod settlement community group.
SATA Directors thank you again for ongoing support for this project.
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SATA on the Road
The cold never bothered us anyway.
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Have you joined a SATA outing? We would love to see you pictures and hear about your experience. Tell us what made the day fun or memorable. Post directly on our Facebook page or submit a paragraph or two for our newsletter by sending it to info@shoreat.ca.
We are always looking for new places to explore so if you have an idea for a SATA adventure, we would love to learn about it. Feel free to share images or descriptions on our Facebook page, email them (info@shoreat.ca), or talk to one of our event leaders when you join them for an activity.
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Nine Mile River Trails (Jan. 25, 2018)
"The icy trail conditions today didn’t deter the SATA hikers. A lovely view of the Nine Mile River and grand hemlocks. This looks like a place to snowshoe when we get more snow."
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Sir Sandford Fleming Park (Feb. 1, 2018)
SATA started the month with a trip to the Frog Pond and the Dingle. The icy conditions created some dramatic scenery and slippery patches; it was a good thing everyone was wearing their grippers. After the walk, it was off to the Timber Lounge on Agricola to explore an activity new to most of us.
Congratulations to Mary, the axe-throwing champion. Thanks to Susan for the activity suggestion. Too bad you couldn't join the fun but you were there in spirit.
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ECONOMY 2-DAY WINTER ADVENTURE
On February 15-16, SATA event leaders planned a special 2-day trip with an over night stay. Six people stayed for the whole time and others joined for part of the trip.
Participants visited the Mi'Kmaway Debert Interperative Trail, spent the night at the Four Seasons Resort in Economy, explored the trails in Victoria Park and even made a shopping stop at Stanfield Outlet Store.
A good - and active -time was had by all. It is the first time that SATA has offered an extended trip but it won't be the last.
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2-day Winter Adventure (Feb. 15-16, 2018)
Mary summarized the trip this way: "We explored new trails, found new waterfalls, enjoyed the Fundy ice sculptures and battled lots of ice underfoot."
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Five Island Shore (Feb. 15, 2018)
Shirley shared this colourful description:
"To me it was spectacular to enjoy the ice formations on the Five Island Shore. They were magical and the colour is so unusual. It reminded me of chocolate crackle ice cream. They had gnome houses and fairy dwellings."
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Hemlock Ravine (Feb 22, 2018)
Mary shared pictures and details on our Facebook page:
"Nice to revisit Hemlock Ravine and the Heart Shaped Pond. I haven’t been here for 40 years. Hemlock and Yellow Birch are still majestic and the trails are in fantastic shape. This 4km trail would make a great family hike."
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Upcoming Activities
Join us to explore
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Planned outings for March:
Thurs. Mar 1 - Carrolls Corner Mastodon Trail - (5-7 km hike)
A lovely community trail through a mature forest with some nice stands of Hemlock. Part of the Trans Canada Trail, it has a new 1km portion that was developed late last fall. If completed it will give us a great view into National Gypsum's Pit ( largest gypsum quarry in the world and the site where they discovered the Mastodone bones)
Thurs. Mar. 8 - Fat Biking & Hiking, Victoria Park, Truro
We are meeting Daisy from Hub Cycle at the top of Young Street, Truro. There is parking and access to lots of trails from this location. She will bring Fat Bikes. We plan to share the bikes so be prepared to hike or bring a trail bike. NOTE: These Fat Bikes do not have studded tires so ride is not happening if trails are icy.
Thurs. Mar. 15 - No Ride scheduled (March Break)
Thurs. Mar. 22 - Lake Charles Hike (6 km one way trail)
We will hike Charles Lake Trail in Shubie Park, exploring the tunnel under Hwy118, Viven's Way, and the Canal Ruins in Portobello. If conditions are icy and walk is likely to be slow, we will leave a car at the Portobello trail head on the Waverly Road.
Thurs. Mar. 29 - Lawrencetown & Conrod Beach (options 3.5 - 12 km, trail and beach)
We will venture along Atlantic View Trail west to Conrad Road then walk out to Conrad Beach, a hidden gem in our community.
Visit our Activity Calendar for all event details. As always, be sure to watch our Facebook page for the most current news on outings, updates, weather changes, and event pictures.
Remember:
- 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.
- 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.
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In Other News
Updates from other organiziations working to improve Active Transportation in Nova Scotia
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Atlantic Canada AT Summit - May 23-24, 2018
The Union of Nova Scotia Municipalities’ Active Transportation Committee, in partnership with the Province of Nova Scotia and the Halifax Regional Municipality, is planning the first Atlantic Active Transportation Summit, to be held on May 23-24, 2018 in Halifax, Nova Scotia. This two-day event will host guest speakers from across Atlantic Canada to inspire attendees and promote information sharing amongst communities and practitioners.
SATA reps will be making a presentation on some of our recent progress and challenges.
Learn more at: unsm.ca/atlantic-canada-active-transportation-summit.html
Gran Fondo Baie Sainte-Marie - Sun. Sept. 23, 2018
Ride Nova Scotia's Acadian Shore and experience breathtaking scenery, challenging routes and unrivaled hospitality!
4 different route options ranging from 35 - 160 k. Only $99 plus tax. Last chance to enter winter promo event: Register by February 28 for a chance to win your registration fees.
Learn more at: facebook.com/GranFondoBaieSainteMarie/
Bicycle Nova Scotia - Call for route recommendations
Bicycle Nova Scotia is creating a "Where to Cycle in NS" guidebook! It is being developed this year for a planned launch date in Spring 2019. They are reaching out to cyclists around the province for suggestion on rides and other useful content for this type of resource.
Visit the BNS website for details on how to get involved.
bicycle.ns.ca/bike-book-outreach/ in this fun project
Bike Week HRM 2018
One of SATA's directors is part of the planning committee for this fun annual event that happens in the first week of June. We'll be planning some local events during that time and perhaps a trip to take part in other planned activities. Do you have ideas for local events or special rides? Would you like to plan and/or lead something during the week? Let us know at info@shoreat.ca.
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Have you joined SATA yet?
Make your voice heard for Active Transportation on the Eastern Shore
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Have you visited our website to register as a member? Member numbers help us increase the impact of our campaigns. If you haven't already joined, please take a minute to do so now and make your voice heard for a safe, sustainable active transportation network in Porters Lake and surrounding communities.
Basic membership is free but you must register.
We have introduced a Full Membership with an annual fee of $10. This fee contributes directly to the cost of advocacy and AT events and also entitles you voting rights at the AGM. Visit our Join Page to learn more.
Help us achieve our vision of a safe, sustainable Active Transportation (AT) infrastructure connecting communities across the Eastern Shore.
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