Bike Ride: From The Ridge To The Ocean

Our Nova Scotia home is at the top of a ridge, with views to the west (shown) and the east.

When we lived on the west coast we lived 5 meters (15 ft.) away from the ocean, and maybe 3 meters (10 ft.) above sea level. Birds on the water seemed like they were in our living room, which made identification very easy. Binoculars were optional.

A short distance from home and I get my first glimpse of the ocean below.

Where we are living on the east coast is about 5000 metres (3 miles) from salt water, and at an elevation of 152 meters (500 ft.). It is a little farther and higher, but feels much safer when it comes to winter storms and impending sea level rises. And it does make for an excellent short bike ride.

But I do miss the sea birds.

Almost to the sea, I check for mail, then carry on.

Yesterday I decided to roll out the bike for a ride down to the ocean to see if I could spot any waterfowl. As an added bonus, I could pick up our mail at the community mailbox on the way down.

My destination where Acacia Brook (which flows through the forest behind my home) meets salt water. The tide was low - summer high tides flood the grassy area on the left.

While there was still a bit of messy snow laying around, the road was free and clear and it was a beautiful almost-spring kind of day. It was a great ride, and it felt wonderful to be out... but no birds on the water. I had my binoculars in my pack, but didn't need to pull them out.

However, on the way home the chickadees and white breasted nuthatches in the trees next to the road lifted my bird watching spirits as I peddled uphill to home. 

It was a joyful, successful ride from the ridge to the ocean. And back, thankfully. Linda always loves it when I make it back home. So do I.