Getting to Know a Watershed

Trout Creek and Parlee Brook are full of small waterfalls and deep
pools like this one.

The following is a column I submitted to the Kings County Record.  I have changed the pics and added a map to provide you with a bit more.  The Trout Creek Watershed is truly a beautiful area and one I suggest you get out and explore.

Whalen's Wanderings

If I want to find an adventure I usually locate a good river or stream on a map and then follow it to its source.  Rivers and streams can hold many surprises and are something I love to explore, so much so I have based my job around maintaining them. 

Trout Creek, from its headwaters to its confluence with the Kennebecasis River, is one of the most beautiful waterways in the province.  It is an outdoor enthusiast’s dream, a photographer’s paradise, an angler’s get away, and so much more.  I never bore of its landscape and am always finding a new point of interest to explore.  Over the years I have hiked many of the ridges, waded up many of the tributaries, climbed over many waterfalls, and swam in many of the pools that make up this scenic Creek system.

Recently I was able to wander around the headwaters of Trout Creek and one of its main tributaries, Parlee Brook.  The hills in the headwaters of these river systems are steep as the waters have carved narrow canyons out of the weathering conglomerate bedrock that dominates this area.  The steep terrain keeps the valleys shaded and moist, even with the warm dry weather we have been having, so a walk up these streams is not only appealing to the eyes but also refreshing. 

Steep valley walls result in deeply carved ravines
that frequently feed Parlee Brook and Trout Creek

Each of these rivers has a number of small waterfalls which many people have no idea exist.  I took some time recently, over two separate outings to explore some of these waterfalls and their associated pools.  The water is clear and cold in the pools at the bottom of the falls.  This is likely why no one bothers to search them out, as even on a hot summer day the water is very frigid and not ideal for swimming in, unless you have extraordinarily thick skin.   During peak summer months the flow is somewhat slow but the manner in which the pots and pools are formed indicates a powerful, watery, machine, carves out the deep cracks in the rock.  Because the water is so clear you can see the many trout sitting in schools on the bottom of many of these pools.  One or two pools however are so deep that shadow and darkness closes in before your eyes can discern the bottom substrate.

These rivers combine, along with Cedar Camp Brook, to flow through the Sussex Valley and provide a lifeline to those living, farming, working, and recreating, along the banks of Trout Creek.  Many however, still take its presence for granted and I encourage all of you to get out and learn about the river, creek, or stream, flowing near your home.  Where does it start?  Does it have waterfalls?  What fish are in it?  Simply wander its banks and get to know it like you would an old friend.  Just like you expect an old friend to be there when you need it, you also expect the river to provide.  The relation you have and the one you could develop might surprise you.

View Trout Creek and Parlee Brook in a larger map

Great Way to Spend an Afternoon In Saint John

This is my column that appeared in the August 17, 2010 edition of the Kings County Record.  It was a great way to spend a day in Saint John, NB.  I've added a map to help you get there.

A few weeks ago I was planning on writing a column on how I spent my Canada's Parks Day, but other things became more of a priority for me.  I feel that it was a great day spent with family and we visited a park many of you have likely heard of but never taken the time to see.  The best thing about Canada's Parks Day is that there is free admission to all of the National Parks so if finances were keeping you from visiting a park, on that day you could move it up on your list of priorities.

My family had to go to Saint John on July 17^th, which was Parks Day, and we were looking for a way to spend the afternoon.  We were seeking out something entertaining, economical, and family friendly as we had our kids and my Mother-in-law.  We decided to go to Carleton Martello National Historic Site, and was I ever surprised by what this small, but significant site had to offer.  I had driven by this Historic Site a number of times, in fact I lived in that part of Saint John for over a year, but never had I stopped to take it in before.

From the moment we stepped out of the car I could tell there was something special about the place.  You could smell the salt air mixed with wood smoke from a smoldering camp fire that was being tended by Site staff.  The weather was overcast and gave the site a more time appropriate feel.  We made the "mandatory" stop at the information desk and washrooms before making the climb up the short but steep hill to the Tower.  My son was anxious and it made it hard to enjoy the entire surroundings but his youthful excitement and continual exclamations "Mom, Dad, Nanny, come see this!" always peeked my interest and so I would move on.

The Barracks at Carleton Martello Tower National Historic Site.

Inside the Tower it was laid out with the time specific attire from cookware, army uniforms, cots, rifles, and model canons.  The cramped, but well organized quarters, likely provided a very respectable representation of what the Tower was like during war times.  The Tower is also well situated, at least I think it is, the fog never lifted the entire time we were there so we couldn't see the rest of the City of Saint John from the top.  Despite that we spent time talking to the informative interpreters and reading the educational sign panels.  It was a great way to expose our son to history and maybe peak his interest in learning history.

After leaving the Tower we spent some time exploring the rock outcrops and the rest of the site.  The topography lent itself to its assigned purpose as it was a steep rock outcrop but it also made for a modest playground for young and old alike.  If you have never visited Carleton Martello Tower I recommend you check it out.  Write it on your calendar for the next Canada's Parks Day, which has been held every year since 1990 on the 3^rd Saturday of July, so in 2011 it will be July 16^th.

View Carleton Martello Tower in a larger map

Outdoor Elements: Racing Downhill to Set Itself Apart

In every community there is that place place of business that works hard to create a niche for itself.  It starts off as a small business with a single person who has a vision and a dream.  This weekend, Outdoor Elements in Sussex, will set itself apart in that Town as a successful, service diverse, market focused business.  I want to tip my hat to John and the staff at OE and wish them luck this weekend as they host a down hill mountain bike race at Poley Mountain.  I encourage you to get out and watch some of the racing and see what OE has to offer to the community and to you.  Good luck Outdoor Elements and keep up the great work.

A Tribute to a Great Hiking Partner

Good friends are a true treasure and very hard to come by.  For me a good friend needs to be loyal, honest, and trust worthy.  They must be these things when I am at my worst and of course when I am at my best.  Recently I lost one of the best hiking and fishing partners I have had the pleasure to "wander" with.  My good friend "Rosie" passed away surrounded by love in the home she knew, and I write this as a tribute to a great dog.

Rosie playing with a rock on the Bay of Fundy Shore at Telegraph Brook

For many of the columns I have written, I have written over 80 now, she was often by my side when I felt inspired.  She knew when to speak and when to stand quietly and simply take it all in.  In her prime she was full of energy and often prompted me to get my butt off the couch and go for a hike.  As she got older she simply went because she knew I needed a hiking partner, and as she got older still she went out of loyalty and tradition.

Rosie was a dark brindle, boxer-pitbull cross, and was the runt of her litter.  Being the runt only meant she was feisty and energetic.  These traits caused me more than a few headaches as I house trained her.  As a young puppy she would tag along on fishing trips, and on one such trip I almost lost her.  She got swept away in the Smith Creek while we were fishing.  She was trying to get to me in the middle of the river where I was standing in my waders.  She was not strong enough at this point to swim against the strong current and was swept down to a turn and under some overhanging vegetation.  When I finally pulled her out she looked like a drowned cat, and it took a long time before she ever stepped in the water again.

All dogs love to chase and chew on things.  Rosie's item of choice was often large rocks and if someone was to toss a rock into the tall grass, she would sniff around until she found it and then bark at it until she could find away to get it in her mouth and bring it back.  On one occasion she chased a stone a young boy had thrown over the Bluff.  She bounded down over the face and in about 10-15 minutes time came back with the same stone the boy had thrown.  Watching her go over the face of the Bluff just about gave me a heart attack as she was not usually one to enjoy rock scrambling or heights.  In fact, I had to carry her down a ravine one time in Arnold's Hollow as she wouldn't come when I called.

There are so many memories made through her 14years that I could never list them all.  Some of them are good, some, well, not so good, but isn't that the way it is even with humans you love.  I think sometimes we lose our ability to love unconditionally but Rosie never did.  No matter how far I travelled, or for how long, when I came back she would always meet me at the top of the stairs waiting to stretch her front legs up to my shoulders and give me a big kiss.  I'll miss you Rose…but I'll see you in the woods and on the trails.

Rosie as a one year old puppy.

Releasing Fish and Stress

Wow are the rivers ever running low and warm.  I was out for a fish a few evenings ago and when I stepped into the water with my trusty, worn out, fishing sneakers, I couldn't believe how warm the river was.  In this part of New Brunswick we can usually count on 3-5 days of above 30 degree Celsius for the entire summer.  This summer we have had a couple of stretches with a number of days in a row having that kind of temperature.  I was still surprised at how warm the water was, especially since the Trout Creek is usually to cold to swim in, even on a 30 degree day.

Despite the warm temps, the evening shade was enough to bring the brookies out to feed.  Within my first 3 casts I hooked a chunky 8" trout that had more fight than I anticipated.  The evening wore on as I fished upstream from near Sussex Corner and I hooked and released 14 trout.  They ranged in size from 8-11" and all were on the chunky side.  I couldn't help but feel rewarded for all the work I have been putting into restoring the Kennebecasis River.

It was a great way to "de-stress" and after I decided to give the fish a break, I sat on the river bank, above a deep pool, and watched the sun go down back down the creek valley.  Further up the valley I admired the ridge that creates the Bluff on the creeks right bank while on the left was the massive "Jack's Hill."  It was a peaceful evening that left me, once again loving this great area I have been so fortunate to grow up in.  Where I sat was on the edge of a farm field under a maple grove and on this night it was very quiet and peaceful.  As I begrudgingly left the farm field I followed a trail back down the Creek valley to where I parked my car.  After a long day at work doing data analyses and project budgets this would be great therapy for anyone.

I hope you're able to get out and enjoy a river near you.

Sitting Atop Hay Bales and Enjoying the View

This was my latest edition of my column in the Kings County Record.  I've added some pics that I took while hiking with my son recently.  A couple of these appeared with the column.  I hope you enjoy it.

Round hay bales near Foxhill, NB

I have a vivid memory from when I was younger.  I was maybe 8-10 years old and I can remember my friends and me biking down to Mac's Grocery to buy a treat.  Back then you could get a soda, a chocolate bar, and a bag of chips for no more than fifty cents.  We would then bike back towards home and stop at a nearby hayfield to enjoy the treat.  It is the memory of the hayfield on the hill and the large hay bales that make this memory stand out in my head.  I was taken back to that time earlier this week and it prompted me to write about it.

There is something crisp about a freshly mowed and baled field.  The birds know it.  They circle around a freshly cut field looking for scurrying mice or other food morsels.  The air is filled with a cleanliness that a grown field doesn't possess and you can feel a lightness as you walk, unencumbered, across the field.  The tall grass is no longer there to hold you back, but yet if you stretch out your hands and close your eyes, you can still feel it there tickling your finger tips.  When you open your eyes the birds will still be circling over your head, and your head will feel light and dizzy.  At this point you will need to sit down for a second or two and instinctively you will seek out the highest point in the field and climb onto the nearest hay bale there to rest.

My son looks over the valley from atop
a round bale near Foxhill

Sitting on top of a hay bale and simply looking over the remaining golden grass that was left in its wake is relaxing now.  As kids though, we used the bales to play hide and seek or as obstacles in a race course.  It was a place to explore and find adventure.  It was a place where we could go and let our imaginations run wild as we played wild, west adventures.  We tested each others strength and quickness as we would often try to roll the big round bales or simply wrestle each other to get to the top of the highest bale.

A CN Train rumbles in the distance

On the day my son and I explored a local hay field, it was too hot to wrestle or play tag so we simply sat on the bales and chatted and ate a snack.  We pulled out some binoculars and watched the tree tops for birds and spotted a hawk that was far enough away I couldn't identify it, but close enough that my son thought it was "cool."  He was also impressed with the constant singing of the beetles and wondered why he hadn't heard them earlier.  When the train rumbled up the valley below he was excited to watch it go, so much so he almost fell off the hay bale he was perched on.    

It was a great afternoon and getting out and exploring nature is that simple.  A science lesson for your kids and maybe even yourself is likely right out your back door.  I know my son and I are learning something every time we get outside together.                                                

Looking down on a corn stalk, not sure why, but why not.

Tower Talk

This weekend past was Canada Parks day and many parks around the Country celebrated with some great events.  Parks Canada opened their gates for a day and waived entry fees.  This provided many with an opportunity to maybe explore that park or historic site close by.  That National monument that they've been meaning to get to.  I know that is what my family did and it was a great experience.  We checked out Carleton-Martello Tower National Historic Site in west side Saint John, NB.  What is impressive about this tower is that it is the oldest structure in the country's oldest City.

Stay tuned for more on this great East Coast family adventure.   

Canada Parks Day

Hey did you know that this Saturday is Canada Parks Day?  Many parks across the country are offering free entrance on Saturday and are hosting many special activities.  If you love the outdoors and our great parks check it out.

 http://www.parksday.ca/eng/index.html

This is a great way to share some great fun at little cost.  Some parks have geo-caching events, campfires, guided hikes, and many other cool events.  There is something for everyone so come on, get out and support our parks.

Dickson Falls in Fundy National Park where on Canada Parks Day you can take a guided hike.

Busy

Wow the heat is crazy nowadays in this part of the world.  I have a great deal to write about it but no time to write.  When things slow down I will get back to getting trip reports and such on here.  Hope everyone is enjoying their summer.

What did you do on Canada Day?

Whalen's Wanderings Column in the Kings County Record (July 6 edition)

So what did you do for Canada Day?  Was it the same thing you did last year for Canada Day?  I know I did the same thing as last year.  For me that is what Canada Day is about.  It is about family and tradition and it is about hanging out with close friends and family and sharing the celebration together.  Canada Day is about setting time aside to slow down and appreciate what we have here in Canada.

I can't recall how long ago our current tradition began.  It was likely the first year after my wife and I moved to Sussex.  Long time friends of my parents invited us over for a barbeque and pool party and since we had a young child at the time, hanging out with willing babysitters seemed like a good idea.  With my parents at that Canada Day party my wife and I could more easily relax and enjoy the pool, the food and drinks, and the conversation.

This year's Canada Day was spent like the last 4 at least.  While some people may like a change, for me it has become a great way to connect with some of those people I don't get to see regularly through out the rest of the year.  In total there are likely 5 or 6 families that have enjoyed this party regularly over the years.  The families would span three generations and most of the people in the first generation who have attended in the past, knew me as a child, and I grew up with their kids.  Now our lives are busier and I have lost touch with them and their children.  Our Canada Day tradition allows us to catch up and span that generational gap.  There is a long history between many of those who attend and to keep that history growing, this Canada Day party allows us all to continue to add to the story.  It allows a generation that had a huge impact on me to also provide that same wholesome, family oriented, positive impact on my children. 

I think that a get together like this builds a strong sense of what it means to be Canadian.  As Canadians we love our families, we love our backyards, we love being outdoors, we love our stories, we love to play, and we love to celebrate.  A couple of people love to play music, some love to swim, some like to toss washers, some like to talk, and we all love to eat.  When you bring all this together it makes for a diverse party atmosphere that slightly symbolizes the diversity that makes Canada so great.

Did anyone see where I put my towel?

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