Hike the Highlands 2009 Hiking Schedule Announced

On top of Sugarloaf looking at North, Dingwall, Middle & South Harbours

The hiking schedule for the 2009 Hike the Highlands Festival has been announced and it includes nine new hikes.  They include White Point to Burnt Head, Coastal, Lone Sheiling, MacIntosh Brook, Robert’s Mountain, Red River to Black Brook, Red River to Otter Brook, Le Chemin du Buttereau, and Smokey Towers.  

Backed by popular demand are Meat Cove Mountain, Cape St. Lawrence/Lowland Cove, Salmon Pool, and Red Island hikes. There will be 24 guided hikes in this year’s festival and hikers will have the opportunity to participate in our  long distance hiker awards program of 100 km, 50 km and 25 km.

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Where would you go on an International Trip in 2009 ?

Backpacker Magazine

Backpacker magazine  asked its readers the same question and in the March 2009 Issue of Backpacker  page 10, provided the results of their survey. a) Where would you go ? Top 3 – 45% said New Zealand would be the first choice, 16% Europe and 15% Australia.  b) What international mountains top  your life list ? Top 4 – Canadian Rockies, New Zealand southern Alps, Swiss Alps, Scottish Highlands, c) Would you hire a guide – 38% said yes, 62% no, d) What inspires you to travel to a foreign country for a trekking vacation ?   Top 5 answers in order – Scenery, discover different/exotic trails, explore different cultures, visit iconic treasures and get away from the daily grind. e) What activites are you most interested in foa multi-sport vacation – trekking, kayaking or paddling, wildlife watching, mountain biking, mountaineering, road cycling.  What would you do ?

The March 2009 issue of Backpacker also features Travel like a Pro tips at home, en route, arriving, health, on trail and going to extremes and  the world’s best  unknown treks. They include -1) Pyrenees Traverse, France,  2) Cape Wrath, Scotland,  3) Zillertal Alps, Austria , 4) Tongario Northern Circuit and Heaphy Track, New Zealand , 5) Cordillera Apolobamba, Bolivia, 6) Overland Track, Australia , 7) Sarek National Park, Sweden, 8) Rolwaling and Khumbu Valleys, Nepal, 9) Polar Route, Greenland, and 10) Simien Mountains National Park, Ethiopia

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Trail Shop Marathon – Cross Country Ski, March 8

Last year's Marathon Start, NHN, Cape North

One of the great ways to stay in shape in the winter for hikers is to cross country ski.  In the highlands, we have a number of events,  but one that attracts alot of skiers is the the 2009 Trail Shop Marathon at North Highlands Nordic Ski Trails in Cape North.  This  event will take place on Sunday, March 8th at North Highlands Nordic ski trails.  This event will feature 3 different distances – 42 km, 21 km and 10 km.  You can skate or classic ski.

Registration fee is $20.00 before February 28th and $25.00 in March. You can register online and pay at the door.  Start time is 11:00 am.  Final registrations and payment by 10:00 am. Your registration fee includes a voucher for the post-event barbecue and potluck.  There are incredible views along the trails that will make it an enjoyable day along with the great hospitality of volunteers at NHN Ski Trails in Cape North. One of my favorties is Courtney field where you can see Sugarloaf Mountain & North Mountain down to Bay St. Lawrence.

Sugarloaf & North Mountains in the background

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Wildlife & Birds in The Highlands

With eight winter storms to date,  it has been an interesting winter here on Cape Breton Island.  The last couple of weeks have been great seeing  birds and animals.  Michelle Sears from Halifax started things off by saying  she saw a Auk at Englishtown Ferry – see pic 2 below. Then after showing the picture around someone indicated it could be a common murre, then a great cormorant…  One thing for sure it creat alot of excitment …..The bird walks  like a penguin, stays close to shore… You been the judge. I am still not sure as it was hard to get a good picture.  Next my wife takes a walk along the Jersey Cove beach and sees a fox sleeping and then waking up. She then sees a seagull hitching a ride on ice in the channel and then comes across scoters.  On my walk, I managed to come across a squirrel and then some chickadees. You just never know what you will see on your walks these days. Thanks to Michelle and Heather for the pics. Enjoy them below.

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