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From butterflies to Nova Scotia once more….

A couple of days ago, I posted part one of a piece on Thomas’ Cove Coastal Reserve. This post picks up where where I left off after describing the cove, the geography, and the tidal action of the area. We’ve hiked there on four occasions during our last two visits to Nova Scotia – twice on the Headlands Trail, and twice on the Economy Trail. What follows is a glimpse of what one might see along either trail, although all of the photos were shot along the Economy Trail on our final day in Nova Scotia.

At the parking lot, butterflies could be seen flitting about the vegetation along the path to the beach. Most were Fritillaries — all too quick for my camera — but I did get a shot of what I’m pretty sure must be a Hoary Comma (Polygonia gracilis). From the parking area, we walked down the wooden staircase to the beach that circles the inside of the cove. Here’s a panorama shot of the beach from my previous post. We wandered along while I photographed the many small dead crabs that had been washed up and stranded on the sand during the previous tides. Among the larger of these was the above crab (click on image for larger view), which I think is probably an Atlantic Rock Crab (Cancer irroratus).

With the tide well out and not expected in for at least a couple of hours, we decided to walk the shoreline out around the right arm of the cove. I’ve described that a bit in the previous post, but, in a nutshell, the footing is sandy all the way around until you arrive at the headlands. As you round the sandstone headlands, the “floor” becomes sculpted red sandstone coated with a thin layer of very slippery red soil. It’s *very* easy to slip on this and could result in a pretty bad fall if one slipped while walking down one of the mogul-like undulations in the sea floor. As also mentioned in my previous post, the tides can be quite dangerous in this part of Fundy as they are so high and rise very quickly.

After walking around while I shot photos, we retraced our steps a short ways to a footpath that leads up onto the trail that follows the top of the cliffs overlooking the cove. Along sections of the trail closest to the cliff, the coastal forest tends to be mainly spruce, many of which are draped with a kind of lichen that I think is often called Old Man’s Beard (Usnea spp). It’s quite beautiful and always has a bit of a mystical look, especially when the fog begins to roll in — and yes, we’ve been caught out on these trails in the fog on a couple of occasions, so that’s something to consider when you decide to visit this area.

There are some terrific look-offs along both the Headlands and Economy trails. The actual trail usually runs inland at least 10 or 20 meters — probably both for safety, and because the coastline is constantly eroding and would require trail rerouting after a time. Every so often, there is a footpath running off toward the edge of the cliffs, and if you follow it, there is almost always a look-off with a protective rail barrier. Tempting as it may be to go beyond the barrier, that’s a bad idea as the cliff edges are always very unstable. When walking below, you get some idea of this as you find large trees washed away so much from below that they’ll probably topple before much longer — and, in fact, there were a few canted over on their sides on the beach this visit. At one of the look-offs, there’s a bench with a plaque dedicating the area to the memory of Leroy Smith of Five Islands, the crew leader for the trail-making team, who referrred to the surrounding area as his “Special Spot” (click on image at left to read the plaque). It really is a special spot — here’s a view which I photographed from the bench area during our 2005 hike on this trail.

After following the coast for a good distance, the trail turns away and begins to circle back through the forest. Vegetation is typical of coastal forests with patches of tall ferns, Bunchberry (Cornus canadensis) (see left), blueberries, and wild raspberries along the trailside. In a boggier section, boards are laid down and lead through spruce trees growing up amid mounds of sphagnum moss (see below).

It was along the boardwalk part of the trail that we noticed many orb webs fastened to the lichen-covered trees. Upon closer inspection, we found several spiders that we think must be Araneus bicentenarius – the Lichen Orbweaver, which has slightly pointed “shoulders” on its abdomen.

All too soon, the trail suddenly emerges from the shelter of the forest into the blazing sunlight of the parking area. Both trails are wonderful hikes on hot days when most interior forest trails would be too warm. Being coastal, there is almost always a breeze coming in from the bay to cool you off, especially when you take a break at a look-off. From the Headlands trail, there are a couple of good look-offs of the inside of the cove, as well as some good views of the small estuarine creek. The trail follows the same route on the way out and return from the main loop, so you must pass by these look-offs in both directions. It’s interesting to compare the water levels in the cove and the estuarine creek. In 2005, I shot these before-and-after photos of the creek. The first was taken at 12:13 hrs., and the second at 13:19 hours.

A few trail notes for those who might visit: Both trails are approximately 3 km. long. The Economy Trail is the more level of the two – a fairly easy walk with no real elevation changes along the way. Footing is good and there are just a couple of sections where the vegetation tends to get a little overgrown. The trail is well-marked through most sections. The Headlands trail does have some up and down sections and small elevation changes. The footing in a couple of sections requires some care due to exposed tree roots and the like. Out near the headlands, there have been some tree blowdowns and the trail is a bit confusing due to some rerouting, so you have to look around for the surveyor’s tape that marks the way. The parking area is accessed from a long lane leading from Thomas Cove Road. For directions and maps, visit the nearby Cobequid Vistor’s Center in Economy. The Economy Falls trail is in the same general area, so enquire about it as well.

Tags: Thomas’ Cove Coastal Reserve, Economy, Atlantic Rock Crab, Cancer irroratus, Hoary Comma, Polygonia gracilis, Old Man’s Beard, Usnea lichen, Lichen Orbweaver spider, Araneus bicentenarius, Bunchberry, Cornus Canadensis