Trail praising

Winter is coming for you. 

Does that make your mammal body want to go to sleep for a few months?

Yeah, I hear that. And yet, I am such a fan. Sometimes I have to force myself to remember that fact and I find the best way to do it is out on our Island trails.

It can be easy to land yourself in the monotony of work, the grocery store, and home, moving as quickly as possible between buildings and transportation because it’s cold and gets dark so early. Well, we live on the East Coast, so let’s suck it up, put on some extra layers a couple times a week and have our faces freeze into a smile. 

Bubbling Springs over in Stanhope is beautiful in summer but also a generally sheltered hike for the winter. The wildlife in the area always seems to make appearances while there as well. Little cameos from chatty squirrels and hares half-dressed in winter white, dusted with patches of summer’s brown. The kids love it and they’re not alone. It’s also located right next to the Farmlands Trail if you want to make a longer trek of your outing. 

If you happen to be looking for a short winter immersion to blow some dust off, perhaps with some smaller company in tow, Mooney’s Pond is an excellent choice. The trail is actually named Peggy’s Trail, but most refer to it as the former. It’s maintained by the Morell River Management Cooperative and the system is a favoured spot for anglers in the area, as it’s been a salmon rearing site aimed at habitat restoration. There are multiple good-sized observation decks placed around the less-than-two-kilometre loop, which are definitely a highlight. They offer great opportunities for little rests and a scenic place for photos. Even on grey winter days, the light seems to find apricity at Mooney’s. 

One word of warning though: if it’s recently rained, do not take your children there. I made this mistake. I was desperate to get the family out of the house and yard, and without considering the recent rain and slight downward slope of the area, we headed out. No snowshoes, no grippers, four children. Rather than turning back like a reasonable person might have, we completed the loop, spending the entire time with a death grip on their hands and our knees bent, hoping to make for shorter falls and better balance. We skated through in a state of heightened adrenaline and the uneasy feeling that someone might take an icy dip. 

Winter River Trail is another favourite. While it still holds a bit of sadness for me due to the immense destruction from Fiona, the area retains a feeling of peace and shifting beauty. It’s a bit longer but there are lots of connectors and loops, so you can choose a length that suits your desired journey. 

I hope to see you out embracing the winter on our trails this season.