RastaNov 26, 2023

"Hello there!, I'll be your tour guide on a boating adventure, a day of exploration, in the summertime.

This is a harbour seal, I think. I refer to them as the Cute seals, the Grey Seal is much larger & also called a horsehead seal, because, THEY UGLY! 😂​

You don't have to be in a boat to see these. I can walk to most shorelines and see them.

These swim right up to the river.
https://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/fisheries-peches/seals-phoques/species-especes/index-eng.html

#StoryTime #WildIslands #Adventure @capla #Seal #Ocean #Boating #Hiking #Exploration

Identify a species

Identify a species

Show threadRastaNov 26, 2023

We will be making this trip in a square back canoe. This isn't a portable canoe, it's solid fiberglass, very heavy, molded seats, square back.

My wife is disabled, & cannot help lift, load or move a boat. I have to move this beast myself.

1st photo isn't mine, it's a sample to show the size & weight before we begin.

My wife is sitting in front, we have a #fishing rod with us every time we go out on the ocean.

44°54'26.9"N 62°17'42.7"W
#WildIslands #Adventure #Ocean #Boating #Hiking

Show threadRastaNov 26, 2023

It's not without risk. We are two seniors, alone, in an isolated rural community. The likelihood we would see another boat is rare.
On the way out, we saw one guy go by. You have to know the area, there are rocks, ledges, places to run aground. A larger boat could not go where we go. That's part of the advantage we have. We only need 2 feet of water to pass over rocks or obstacles. Unmarked, of course.

#WildIslands #Adventure #Ocean #Boating #Hiking #Exploring

Show threadRastaNov 26, 2023

A better look at the island from Google Maps, If you are local, you can see this from the Number 7 highway at Harrigan Cove ( #Halifax )
https://www.google.com/maps/@44.9155331,-62.2958808,787m/data=!3m1!1e3?entry=ttu

It took us about 30 minutes to arrive. The boat doesn't travel very fast, with two people and an electric trolling motor.

It was hard and damaging to drag the boat onto the shore. I carry a few pieces of Plastic Pipe, to roll the boat up, because I have to do it alone.

#WildIslands #Adventure #Ocean #Boating #Hiking #Exploring

Bevor Sie zu Google Maps weitergehen

Show threadRastaNov 26, 2023

I sometimes worry, that someone might take our stuff, cut our boat free & leave us stranded.

I checked to see if there was any cellular signals out there, in case we got into trouble.

Leaving the boat here, seemed like the easiest place to get back off the shore, when the tide drops. We will be here all day, the boat will be high & dry; the rock ledges will be visible on low tide, we can't leave the same route on a different tide.

WE ARE NOT ALONE! #Deer

#WildIslands #Hiking #Exploring

Show threadRastaNov 26, 2023

All of #NovaScotia has amazing shorelines, some sandy, some with fascinating rock deposits.

As we move from the north end of the island, we cross an area called THE TURNIP PATCH, probably named for the turnip size boulders that have piled up in a big heap, on a narrow stretch between the end, and the main island portion.
Storms wash up debris, #FlotsamAndJetsam & driftwood
We discovered something else...
Heaps of Marine mammal bones!

#Rocks #Beach #Shoreline #WildIslands #Hiking #Exploring

Show threadRasta

On the seaward side, the waves on most days, come crashing ashore, but we'd find heaps of bones in between.
Seals are known to fight, and perhaps that's what caused deaths, or they come here to die?
I set a few bones on a rock to get a photo.
There's some pretty interesting stuff, on beaches, such as the blanket of irish moss and kelp at the water's edge.

Difficult walking here, my wife has a cane

#HarriganCove #Halifax #NovaScotia #Shoreline #Rocks #Beach #WildIslands #Hiking #Exploring

Nov 26, 2023 at 12:53pmWeb
Show threadRastaNov 26, 2023

Irish Moss (Chondrus crispus) is used as a thickening & gelling agent in foods and other products.

It is also used to clarify beverages such as beer.
https://www.bannerhealth.com/healthcareblog/teach-me/pros-and-cons-of-sea-moss-irish-moss

When we were kids, we'd gather it to sell, it has health and nutritional benefits.

You'd break your neck if you stepped on this, it's extremely slippery.
Some interesting shapes and textures on #Driftwood;
I brought a big one home.

#Shoreline #IrishMoss #SeaMoss #Food #Health #Kelp #Beach #WildIslands #Exploring

The Pros and Cons of Sea Moss (Irish Moss) | Banner Health

Sea moss may look like something only sea animals eat, but it could also be good for humans. Understand the pros and cons of this superfood of the sea.

Show threadRastaNov 26, 2023

If you follow my Island stories, you'll know that I clean beaches, and bring in debris for proper disposal.
You can see the Turnip patch wood and debris from Satellite

I really wanted this Navigational Buoy. They don't recapture them, they put up new ones, when storms tear them free. I knew where a RED and GREEN one were, on different beaches.
Port And Starboard gate-posts of a Sailor's Driveway, MINE!

#FlotsamAndJetsam #Shoreline #NavigationBuoy #Culvert #Beach #WildIslands #Exploring

Show threadRastaNov 26, 2023

We had barely made the main part of the island, before it got sunny (and warm) and I spotted that same boat we saw leaving the harbour, heading home. Easier to see the man now that it is sunny.

We haven't seen him, but that HUGE deer is nearby. I can tell by the fresh scat (deer poop)
He's probably watching us carefully and stepping behind a tree to hide from us, as we pass by. I looked really hard. Never saw him.

Walking is difficult now

#Shoreline #Beach #WildIslands #Exploring #Hiking

Show threadRastaNov 26, 2023

My wife could not get up a steep grade, so I stopped to take photos and let her stumble on ahead to catch up to her in a few minutes.

From my high point, I can see out to sea, other islands in the distance, and looking back to the left, you can see The Turnip Patch that we left earlier. It seems like forever, we're into about 3 hours now. It's a big island.

A seal follows us like a puppy dog, as we walk near it on the shoreline .

#Shoreline #Beach #WildIslands #Exploring #Hiking #Seal

Show threadRastaNov 26, 2023

There were people living here once. I've been in contact with relatives of early settlers, asking me if I saw graves of their Great GrandFather on the island. Most likely, grown over and hidden.

We did discover a modern day camp. We gave it a wide berth. We don't want to be suspects in break-ins or vandalism. Most isolated camps have plenty of trail cams capturing wildlife and intruders.

We're just explorers.

I want that green buoy too!
#Field #cabin #WildIslands #Exploring #Hiking #buoy

Show threadRastaNov 26, 2023

First settlers were the BAPTISTE families, hence the name of the island. On the mainland, they also owned land, far back from the shore. We also went there, to check for signs of graves, of the relatives who contacted me and asked. We're good that way, I'll do the legwork to help them find their genealogical roots. I do my own genealogy.

Explaining why this field exists, there were likely grazing animals once. Cows or sheep.

#History #Foundation #Settlers #WildIslands #Exploring #Hiking

Show threadRastaNov 26, 2023

It's mid-afternoon, and we're just reaching the woods. This island fools you. You think you can walk it in a short while but it's an all day adventure.

We've reached a summit, and the view is excellent, trees so dense you need to turn back several times to find an alternative route.

#Forest #Trees #WildIslands #Exploring #Hiking

Show threadRastaNov 26, 2023

I don't know about you, but these views take my breath away. You can go see Peggys Cove if you like, this is what I like to see. No tourists, nobody knows it but us.
(and 100 fishermen LOL)

Did you ever walk a shoreline so rugged? It's hard for an able body hiker, I had to pull my wife over some of these rocks, there was no way for her to reach or balance her cane.

The next page ( #thread ) will show more of the walking surface we navigated

#Forest #Trees #WildIslands #Exploring #Hiking

Show threadRastaNov 26, 2023

If you haven't already discovered?
I promote #NovaScotia wherever I go. You'll never see it all, you might as well just move here? Most of Ontario Canada has already done so, it seems. There's a dozen people I personally met, that did, in these small rural villages along the #EasternShore of #Halifax

Anyone living on the shoreline, probably has a boat of some type, livelihood in these parts comes from the sea. It's not farmland.

#Rock #RockFormations #Beach
#WildIslands #Exploring #Hiking

Show threadRastaNov 26, 2023

PACK A LUNCH ALWAYS!

We stopped here for a bite to eat. Whenever we're going boating, the timeframe is unpredictable. Carry water, food, and a small emergency shelter kit. It's easy to get stranded alone.
#NovaScotia When Are You Coming To Visit? #WAYCTV ◄ follow that hashtag. It's for baiting #tourists .

Our seal took off when we were inland, now we have sea birds to watch as we eat lunch.
Then, back into woods.

#NovaScotia #EasternShore #Halifax #Beach #WildIslands #Exploring #Hiking

Show threadRastaNov 26, 2023

Tried to run, Tried to hide...😎​
BREAK ON THROUGH TO THE OTHER SIDE ♪
Oh look, another small cove with a bit of a beach. The tide has dropped considerably. It's going to be hard to get the boat back in the water when we find it again.

Wouldn't you love to be here?
All by yourself, only seabirds and surf, no people, no pressure, at your own pace, EXPLORE! #WAYCTV ?

And then the rocks reappeared...
I'm getting tired & my wife is exhausted
#NovaScotia #Beach
#WildIslands #Exploring #Hiking

Show threadRastaNov 26, 2023

We have to clear a path, trees and obstacles ,and that green buoy I want. It's frustrating that I have to leave them here, there's no way to get them home. I've been trying to get two for 5 years. I know where 2 green ones washed up, but someone (or the sea) took my red one.

Back on the opposite side of the Field there was a big piece of driftwood. I wanted it. I had to bring back a smaller one instead 😢​
My wife testing the water temp.
She wants to swim.

#Beach #WildIslands #Exploring

Show threadRastaNov 26, 2023

The forest is too dense to shortcut the rough shoreline. We tried a few times to penetrate that tangled mess.

I'm still cleaning beaches and collecting trophies, I've set down my jacket, backpack and a small buoy that I could carry.

Neverending Beaches. A dozen small coves, one rocky, one sandy, one rocky, one sandy.
All day, we really underestimated this hike. #Exhausted

BTW, we've been back again since this, buoys were gone 😿​
#Beach #WildIslands #Exploring

Show threadRastaNov 26, 2023

LOOK AT THIS? #LOOK
On one island, there could be a dozen visitors, you'd never see each other, and never have to share a beach. The Turnip Patch is ahead. We've almost returned. ALMOST. Another hour? Maybe.

I'm sure we left the boat over there somewhere? I don't want to try to get home in the dark, we don't even have any lights.

It appears to be much further yet

I can see the mainland. The bridge is at Harrigan Cove

Not even close to the boat yet

#Exhausted #WildIslands #Exploring

Show threadRastaNov 26, 2023

That can't be the same seal, ours was cuter. Looks like a big Grey Seal, they look like a 'U' shape when they lay on rocks. I can't see the rock, but he obviously knew one was there, to lay in the sun.

Probably would lay on our island if he wasn't aware we were already here.

I didn't take a photo of the boat when I got back, but it was high and dry, and my wife dropped plastic pipe, and I pushed it towards the water to launch. And we went to check seals out

#Seal #WildIslands #Exploring

Show threadRastaNov 26, 2023

We're heading home. Swells are coming up, water is getting choppy, we're in a canoe..
No time to dilly-dally, but there's so many seals!

♪ if I could talk to the animals
~ Rasta Doolittle
I did a lot this day,
not just a little 😉​

Almost on the mainland. I can almost see my vehicle. I left a note on the window:
2 seniors
DEPART - 9am
RETURN - 5pm (latest)
DESTINATION: Baptiste Island
BOAT: square back 16 ft Canoe

Did you enjoy my story?
THE END

#WAYCTV? #WildIslands #Exploring

Show threadJeanEvergreenNov 26, 2023
@Rasta I started to get a little worried about you two...
Show threadRastaNov 26, 2023
@JeanEvergreen We worry about US too. Each of our adventures are a challenge for younger able-bodied folks.
Here's my wife, disabled, and unable to do many things, and I'm getting crippled up a bit too, as I age, and we've done amazing things. I try to tell a story a week, of something interesting. I started this story for someone who doesn't go out, and can travel vicariously through my experiences. Also, I want to tempt you to join us? LOL
Show threadJeanEvergreenNov 26, 2023
@Rasta Well, maybe from afar. Just got an ebike that I'm almost finished assembling after not riding any bike for like, 30 years? My biggest challenge is to just get this thing moving and not fall off. Not quite ready for the wilds of Nova Scotia.
Although come to think of it, we have our own wilds: https://www.treehugger.com/big-sur-californias-wildest-coastline-4868848
Big Sur: California's Wildest Coastline

Click through this gallery to see the sights, activities, and wildlife that you'll enjoy while visiting Big Sur.

Treehugger
Show threadRastaNov 26, 2023
@JeanEvergreen Wow, that's nice. I've never been to Cali, and it will probably burn up before we can see it. I made it to the Left Coast, but only VIctoria to Seattle area.
Show threadLstn2urmama 🇨🇦Nov 26, 2023
@Rasta ..so you got yourself into the water..that is great !
Show threadRastaNov 26, 2023
@Lstn2urmama It's past tense, not this year. My friend in Japan lives vicariously through my travel, so I posted it for her.
Show threadやぎDec 3, 2023
Hello, @Rasta
I thoroughly enjoyed your adventure story from start to finish! Even though you couldn't take home the green buoy you spotted, thank you so much for sharing your abundant memories with us 🤗 (1/2)
Show threadやぎDec 3, 2023

@Rasta
Walking on a beach where you only encounter seals must be wonderful, but I can also understand the sense of fear. It's a scene of despair where no help would come even if you shout, a truly breathtaking view.

If I could become a seal for a day, I would love to venture into such a sea. Applause for you remarkable adventurers 👏(2/2)

Show threadRastaDec 3, 2023
@capla As the winter forces me inside like you, you'll see many more exciting adventures. But it takes time, and I can't sit still when work needs doing, i waste huge amounts of time online in winter. But I also enjoy stories from places I have never been and likely won't be ever.
I can see more of the Grand Canyon by a travel blogger with a Drone camera, than I could see in person! Now Google Earth goes underwater too. This is better than traveling there, if you are limited by health or money
Show threadやぎDec 3, 2023
@Rasta
Sure, I'll read whenever you post about your adventures😉 I really enjoy your stories, so don't hesitate!
Show threadLstn2urmama 🇨🇦Nov 26, 2023
@Rasta you keep making them famous...
Show threadLstn2urmama 🇨🇦Nov 26, 2023
@Rasta maybe time to start setting alarms as warning to turn around to get back...
Show threadRastaNov 26, 2023
@Lstn2urmama We couldn't have known? If you went to the grand canyon, and had never been there before, how much time would you put on the alarm? We didn't know it would take 8 hours to walk it, and it was rough in places. But a fantastic visit, we went back again, because I wanted those buoys, and they were gone!
Show threadLstn2urmama 🇨🇦Nov 26, 2023
@Rasta knowing yourself and how long it would take to get back to boat should tell you how long ... and then set your limits...sorry about your bouys...
Show threadRastaNov 26, 2023
@Lstn2urmama I also have to go at my wife's pace. We didn't know I would have to pull her over rocks or help her down cliffs to get back to the area that was passible. But we had all day, we were just tired.
Show threadLstn2urmama 🇨🇦Nov 26, 2023
@Rasta ..you both traveled a great distance for our ages...
Show threadRastaNov 26, 2023
@Lstn2urmama Still do, and the next adventure will be even riskier. We won't live forever, we're making the best of things
Show threadLstn2urmama 🇨🇦Nov 26, 2023
@Rasta that sure is thick growth .. must grow that way to protect itself...
Show threadRastaNov 26, 2023
@Lstn2urmama There's no people, or any traffic to make paths, it grows at it's own rate, and yes, they do grow a certain way, to protect themselves but not by density but by type and height. Our tamarack trees are small and our spruce often lean away from the windward side. A lot of the wild islands, less visited, are even thicker. Ship Island, has cliffs all around, no shoreline but the interior is thing small trees that fall out if you touch one, clinging to rock. But no openings to walk in
Show threadLstn2urmama 🇨🇦Nov 26, 2023
@Rasta ..love the wood as well...nice pics
Show threadやぎDec 3, 2023

The sun isn't quite up yet but I'm here to deliver my next response🤗 @Rasta

Thank you for sharing the wonderful scenery, we could see the vibrant nature blessed with fine weather from your photos.

My legs are getting restless and my breath is short just from reading about your climb, but I'm thoroughly enjoying it.
(1/2)

Show threadやぎDec 3, 2023

@Rasta
I see you ran into the grandchildren of the island's pioneers and started looking for the "pioneer's tomb", very Indiana Jones-like.

I wonder if you'll find the "pioneer's tomb”?
I'm excited! Even though I'm homebound, I've been taught about fishermen's secret spots!

There wouldn't be any terrifying pirates coming, would there? lol

I'll read the continuation after dinner
👋😃 See you then.(2/2)

Show threadRastaDec 3, 2023
Private graves exist everywhere in Nova Scotia @capla Even organized church ones get forgotten. The church is gone. Two cemeteries exist for one church, the oldest, overgrown and unmaintained, everyone that cared for it, are buried now too. To preserve the records, I capture them in photos and GPS locations. I've entered online the plotted maps of found or lost cemeteries. One I was investigating is on private land. I know it's there, I've seen pictures, but massive trees grow on graves,
Show threadRastaDec 3, 2023
@capla The stones, if any, are impossible to find. He (the land owner) is building private house and cottage lots, for big money in sales. Some people would feel ODD buying a cottage sitting on a grave. And some would be furious to think this happens. When he found out I was trying to capture them for historical posterity reasons , he put up a gate on the road, NO TRESPASSING signs and forbid me to search further. Those graves are lost forever now
Show threadRastaDec 3, 2023
@capla Oh but I have a special folder on my storage hard drive called ADVENTURES, that have all these places in Nova Scotia saved, with searchable names and dates, to find them to post anywhere again. I can only do that in winter, I don't have this PC available in my summer home, so there's lots of catching up over winter
Show threadLstn2urmama 🇨🇦Nov 26, 2023
@Rasta ...it is beautiful !
Show threadRastaNov 26, 2023
@Lstn2urmama When you says IT'S BEAUTIFUL, I can't answer. I have no idea what you are replying to. the top of the thread comes up, and 40 pages later, I find the bottom, and YUP, or NOPE or something that doesn't mention what you are referencing . On a PC, this is what I see when I click to see what you are replying to, I have to assume you find the seal cute?
Show threadLstn2urmama 🇨🇦Nov 26, 2023
@Rasta all is beautiful!
Show threadTywyll SerenNov 26, 2023
@Rasta
…of course you’ve got a photo of scat…lol
Show threadRastaNov 26, 2023
@TywyllSeren There's no other way to show you this. LOL even if they look like raisins, bunny poop isn't LOL These aren't grapes either LOL
I don't do that Scout trick, where you mush it up in your hand and smell it and say sagely " deer went this way, about 2 hours ago, still fresh " #LOL
Show threadTywyll SerenNov 26, 2023
@Rasta
🤣🤣🤣. I’ll bet Mrs. Rasta is happy you don’t.
Show threadRastaNov 26, 2023
@TywyllSeren I'm also glad LOL , I'm not doing that. I'd poke it with a thermometer to see how warm it is, I'm not touching it LOL
Show threadLstn2urmama 🇨🇦Nov 26, 2023
@Rasta nice and maybe that green body is there to show edge of rocks...
Show threadやぎDec 3, 2023

Good morning, @Rasta
are you awake yet?☕

I'm gradually reading through your adventures on the summer island.😊
I can picture you being dependable, carrying a large canoe for your wife.

I am reading with excitement as I feel your awe and adventurous spirit towards nature.One moment, the shore is covered with large rolling rocks, the next it's a carpet of seaweed, and I feel as though I'm picking up the washed-up pieces of wood and animal bones right there with you.(1/2)

Show threadやぎDec 3, 2023

@Rasta
The problem of ocean litter is severe, so I think we should also consider the reuse of buoys.

I hope more and more people will come to cherish beautiful scenery. I will continue to read about your coastal adventures.

I may respond slowly, but please bear with me and join me on this leisurely journey. 🤗 Have a nice Sunday🍁

Show threadRastaDec 3, 2023
@capla I will reuse everything interesting that I find, when I label or name my photos from 2023, which takes all winter, I will find some trophy photos I took of the things we brought back and kept. A big piece of driftwood for my lawn ornament, some large (too big for my boat) steel rings and concrete bits. The rest is sorted (plastic for recycling) garbage properly disposed of on the mainland
Show threadRastaDec 3, 2023
@capla Good evening. I probably was, but as I follow more people, I get more replies. I was overwhelmed by private messages too, and I am just getting up the list to yours now, at 9am. I started at 5am! I hope you had an excellent day?
Show threadやぎDec 3, 2023

Hello, @Rasta 👋😃
I'm so glad I did indeed reply to you early.

I devoted my day to immersing myself in your summer adventure story. It's been such a peculiar experience - I feel a pleasant fatigue, as though I've journeyed far and returned.

I do believe I'll sleep exceptionally well after this enriching journey through your words. Thank you ever so much!

Show threadRastaDec 3, 2023
@capla And I hope you do sleep well. Don't stay up too late, WRINKLES HAPPEN
Show threadやぎDec 3, 2023
@Rasta
Rajah, Rajah🫡
Show threadRastaDec 3, 2023
@capla That was either GO FIGURE, or you hold me up to king status?? LOL I'm guessing RAJAH
Show threadやぎDec 4, 2023
@Rasta
No, I copied this one from Star Wars.😸
Sorry to joke around.🤖
Show threadRastaDec 4, 2023
@capla OH, I see. Good morning, We have snow already, it's coming down, too dark for a good photo, but if you want to see it, I'll go get you a short video RIGHT NOW, do you want to see snow? If you like snow, I'll ship all mine over to you, I don't want it LOL
Show threadEagle Globe & FlankerFeb 5, 2024
@Rasta https://www.wikiparfum.com/en/fragrances/irisch-moos-irish-moss
IRISCH MOOS / IRISH MOSS perfume by Sir Irisch Moos – Wikiparfum

IRISCH MOOS / IRISH MOSS perfume by Sir Irisch Moos of the CHYPRE family made from Oakmoss, Galbanum, Cedarwood, Citruses, Patchouli, Clove, Musk, Sandalwood. Discover more details!