One Star Hiking

You're going to want to turn the volume up for this one! 🔊 The sound of a peaceful brook passing carefully under the ice - there's not much better! But if you don't arrive at the trail with the right gear - no matter the time of year - you're going to miss out on some neat experiences. There are very few weather influences that ruin an adventure if you plan for them (though we don't recommend prolonged time in snowstorms, hurricanes, or any other extreme weather!). Being unprepared for the elements is not only unsafe, it's also a first-class ticket to no fun town! And no one wants to be in nature unless they're having fun! So before you head out to hike, make sure you check the weather forecast 24 hours prior to your hike time, as well as during the hike and the 24 hours afterwards. This will help you plan for all possible scenarios... within reasons.

The magic of winter hiking is unmatched—snow-dusted trails, crisp air, and serene landscapes. But winter’s beauty comes with its own challenges. Are you ready to explore safely? Winter hiking is an incredible way to experience nature, but staying safe should always be your top priority. As the snow glistens underfoot, remember these key tips to keep your adventures both magical and safe: 🧥 Layer up: Wear moisture-wicking base layers, insulating mid-layers, and a waterproof outer shell. Proper clothing helps regulate body temperature and prevents frostbite. 🌨️ Check the forecast: Know what conditions to expect and avoid hiking in extreme weather. Storms can roll in quickly! 🎒 Pack essential gear: Bring trekking poles, sturdy boots with good traction, and safety gear like a headlamp, whistle, and emergency blanket. 🗺️ Stay on the trail: Wandering off marked paths can lead to danger, especially with snow obscuring landmarks. 📞 Tell someone your plan: Always let a friend or family member know your route and estimated return time. Winter hikes can be the highlight of the season if you're prepared. So, grab your gear, lace up your boots, and let safety lead the way!

Solastalgia is the emotional distress caused by changes in a familiar environment, leaving us feeling sadness or worry about transformations in a place we love. It’s a reminder of our deep connection to the landscapes that shape us and the responsibility we share to care for them. In the Annapolis Valley, we see the impact of climate change and human activity on the trails, forests, and waterways we treasure. Hiking can be a way to process these emotions, deepen our appreciation for nature, and inspire action to protect what remains. By treading lightly and practising Leave No Trace, we honour the spaces we love and work toward preserving them for future generations. Solastalgia is a call to cherish and safeguard the places that mean so much to us. #wordoftheweek #solastalgia #climateaction #leavenotrace #natureconnection #onestarhiking #annapolisvalley

Anyone else wake up this morning and do a double take when you looked out the window???? December welcomed much of Nova Scotia with a blanket of snow. There's just something about the tranquillity of fresh snow in the morning before the snowblowers start blasting and everyone goes about their busy days. Traditionally, winter was a time to slow down. We would work less, hibernate more, and enjoy the shorter days. But that's not so much the case these days. After I got over the initial shock of seeing this much snow, I made my first cup of coffee for the day and ventured outside with Zaida. I stood in silence, sipping my coffee, taking in the beautiful scenery, and watching Miss Z do zoomies in the snow! I can't think of a better way to start off a new month. ...except for the shovelling I'm about to do! As we move into the winter season, what are some things you're looking forward to? Will you take some time to slow your pace? #december #firstsnow #coffee #snow #tranquil #goodmorning #today #reflection #annapolisvalley #winter #dogsofinstagram #slowdown #guidedhiking #onestarhiking #winterhikes #resilifitcoaching #youarestrongerthenyouthink

Seriously, though... how many of you can say you left the trail worse than you arrived? It's not very often. And when it does happen, it's usually due to lack of preparation, an unforeseen trail closure that wasn't reported, or something else unrelated to spending time in nature. The natural world teaches us so much about the world. From collaboration to complex relationships to inclusion and diversity and pretty much everything in between, nature is pretty incredible. But most importantly, it teaches us to sllllooowww down and appreciate all the little things around us. At One Star, we believe the true rewards are: 🍂 the endless shapes, colours, and sounds 🧠 the mental health benefits 😌 the opportunity to take a deep breath and relax What are some of your favourite hiking rewards?

Do you know what's just as important as using your hiking gear? Caring for it! It's easy to come home from a hiking adventure, kick off your shoes, change into something warm and cozy, and deal with your gear later. But this can lead to undesirable wear and tear caused from mould, or damage to fabric from dirt, sweat and chemicals like bug spray and sunscreen. Make sure to air out your gear, keep it clean, and store it properly. The better you treat your gear, the better it will treat you! #trailtiptunes #hikinggear #onestarhiking #justforfun #novascotiahikes #nstrails #exploreannapolisvalley #naturetherapy #singalong #fridayfun #getoutside #guidedhiking

When I first started to hike, I was OBSESSED with how fast I could complete a trail. And if I did a trail more than once, I would try to beat my previous time. But here's what I missed out on: 🪻 Spotting new-to-me plants and flowers 🐦 The tranquillity of bird songs 🍄 Learning about the bajillion types of fungi that are out there 🐢 Actually enjoying the experience and surroundings by slowing my pace 🧘‍♀️ Relaxing and reconnecting with nature But since Zaida entered the picture in late 2020, this 'ol girl has taught me the importance of slowing down. We stop every 3 seconds. She sniffs EVERYTHING! Sometimes, she just stops and looks around, then looks back at me, and then gives me an "I told ya so" face. She's completely changed the way I hike and my appreciation for the natural world around me (even though I was already a pretty big fan!). This is why One Star Hiking has adopted slow-pace hiking as one of our core values. It helps our heads and our hearts heal. It reminds us of childhood and being carefree. It allows us to appreciate what's in front of us. And sometimes that's emotional. Sometimes, it's just what we need to breathe and take a time out from this chaotic world we're in. No matter your reason, I highly recommend some gentle strolling through nature. Zaida sure loves it - and so do I!