Out & Across

12/29/2024

Happy to be outside today 🌊

📍 Pennant Point, Halifax, Nova Scotia

12/16/2024

Mountains + friendship = refreshing 🏔️

📍 King Creek Ridge, Kananaskis, Alberta

11/19/2024

Wellll, it only took 6 months to finish this video 😅
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R7ZydOfKPiI

Here's my Fundy Footpath guide (save for next year!) 🥾
https://outandacross.com/fundy-footpath-new-brunswick-guide/

Are you planning to tackle the Fundy Footpath in New Brunswick? Here's everything you need to know for this rugged backcountry adventure!

10/18/2024

It was so good to get some fresh air and exercise here on Cape Breton Island. Thanks for inviting me along, Sam ✌️

10/06/2024

Well, I’m glad to be back on Cape Breton Island for a short time. The fall colours will show up in full force soon.

Gairloch Falls was on my list last time but didn’t make it. I ventured over yesterday since it’s only 20 minutes from where I’m staying in Middle River. It’s about 6.5 km total with 260 metres in elevation gain. The steepest section is going down (and then back up) to the falls — there’s a rope which was helpful on the slippery patches.

I had this place all to myself. The water is very brisk and I was only in for a few minutes… but I slowed down my breath and felt the cold water’s hug. It was good to get out again!

Have you been to this place? 🍂

09/15/2024

Mom died over a month ago.

Suddenly, tragically, peacefully.

The grief runs deep — not only the shock and pain of losing a mother too soon but also the absurdity of dealing with an undiagnosed narcissistic, sociopathic father. He has long been a perpetrator of psychological, emotional, and physical abuse.

When I was a child, he would often say, “What happens in the home stays in the home” with an underlying threat of violence. After mom passed, I decided not to let an old fear guide my actions — even as familiar worry crept in.

I wrote “Her Final Days” shortly after mom’s death in a desperate attempt to release some deep grief. I have been quietly writing poetry for a few years but this is the first time I’ve chosen to share publicly — for me, for my siblings, for mom, and for anyone feeling as alone as I have felt over the years.

I wasn’t sure if I was going to post about this here on my “professional” account. I ultimately decided that if my words and experience can help someone else feel less lonely in theirs, that’s reason enough to do it.

Along with poetry, the outdoors has been so important for my mental and physical health lately. I’m making time to get out and I hope to be back soon.

Thanks for being part of my world. I’m grateful. 💛

08/03/2024

I’m never happier than I am on the water!! Who’s with me?? 🌊

Here are a few shots from paddling 12 km on Lunenburg Bay yesterday afternoon. It was a gorgeous sunny day — 30 degrees with a cool breeze.

I was thrilled to try out my new Twelve Six Carbon Inflatable SUP from Level Six. It’s easy to inflate and super solid and stable on the water. You can tell this is a high quality paddleboard.

Can’t wait to get out again!!

Canoe Kayak Nova Scotia (CKNS)
Paddle Canada

07/26/2024

Jasper is a special place. Words just aren’t enough.

But even so, I will add my voice to the many who have expressed a deep, deep sadness at the devastation that has taken place. I have incredibly fond memories from Jasper and I’m thinking about all those affected by this tragic event.

I also want to highlight this resource that my friend Leigh from HikeBikeTravel has created for those needing resources: https://hikebiketravel.com/jasper-fire-a-guide-to-navigating-resources/

Jasper, Canada

07/15/2024

The best sunset on the East Coast Trail. Anyone know where this is??

Newfoundland & Labrador Tourism

07/13/2024

Keep the mornings like this coming 😌

📍 Freshwater Bay, Newfoundland & Labrador

East Coast Trail

07/08/2024

Let’s call this one — arse over tea kettle 🤦🏻‍♂️

When on a hiking trail, I have been known to slip or trip from time to time. I don’t think it’s possible to be out as often as I am without a few bumps and bruises.

Yesterday, I had one of the scariest falls in recent memory (shortly after this photo was taken).

I was hiking on Piccos Ridge Path — down a steep section toward Cove Pond Brook. If you’ve never been, there are large boulders and muddy patches on a rather steep grade. With rain the night before and fog all day, the conditions were ripe for an accident.

It happened fast. I unknowingly planted my foot smack-dab in a mud patch. My leg zipped forward. Before I knew it, the weight of my pack ripped me backwards like bungee. I tumbled off the side of the trail. Luckily, there wasn’t too steep a drop. I stopped myself from rolling after a full 360-degree rotation.

All that to say — it can happen to anyone. Take care out there. Watch your step and take your time ✌️

East Coast Trail
Newfoundland & Labrador Tourism

07/06/2024

Here we gooooo!!

336 km of hiking over the next 14 days on the East Coast Trail. Yes, please 🙌

Thanks to my friend Caroline (Adventure With Car ) for helping me organize — picking up maps and supplies and lending me a vehicle for the shuttle. If you don’t already follow her for all things Newfoundland, what are ya waiting for??

Destination St. John's
Newfoundland & Labrador Tourism

07/03/2024

Anyone visiting Hopewell Rocks in New Brunswick soon? 🙋

Here's what you should know 👇
https://outandacross.com/hopewell-rocks-new-brunswick/

📷: Sarah Grant (AKA sister)

New Brunswick / Nouveau-Brunswick
NB Parks/Parcs N.-B.

06/28/2024

Have you been to Blomidon Provincial Park?

A 30-minute drive from Wolfville, NS, visiting Blomidon was a blast from the past for me. I can remember wrestling my friends in these mudflats. What a time!

Blomidon Park offers beautiful campsites, a spectacular beach, and a special experience beside the Minas Basin in Nova Scotia. The Mi’kmaq First Nations tell stories about the creation of Glooscap here at Cape Blomidon. As legend has it, three bolts of lightning brought the gentle giant into being and he made the world habitable for all human beings.

If you’re spending time in Nova Scotia this summer, I highly suggestion visiting Blomidon Beach at low-tide. There are some nice hiking trails nearby, too.

Nova Scotia Provincial Parks

06/27/2024

Hey folks!

Are you hanging out in or near Moncton?
I’ll be over at MEC this evening bringing EAST COAST SUMMER vibes ☀️ (even though it’s raining at the moment… but it’s the perfect chance to be cozy indoors, right? 😁)

Where: MEC Moncton
When: 6:30-7:30pm
What: New Brunswick & Atlantic Canada hiking (day hikes & multi-day), hiking/backpacking gear, tips for safe adventures, and we’ll see what else!

Guests receive 15% OFF club discount.

If you can make it, I’ll see ya there!

06/26/2024

I had such a great time on Cape Breton exploring many trails and waterfalls and beaches — and still much more to see next time!

This list felt impossible — but here we go anyway 🤷

Here are 10 CAPE BRETON GEMS from this trip (minus Seawall because you’ve already heard all about it):

🌊 Spending the night at Cabot Trail Tiny House Vacation Rentals — great location on the Cabot Trail in Margaree Harbour

🌊 Exploring the very popular and short hike to Egypt Falls (RIP DJI Mini 2)

🌊 Eating the mouth-watering club sandwich at Herring Choker Deli — SO GOOD

🌊 Visiting Uisge Ban Falls — what a lovely trail

🌊 Chowing down the burger at Rose's Smash Burgers (chicken sandwich is just as good - WOW)

🌊 Trekking to North River Falls — tallest waterfall in all of Nova Scotia! (Trail is closed… be careful)

🌊 Tasting many craft beers at Big Spruce Brewing — have you tried their NEW “Takes Two to Mango” sour? Oh my…

🌊 Stepping back in time (Outlander vibes) at the Highland Village Museum — even had a little Gaelic lesson. Very fun!!

🌊 Hiking and scrambling up Tenerife Mountain — the effort to reward ratio is off the charts!! Amazing view of Aspy Bay.

🌊 Soaking up the sun on the sandy Ingonish Beach in Cape Breton Highlands National Park

Have you been to Cape Breton Island? What’s one thing you’d add to this list?? 👇

06/24/2024

SEAWALL - 4/4

Day four on Seawall was far easier than the previous couple of days.

After enjoying the morning glow, we packed up and hit the trail by 9:00am. We could’ve started the descent from Bald Mountain right away next to the lake where we spent the night. But we ventured to the true summit for more spectacular views of Blair River Valley and also Polett’s Cove — our direction of the day.

Trekking down from Bald wasn’t nearly as technical as Seawall Mountain — but we still had to watch our step. We missed the trail initially and bushwhacked for a bit until connecting onto the more straightforward route. Then we hoofed it to Pollett’s Cove but not before a short detour to the viewpoint (gotta snap a photo, after all!).

It took us nearly 2 hours to reach the cove. Pollett’s is a beautiful and privately-owned area that allows hiking and overnight camping. In fact, there’s an established hiking trail, several campsites, and a small parking area for Pollett’s Cove. The cove itself is stunning and you can often spot horses grazing in the open pasture. We had a nice break after crossing Pollett’s Cove River and filled up our water bottles.

Like many other outdoor gems across Canada, Pollett’s popularity exploded during and after the pandemic. This led to issues with visitors leaving garbage and gear behind. If you head to Pollett’s Cove, please follow Leave No Trace Principles to help preserve the area. Watch out for the horses, too — they’ve become habituated and may pester visitors (including chewing tents!) to get a bite to eat. That’s one reason why we don’t feed animals in the backcountry, folks. Check out Leave No Trace Canada to learn more.

Hiking up from Pollett’s Cove is fairly steep. Be prepared for a 150-metre climb followed by another 200 metres up to the trailhead on what locals call “Heart Attack Hill.” If you’re a hiker, it’s not too bad but still a workout if you’re rushing to get back. Ash, Sam, and I booked it from Pollett’s as we were on a timeline. The three of us finished around 2:10pm and hiked nearly 11km. The rest of the group met up a bit later.

What an adventure! Thanks to A, G, S, S, & A for fun & good memories 🙌

Seawall Trail
Cape Breton Island
Nova Scotia