We have two dog walks in the Annapolis Royal area. The First Lake loop trail, which you start near the parking lot on Highway #101. The signage encourages dog walkers to go anti-clockwise around the lake. To reduce encounters.
The second loop trail is around the French Basin. It has excellent signage on wildlife and bird life. No instructions for dog walkers.
Friday, we walked the French Basin loop clockwise. The consequence was that we met everyone coming the other way. The advantage of being contrary.
” Hi, Wayne, how are you keeping?”
”Good to see you, Bob.”
The experience gave us a sense of community. Hale, well met. Would be good to live in Annapolis Royal; to be able to to enjoy these walks on a regular basis? There is nothing equivalent in Middleton, or Bridgetown (perhaps Valley View Park).
The direction (followed or not) can offer a metaphor for life. If we all go in the same direction, we likely will not meet. If we go in a contrary direction, then that increases the likelihood of encounters. To my mind, perversely, that seems positive.
Sandra Barry sent me a link to a discussion between Mark Lilla and Colm Toibin on Thomas Mann’s classic book, Reflections of a Nonpolitical Man.
This one hour YouTube video reminded me of the role of writers in our society. Sandra also noted that Elisabeth Mann Borgese was the daughter of Thomas Mann and an important part of the founding of the International Ocean Institute (IOI) at Dalhousie University. A quick Google reminded me of earlier times with Mike Butler, Dirk Werle and Tony Charles (SMU).
From Peter, there is a recommendation to read Watling Street by John Higgs. Watling Street runs from Dover northwest across England to Anglesey. It follows the old Roman Road. I have requested the book through the Lawrencetown library
This morning (Sunday) started the day by walking to the top of the mountain, on the West Inglisville Road. Felt good. It has been a while. Too long.
Postscript
From Brain Pickings, May 30,2021 Thoreau quotation:
”If you have built castles in the air, your work need not be lost; that is where they should be. Now put the foundations under them. “
Acknowledgements
Sandra Barry for reminding me of the role of writers in our society. Also the memories of the International Oceans Institute. Peter Maher for the links to the UK landscape. Heather and Siqsiq shared the dog walks. Edward added his two cents.
References
Mark Lilla and Colm Toibin YouTube discussion of Thomas Mann’s Reflections of a Nonpolitical Man.
John Higgs, 2017, Watling Street: Travels through Britain and its ever-present past, Weidenfeld and Nicholson.
Ernest Blair Experiment 
2 thoughts on “Walking Paths”