Get set for adventure in Annapolis County this fall and winter and learn all about your own back yard at the same time.
The county’s new Adventure Quest program will challenge all residents to become more active in the outdoors. Using the Annapolis County Outdoor Recreation Map and other Annapolis County Recreation publications residents will embark on a journey and explore their great county.
“Many people are unaware of the hidden beauty, diverse landscape and scenic vistas, parks, trails, and open spaces that we have here," says recreation coordinator Debra Ryan. “This new program is a fun and active way to learn about Annapolis County.”
Adventure Quest challenges participants to complete six treks between October 2011 and the end of March 2012. Folks can walk, hike, jog, run, bicycle, canoe, kayak, snowshoe, cross-country ski, and horseback riding. Five of the six treks should be chosen from the following Annapolis County Recreation Services publications:
-- Annapolis County Active Living Guide
-- Bicycle Annapolis County
-- Canoe Annapolis County
-- Parks, Trails & Open Spaces Brochure
The remaining sixth trek should be one that isn’t mentioned in the county publications. It can be a place in your community or somewhere in the county that maybe only you or some of your friends may know about.
Annapolis County’s parks, trails, public and settlement (K-class) roads are some of the oldest in Nova Scotia, and indeed throughout Canada. The Annapolis County Outdoor Recreation Map is a great tool that will help you, your family, group and/or friends plan your outdoor adventure to complete the Adventure Quest. You will be given an Adventure Quest pamphlet to record each of your treks. Participants must also take a picture or two of each trek to prove they have actually completed the activity.
Once the six treks have been completed the pamphlet and pictures are to be turned in to Annapolis County Recreation Services. In April 2012, after the fall/winter time frame has ended, prizes will be awarded.
Getting Started
To get you started here are a couple of great opportunities coming up in the next couple months(MUST pre-register):
-- Sunday, Oct. 2 at 1:30 p.m. - Kejimkujik Hike: Two for one Keji hike. Meet at Visitor Information Centre parking lot for registration. Some travel involved in vehicles in between both. Hemlock and Hardwoods - 5 km loop. Peter Point and Snake Lake trails 6km. For more info or to register contact hike leader Debra Ryan, 532-3139, 825-2005 or dryan@annapoliscounty.ns.ca
-- Sunday, Oct. 16 at 2:00 p.m. - Delaps Cove Wilderness Trail: Approx 2.2km. Meet at the Delaps Cove Wilderness Trail parking lot. Fun, spontaneous nature activities for all ages at the Bohaker Trail. For more information or to register contact hike leader Andre Bouchard, 532-0286, 825-2005 or abouchard@annapoliscounty.ns.ca
-- Sunday, Oct. 23 at 2:00 p.m. - Valley View Provincial Park: Fall Photography Hike. Approx. 5km. Meet at the entrance of Valley View Provincial Park. Explore the beauty and nature at Valley View Provincial Park this fall. Come capture the fall colors of the leaves and the Valley floor. Hike will be led by Annapolis County Recreation and John Rodie. For more information or to register contact hike leader Brian Orde, 532-3144, 825-2005 or email: borde@annapoliscounty.ns.ca
Winter Opportunities
Throughout the winter there will be plenty of opportunity to go on guided snowshoe or winter walk adventures as well.
To take part in the Adventure Quest program, contact Brian Orde, programs coordinator, Annapolis County Recreation Services, 532-3144, borde@annapoliscounty.ns.ca You can also drop by 752 St. George Street, Annapolis Royal to register, pick up your Adventure Quest pamphlet, Outdoor Recreation Map, Annapolis County Active Living Guide, Bicycle Annapolis County, Canoe Annapolis County, and Parks, Trails & Open Spaces brochure to begin your outdoor adventures. The Adventure Quest pamphlet can also be downloaded from club400.ca.
Remember, when you are hiking in a wilderness area this time of year, wearing “hunters orange” is advisable during hunting seasons. In Nova Scotia, hunting on Sunday is illegal.
Have you joined the Annapolis County Recreation Services Facebook group yet? If not log on to Facebook and sign up to Annapolis County Recreation Group to learn more about upcoming events, programs, and services.
