Hiking at Blomidon Provincial Park with Valley Family Fun
Hiking at Blomidon Provincial Park with Valley Family Fun
As kids, we used to do the hike at the Blomidon Provincial Park quite a lot with our parents. I also walked a portion of the trail with my son when he was 4 and we were part of a playgroup.
As a family, we had never walked the entire trail, and because we were camping at the park, we decided to give it a try!
You do NOT need to be a camper or pay an entrance fee to walk this trail.
Trail Information
The hikes at Blomidon Provincial Park actually start at the lower parking lot, and work themselves up the mountain. There is the Borden Brook trail on the left side of the road and the Jodrey Trail on the right side of the trail.
Because it was hot, and we were there for 2 days, we decided to break the trail into two sections.
On the first day, we hiked from the lower parking lot along the Borden Brook trail in as far as the waterfall.
This section of the trail took less than 15 minutes. It was slightly steep, but manageable.
Because it was the summer, there wasn’t much of a waterfall. I would like to return in the spring to see it in full force!
You can continue along this trail and meet up with the other trails at the top of the mountain.
We decided to hike the trail loop at the top of the mountain.
If you are a camper, the trail starts at the back of the campground where the wooded sites are. If you are a day visitor, park at the top of the mountain in the parking lot beside the registration kiosk.
You can pick up the Jodrey trail at the chain link fence along the edge of the cliff, following it to the left, through the campground.
The Route
We followed the Jodrey trail from the campground to the end point. It took us 45 minutes to walk the 3km section.
Here’s what the website says about this trail:
The trail skirts 183 m (600 ft.) sea cliffs with numerous viewing stations overlooking the Minas Basin. The trail gradually climbs to 190 m, winding through a sugar maple, yellow birch and beech forest and near a small fen, which seasonally, is the only known location of fairy shrimp (Eubranchipus intricatus) east of Manitoba. At Indian Springs Brook, a cairn commemorates the gift of 162 ha (400 acres) to the park by the late Roy Jodrey.
At the tail end is an additional loop, called the Look Off Trail. This is 1km and took us about 10 minutes to walk.
There are great views towards Parrsboro.
To complete the loop, we hiked back along the Woodlands Trail.
A pleasant walk through a mixed forest of sugar maple, yellow birch, white spruce and balsam fir. The highest elevation along the trail is 170 m. The trail crosses Ells Brook.
This section of the trail took us about 40 minutes to walk.
Overall Notes
Overall, the loop hike at the top of Blomidon took our family 1 hour and 40 minutes to walk the 6.4km trails.
The trails are extremely-well signposted with regular maps and directional signs.
Also, the trees are painted red when you are on the Jodrey trail and yellow on the woodland trail, so you always know what direction you are heading.
The trails are not stroller friendly, as there are a lot of roots along the way. The path is not steep, but there are a few ups and downs along the way.
The Woodland Trail is much easier to walk, so if you are looking for a point-to-point trail, especially with small children, try this one.
Take time to explore Blomidon Provincial Park. This is a great hike to do in spring, summer and fall to watch the changing of the trees and water levels.
Besides, you might see a hare along the way!
Directions and more about the walking trails here
Eating out with Friends and Family: Callister’s Country Kitchen, Coldbrook
Eating out with Friends and Family: Callister’s Country Kitchen, Coldbrook
Disclosure: Our family received a complimentary meal at Callister’s with no expectation of a blog post. We love it there so much that we wanted to share it with you. All opinions are our own. Please support local!
“This this the best home-cooked local diner in the area!” proclaimed my husband. “We should be eating here all the time!”
When we arrived at Callister’s County Kitchen on the main drag in Coldbrook, we were immediately greeted by the team of friendly staff.
I'm going to have home cooked meals at Callister's in Coldbrook! Great family dining! #SupportLocal Share on XWe had some pretty hard choices when it came to deciding what we wanted because it all looked so good!
Daniel and I decided upon the Newfoundland Turkey Mess! Owner, Leighanna Melvin is from Newfoundland, so you can’t go wrong with that!
It was everything Daniel, this fish-and-chip loving boy, dreamed it would be!
It’s all the homemade touches that are so great – coleslaw made on site, home made bread, great prices, friendly service. This is what makes it a great family restaurant.
Thomas decided to go for the all-day breakfast!
One of the best parts is that when you order a sandwich or toast at Callister’s, it’s all homemade bread! It’s to die for!
And, if you like it that much, you can buy a loaf to take home! 
The great part about eating out as a family is that none of us are distracted. While we wait for the meal we play card games (that I keep in my purse for such occasions) or we just spend time together, talking, or having fun.
We were so stuffed, otherwise we would have tried the desserts or headed outside for a cool treat at Callister’s New Ice Cream Parlour.
https://valleyfamilyfun.ca/cool-off-callisters-ice-cream-parlour-coldbrook/
Thank you for Supporting the Community!
Callister’s County Kitchen is a wonderful support of the community. They have been a proud participant in the Campaign for Kids Burger Wars every year! Thank you!
Location
7076 Highway 1, Coldbook
The next time you are trying to decide where to eat out with your friends and family, remember to stop by Callister’s Country Kitchen in Coldbrook for great home-cooked food, great service, and a family atmosphere! #SupportLocal
Eating out with Friends and Family: Gaspereau Vinyards
Eating out with Friends and Family: Gaspereau Vinyards
It was our 13th wedding anniversary and we were out and about looking for a place to eat. Then I remembered!
The Gaspereau Vinyards is now serving a lunchtime menu on the patio!
It was a beautiful day, so we decided to check it out!
The Gaspereau Winery has lots of interesting choices for appetizers, lunch and desserts, and of course, you need to have a glass of wine to go with it.
I had an amazing pizza with the best crust I have ever had. And, the Tidal Bay wine.
David had the vegetarian sliders that he said were delish, to0!
View menu here
Open Daily:
10am-6pm: The patio is open and wine is served.
11:30am-5pm: The Vine Side Patio kitchen is open and food is served.
Directions:
2239 White Rock Road
Gaspereau, Nova Scotia, Canada B4P 2R1
Avondale Trail System in West Hants
Avondale Trail System in West Hants
The Avondale trail system in West Hants has always been on my bucket list to hike. It’s a great story of a community that has come together to build a series of trails in the woods and hills behind Avondale, outside Windsor.
The Hike
There are actually 3 hikes in Avondale that are all interconnected. You can hike them individually, or do as we did and put them all together.
The Westbrook Trail starts at the Avondale Community Centre (the blue trail).
The Westbrook trail, named after the Westbrook brook, Westbrook trail is a 2.3km loop that takes you through a landscape dominated by an Acadian mixed-wood forest, interspersed with rolling agricultural land. Follow the yellow markers and after you cross the brook decide which direction you will take on the loop.
Watch for ‘you are here’ map signage near the first bridge marking the junction with Mosher’s trail. Be aware that you will be hiking over uneven terrain, steep drop-offs, and inclines.
This linked up with the Mosher Trail (yellow line).
Named after the planter settlers granted this land in 1760, Mosher’s trail takes you from the Avonsky winery to the Westbrook trail. On this 2.0km of trail you will travel through the edge of the vineyard and into the forest, then along an historic rail-bed and into a regenerating forest.
After this, the trail leads to the headwaters of the Westbrook and meanders along the brook through mature Acadian mixed-wood forest. Follow the yellow markers, and keep an eye out for ‘you are here’ map signage at junctions along the way. Be aware that you will be hiking over uneven terrain, steep drop-offs, and inclines.
The newest section is the Quarry Trail (light blue) and is less than 1km.
We did all 3 loops in 1 hour 15 minutes, and about 3.5km.
While on our hike we saw LOTS of wildlife including a snake, 2 deer and a porcupine! I did not get any pictures of them though!
The Mosher Trail came out at the Avonsky Winery, then we just walked 2 minutes down the road, back to the Avondale Community Hall to complete the loop.
Because of all the roots, this hike is not stroller friendly.
Avondale Sky Winery
But, while you are there, I highly suggest stopping in at the winery for a tasting! The building is an old church that was brought across the river by barge!
They have really capitalized on the fact that it’s an old church, and it’s worth checking out just for that!
There is also a restaurant onsite, but was not open the day we were there.
The wine was yummy and was the best part of the journey! And, calmed my nerves after seeing the porcupine!
Learn more about Avonsky Winery.
If you are looking for a lovely day out, we definitely recommend checking out the Newport Landing/ Avondale area outside of Windsor! Great scenery, delicious wine and lots of wildlife!
Dragonfly Haven Therapeutic Farm and Petting Zoo in Mount Denson
Dragonfly Haven Therapeutic Farm and Petting Zoo in Mount Denson
Disclosure: Our family received a pass to visit the farm in exchange for this blog post. All opinions are our own.
“That was the best day ever!”
“I never wanted to leave!”
Those were the first words out of the boys’ mouths when we left the Dragonfly Haven Therapeutic Farm and petting zoo in Mount Denson.
We first learned about Dragonfly Haven from an article in the Advertiser, and the Grapevine.
Knowing how much our boys love animals, it was actually my husband who suggested that we go check it out.
When we arrived, the owner Charlotte met us and gave us a tour and introduced us to all the animals. We were then free to spend as much time as we wanted, playing with the animals.
There is a wide variety of farm animals on site including rabbits, goats, guinea pigs, mules and pigs. There is a also a miniature horse and a miniature-dwarf pony!
Charlotte said all the animals have been carefully selected to make sure they are not only good with children, but that they are also as small as possible. The idea is for kids not to be intimidated when approaching the animals.
The animals are definitely hands-on, and guests are invited to climb right into the enclosures to visit with the animals.
There is a lot of research to show that being with animals is therapeutic. It helps to lower stress and anxiety, and is a great conduit for healing.
With this in mind, Charlotte offers one-on-one 90 minute therapy sessions for $25 an hour (subject to change) for people to book in with the animals. You can contact them for details. All animals are certified as support animals.
What makes Dragonfly Haven great is the small touches, and the well-thought out area. There are lots of non-animal activities to do on site.
There is also a shady seating area where parents can sit and watch their children. We highly suggest bringing a coffee and making an afternoon of your visit!
Dragonfly Haven also offers birthday parties, either on site or at your location. Contact them for details.
You can even go on your own horsey ride!
Hours and Location
They are open to the general public as a petting farm from Monday- Thursday 10am- 3pm and Saturday and Sunday from 10am- 6pm.
The cost is $7 per person with under 3s are free.
(subject to change).
Get off Exit 8 Hantsport/ Mount Denson exit on Highway 101. Go to the end of the road and turn right towards Mount Denson.
They are the first house on the left past the tracks. The farm sign is on the lawn.
5 Aberdeen Beach Road.
Our family definitely recommends visiting Dragonfly Haven Therapeutic Farm in Mount Denson!
You just might make a new friend!
How to Host an Easy Boss Baby Party #BossNightIn
How to Host an Easy Boss Baby Party #BossNightIn
Disclosure: Our family received a copy of the movie to watch in celebration of The Boss Baby Blu-ray DVD release this week. It was a great excuse to get together for a fun family-night-in. All opinions are our own.
Who ARE you?
I’m the boss.
How do you feel when you’re 7, and you’ve just discovered your parents are about to bring home a new baby?
This is what happens to Tim Templeton. He suddenly finds his share of parental love plummeting when his new baby brother arrives—wearing a suit and toting a briefcase—and makes it clear to everyone that he’s in charge.
But, when Tim discovers Boss Baby is on a secret mission, he reluctantly agrees to team up with his pint-sized sibling for an epic adventure that might just change the world!
“That was fantastic”
“I wasn’t sure if I would like the movie at the start, but I loved it! It was so funny”
“It was very funny!”
Boss Baby was a big hit with the kids.
For us, there is nothing better than having a family-night-in to watch a movie, so this is what we did! Besides, we’ve missed our family!
For the past 5 months, we had been living in North Wales, where there were no nearby movie theatres. Not only did the kids miss hanging out with their Canadian cousins, they also missed out on watching a lot of movies.
We decided to have some fun and throw a Boss Baby party to go along with the movie. At our party we had the boys, their cousins and our backyard neighbour (my son’s best friend). The kids ranged in age from 11 to 5.
We are not ones to go overboard, but these simple details added so much fun to the evening.
Here’s how you can create your own easy Boss Baby Party:
Have guests come wearing a Boss Baby tie.
The kids thought this was really fun, rooting through their dad’s closets or tickle trunks.
They even managed to dress up the dog!
Raid Bulk Barn
I was like a kid in the candy store looking for treats that would go along with our theme. I found sour soothers, hard candy rattles and bottled powdered candy with tongue tattoos!
The detail is in the bags
I had a lot of fun putting together the treat bags. I labeled each bag with the child’s Baby Boss name. The younger ones thought this hysterical!
For the popcorn bags, I found plain white paper bags and glued on a construction paper tie I cut out.
With ties on and treat bags in hand, we descended to the basement to watch Boss Baby in our in-home movie room.
It wasn’t just the kids who loved the movie, the adults did, too.
The movie is so well-written, with jokes for parents (including a great one about Long Island iced tea!) and is a heart-warming story about finding family love when you least expect to, or don’t even want to.
It reminded me of the Japanese folktale where a young bride hated her new mother-in-law so much she went to find a potion to kill her. She was told to rub a lotion into her mother-in-laws back a few times a day for over a period of time, and that the potion would work its way into through the skin. Of course, over time, through this touch and time together, she began to love her mother-in-law and was thankful the potion was not actually poisonous.
Sometimes we have new people in our lives – a new baby or a step-sibling or parent, and it comes with mixed emotions. Boss Baby is a great launching pad and opener for those conversations.
My sister is 16 months younger than me, so I never remember a time I didn’t have a sibling. The same goes for my sons who are 18 months apart. But, for many kids, especially those who are more spread apart in age, the arrival of a new sibling can be a real issue.
This would be a perfect movie to especially show older kids who will be getting a new baby.
Or, just watch it, because it’s a really cute movie!
The finer details of Boss Baby:
Features the voices of Alec Baldwin (Boss Baby), Toby McGuire (Adult Tim/narrator), Lisa Kudrow (Mom), Jimmy Kimmel (Dad)
The Boss Baby special edition Blu-ray will be released on July 25, 2017 with many bonus features including:
- New Mini Adventure, a 3-minute action-packed journey through time featuring Boss Baby and Tim
- Featurettes
- Deleted Scenes
Get your copy today and plan your only family-night in with Boss Baby! Cuddle up and enjoy your time together, because remember, you can’t be fired from your own family!
