Field-work has begun

Despite a May that has nearly set records for rain and lack of sunshine, I have been making my first, tentative steps toward hiking the trails of Nova Scotia. Indeed, there has been so much rain that I have not yet put together more than two days of back-to-back walking. Call it the the "Spring blahs".

However, I have at least 100 trails to hike over the next several months - more if I decide that some routes cannot be included. But I have not done nothing this month. As of this morning, which is cloudy again, I should point out, I have completed nine routes that I am certain will be in the new edition. (That only leaves 91; the end is in sight!)

Probably more interesting for those looking forward to the new edition, seven of the nine I have hiked will be new to Hiking Trails of Nova Scotia. One of these, in Gully Lake, is so new that the bridge over Juniper Creek was not only unfinished when I hiked the trail, it had only been built that morning!

So, there it is. I will be hiking quite a bit this summer and fall. I will try to provide regular updates. And I am looking for your input. Have a favourite trail that you believe should be considered? Make a comment on this blog and let me know. Have you used Hiking Trails of Nova Scotia recently and been unimpressed by the trail you choose? Tell me, so I can decide whether to keep it in the 9th edition.

And when you are out on the trail this summer, if you see some tired-looking middle-aged (ok, late middle-aged) man stumbling past with hands full of gear: camera, GPS, cell phone, and voice recorder, say "hello" and perhaps add an encouraging word. That just might be me, and if it is I probably still have lots more trails to complete.

Have fun this summer!