Guided Walk

Yesterday (Wednesday) Heather and I conducted a guided walk through Andrew’s old property from the Hunter organic orchard on Highway #201, to the Annapolis River (see “Times Have Changed” blog post).

The last time we conducted a similar hike was in 1975 in Gros Morne National Park for Black Feather outfitters in Ottawa. On that occasion, it was a ten-day event, including hiking along the Long Range Mountain trail.

This time, it was a three-hour hike for two couples from Ottawa, and a father from Mount Rose (North Mountain). Our objective was to demonstrate the changing ecology from South Mountain to the Annapolis River, as well as the changes in land use over the last twenty years. The land has been used by the Mi’kmaki for a much longer period.

The experience allowed small group interaction. The couples had spent time overseas enjoying other landscapes and cultures.

Heather and I recognized that under COVID conditions we had missed the stimulation of interacting with other age groups and interests. We thank Celes for the initiative, and Abby and her group for their insights and interests.

Today, I attended the Plannapolis consultation at Centrelea. What I found most striking, was the lack of any appreciation of the unique economic opportunity presented by the technology and education at COGS (NSCC’s Centre for Geographic Sciences). I fail to understand why today, GIS technology is not a standard for community meetings. This allows a common understanding of our geography, land use, people and culture.

Second, Abby and her partner met at COGS. Imagine how many young professionals we have graduated from Lawrencetown since 1980 (The year when I started teaching there). It seems obvious to me that this represents both an educational and an economic opportunity — and opportunities lost if not exploited.

Acknowledgements

Heather shared her knowledge and ‘sense of place’ on the guided walk. Rob and Sinead gave us permission to conduct the walk on their property. Pierre at Ironworks for the excellent Hunter Brandy. Edward added the graphics. Celes Davar at Earth Rhythms has brought Experiential Tourism to the Annapolis Valley.