Today marks one month until I (in chronological order):
- Fly to Toronto…
- Meet up with the other 65 people doing this across Canada…
- Followed by Hong Kong…
- Then to Kathmandu…
- And one day later, Lukla (the beginning of the trek)…
- After that, it’s nine days up and down one big mountain…beginning at an altitude of 9,000 or so (Lukla) to Everest base camp – 17,600 feet!
I really, truly (holy crap, am I really doing this?!) never thought this day would come. I mean, I don’t do this sort of thing. You could say ‘Mary-Eleanor’ and ‘spontaneity’ have an oil/vinegar kind of history – until now.
So in my last post, I shared with you some of the BBQ memories I have experienced over the summer. I thought – given the milestone – that I would look back on some of the ‘training’ I’ve done over the summer. I’ll admit, I haven’t done much…by way of hiking, that is. My muscles? A force to be reckoned with…ha! So despite all of its other awesome qualities, Nova Scotia doesn’t have too much to offer by way of altitude training. Sure, I can get some hiking under my belt, break in my boots and our province has fantastic trails to make all of that happen, but when it comes to altitude prep, I’m relying on the meds to get me through.
This past weekend I hiked Cape Split with some JIMers who trekked Mount Kilimanjaro two years ago, and here’s how they broke down ‘the meds’ situation: It’s a must-have. Period. And this brings me back to the point of the post: training.
Cape Split is a great place for beginner hikers. Not too tough, not too long, but beautiful view at the top. I hiked it for the first time last year with sneakers and in 20 or so millimetres of rain – it was swell. I was better prepared this time. With the sun shining and my boots pretty much broken in, we pumped through the trail in a solid three hours. And the views – INCREDIBLE.
The View From the Top (Cape Split)
Speaking of views (and must-haves, really), you are not a true blue Nova Scotia until you visit the Cabot Trail. INCREDIBLE (again). We trekked the only wilderness camping trail (translation: no running water/no bathroom/sling food in a tree to avoid bears and coyotes) in the park. It’s called Fishing Cove for future reference, and man, it’s beautiful. Again, not too tough going in because you’re hiking eight or so km down hill into the cove, but the next day you’re looking at a four-or-so hour stair master of hiking. My butt felt awesome…and by that I mean, I couldn’t feel it. My butt is better for it. And when it comes to scenery? I’m going to go along with the expression, ‘a photo says a thousand words:’
Cabot Trail: Bee-yoo-tee-ful!
And finally….the FINAL hike. Where will I go? For how long? Will I survive? (clearly, I will…it’s Nova Scotia after all). I’m not going to go TOO crazy (oh..did I mention I’m sky diving later this month?!) I’m thinking of checking out Economy Falls maybe…the Kenomee Trail. At least, that’s one idea being thrown out there. Clearly, I’m unsure and I’m looking for some advice. Do you know of any trails worth exploring? Pretty scenery is a must. A good workout is a must. A day hike or weekend hike preferred. I need to get one final hike under my belt before I head out! All comments welcome…happy trails! 
