Wellness Walk and Talk – Inspire.Explore.Create.Empower.

This year, Grand Manan is hosting the Island Fest on August 4 through 6. I was thrilled to be asked if I would host my Sunrise Wellness Walk again. Although sunrise at Swallowtail is my very favorite morning trek, we ran into a bit of a snag this summer.

This WAS the original plan…but now we’ve had a change!

As you can see, our beloved Swallowtail has been undergoing some changes!

I’ve been respectful of the crew working out there, and keeping my distance. I was shocked to hear not everyone has, and common sense, is not so common. Thus the need to protect us all.

So I’ve changed the venue for my Wellness Walk…. But not the time!

Castalia Marsh has some lovely sunrise scenes, too!

Swallowtail has been my favorite, because I get some extra exercise as well. Skipping down the stairs, a short walk over the bridge and through some trees makes for a very pleasant cardio jaunt up to the helicopter pad! Once there, it is such a beautiful space for morning mindfulness. The taste of salt air on your lips… the soft glow of the upcoming sun… the sound of seals exploring the weirs below…the spray of a whale off in the distance…

Then the walk back downhill to enjoy the bench beside the lighthouse. Yes, this is purely a magical start to the day. A few words of gratitude to God, for all He has laid out before me, as well as the warmth of the streak of rising sun coming across the water to meet my face… AHHH!

Now I can begin my day! An hour later, I’m ready to climb back up those stairs, and watch the squirrels send me on my way with their morning chatter.

BUT…

This year I invite you to join me at Castalia Marsh for the sunrise!

Castalia Marsh offers some spectacular sunrises, over Long Island

Depending on the time of year, the sun may appear on either side, or even above Long Island.

So I hope you’ll join me for this years Island Fest Wellnes Walk!

Oh….and since you are enjoying the festival, why not tag along wth a little friend to Bagley’s Trail at the Anchorage? Dalton and I have been putting together a fun Scavenger Hunt at one of our favorite walking trails!

All ages are invited to come along between August 4th-6th,
between 9am and 5 pm.
This is a self guided scavenger hunt/wellness walk, where 20 items will be hidden along the trail. Be on the look out for bunnies, squirrels and eagles as well!

What a great way to show the next generation the joys of our trails, and our Anchorage Park. Maybe we’ll see you there!

And don’t forget Saturday morning! We will see you at the Market! Dalton will have coffee, and his chili and pulled pork for lunch!

This week, Island mailboxes were hit with flyers announcing a new fundraising effort for upgrades to the Anchorage Park Trails. As many of you know, The Anchorage is a very special place to me, for its beaches as well trails. It has been my Go-To spot for many of my Wellness Walk & Talk events. Besides being centrally located, the Anchorage offers a variety of trails that are easy to walk, scenic, and short. I often combine 2-3 trails for an enjoyable walk when I want to add more steps to the latest virtual walking challenge I am working on.

One of my favorites is the Boardwalk. I especially love this one for all seasons. In winter, it can be very picturesque as snow lays on the overhanging canopy of branches. In summer, it can offer protection from the afternoon sun, or heavy winds. If you come up with a hundred reasons NOT to go for a walk, the Boardwalk can offer a hundred reasons to just get out and DO IT! It is very family oriented, and dog friendly. The various look out benches provide quiet spots to sit and meditate, pray, journal or read. They are also great resting spots for the little ones to stop and have a snack, or provide a snack for the squirrels! When Dalton was little, we would seek out the elusive trolls under some of those bridges, and later would hide treats in geocaches along the way with Youth Group. A mighty tree that held growing childhood friends for annual photo shoots has since fallen away. But the memories have not.

Another thing I really like about the Boardwalk, is how the three entry points can give you a very different experience. You might choose to walk the whole length, or just take in a short section. I’ve enjoyed taking the back campground entrance, especially in winter. I love the little bridges. The most popular entrance is by the Fisherman’s Memorial, a very peaceful destination in and of itself. The Red Point Road entrance may seem a little more out the way, but you also get to enjoy the short Hudson Trail down there, before starting on the Boardwalk. I am so grateful to Gene Hudson and his family/friends who take on some of the upkeep.

Looking back on the many years of adventures, it’s no wonder some stretches are in need of repair and upgrades. It has been twenty years of troll hunting and picnic lunches! The only time I recall the trails NOT being accessible was spring of 2020, when COVID restrictions told us we could not keep six feet apart if we were to meet someone along the way.

The proposed upgrades include widening the trail. Many times after a rainfall or ice storm, the boards would be very slippery and treacherous. Those days it is best to avoid the trail. Changes will see a hard-packed gravel laid down instead. I am so excited to think friends bound to wheelchairs will better be able to enjoy the park with friends and family.

I am partnering with the Anchorage to help fundraise and share my love of the trails. I hope you might consider coming out and joining us. As many of you know, I started hosting Wellness Walk & Talks during COVID restrictions, when indoor social gatherings were discouraged. Thankfully, our island is blessed with many walking trails, not just at Anchorage. The short hikes were good for all our state of mind, and continue to be.

Starting on Friday, June 25, I will be hosting weekend Wellness Walks. Visitors to the park will get to explore the area with me, and islanders are welcome to join in. Some of you might not have been on some of the trails ever; others might not have visited in a few weeks. We welcome all of you! If you have friends staying with you this summer, or you have guests staying at your cottages or B & Bs, we welcome you!

Come join us on Friday nights @7pm, or Saturday afternoons @4pm. Cost of the walk is $5 per adult, $3 per child, or $14 per family. Each group is limited to ten participants, so register early. You can pick up your ticket at the Anchorage Office, or text me at (506)662-4246. We will meet at the Picnic Pavilion gate. **all walks are weather pending, so be sure to check in with me if you are unsure.

If you are uncomfortable with crowds, message me to arrange a smaller walking group; or if you would like to arrange an alternate time for private parties, message me.

WHAT TO BRING: Wear comfortable shoes and your mask. Bring along bug spray/sunscreen and water. See you soon!