CBIH Members,

Regretfully we must inform you that Karen MacNeil, a long time member of CBIH has passed away.

Our sincere condolences to James and Family.

Karen's obituary appears in the Cape Breton Post and online in InMemoriam.ca, see link below for further details

http://www.inmemoriam.ca/view-announcement-2274385-karen-macneil.html

Karen MacNeil

 

20 FUN, FITNESS AND FRIENDSHIP YEARS

A short synopses of a wonderful weekend in the CB Highlands National Park!

Do you have any photos to share? Please send them to bretonhoppers@hotmail.com

Additional photos available at: http://cbislandtrailphotos.blogspot.ca/

Happy Hikers on the Coastal Trail!😎

The CBIH celebrated 20 years of walking for Fun, Fitness and Friendship exploring the hiking and walking trails of Cape Breton Island in the Highlands National Park.

A weekend of walking and social activities such as a Meet and Greet began on Friday 30 June. Starting off with two walk events, one at Ingonish Beach and the Middle Head Trail and an afternoon stroll on the Clyburn Valley Trail along the Clyburn River and the Highlands National Park Golf Course.

Friday evening at the Ingonish Hall, members of CB Island Hoppers greeted our guest from other parts of the Atlantic Provinces with the other "F' in our motto "FOOD" , as wells as entertainment.

Barb Thistle enjoying Fresh lobster and clams

Dinner at the Ingonish Canadian Legion

We travelled to Ingonish at the right time as Fresh lobster had been available at all of the local Restaurants'

Members and guest staying at the Keltic Lodge had an additional evening of fun, as we enjoyed local entertainment in the lounge late into the evening 😁

While the rest of the province and other parts of the island had rain!! The Ingonish side of the island only had a light shower in the morning and the walk events at Warren Lake and Broad Cove Mountain continued as planned for our Canada Day walk event,

Broad Cove Mountain Look-Off - Canada Day

A message from Darcy Noble and Ron Kent:

Hi Cal and Barb and Rollie,

Memories of my trip to Cape Breton have been with me all week.  I loved your part of Nova Scotia, and your hospitality felt like a big warm hug.
Everything was so well organized and  I know that a lot of effort and helping hands go into making it seem that way.
It was a very memorable trip for Ron and I.  Thank you for creating such a special weekend for us all.
Darcy

From Ibel Scammell

Great anniversary weekend, CBIH!  Loved every minute of hanging out with you Capers on your beautiful island!

From Lee and Suzanne Lazaro 

Great shot of the Breton Hoppers on their walking weekend in Ingonish!  Wish we could have been there!! 
I do want to share that Lee & Suzanne did not let Canada Day go uncelebrated over here in Oregon. We were invited to a Canada Day BBQ by our friends Russell and Sylvia, who originally met at UBC in Vancouver (Sylvia is from BC originally.) I wore my Canada t-shirt and Suzanne had her maple leaf dress, and we drank Moosehead beer and barbequed salmon, and even sang Oh Canada!  Everything but watch hockey (although I did share one volkswalker's dubious claim to Suzanne and I that more Canadians watch curling on TV than hockey - I personally find that hard to believe.)
Congrats to the Breton Hoppers on 20 great years! Lee & Suzanne 

The participants had the choice of one of two events for Sunday, Mica Hill within the Highlands National park near Neil's Harbour or continue north to Bay Saint Lawrence and the Money Point Trail and the Kaufman Trail, near the most northerly part of Cape Breton. This part of the island overlooks St. Paul's Island, the most northern part of Nova Scotia.

Coastal Trail

After the walks/hikes on Sunday we settled in for a wonderful evening dinner at the Ingonish Legion with great food from Jason LeBlanc - Coastal Waters Catering, plus a great performance by Norm MacDonald and Bruce Courtney.

After the dinner the Atlantic Director for the Canadian Volkssport Federation presented volunteer pins to several of our members: Joe MacKinnon - 10 Years; Lucy Nardini - 10 Years; Barb Thistle - 15 Years; Elsie Buck - 15 Years; Cal Thistle - 15 Years; Rollie Coombes - 20 Years Several more to be posted later!

The Coastal Trail on Monday morning proved to be one of the most memorable trails for the weekend with many scenic views along the trail.

More photos will be published on our photo gallery.

Canadian Volkssport Federation's Winter Walking Program

The Annual Canadian Volkssport Federation's  Winter Walking Program starts this week.

  Please see details below.

From: Michele Bell

Date: October 7, 2016 9:28:05 AM ADT

To: 'CVF'

Subject: Winter Exercise Program

The Winter Exercise Program starts on October 15, 2016 until March 31, 2017. 

The stamp sheet can be downloaded from the CVF website at:

 http://www.walks.ca/files/Winter%20Walking%20EN.pdf 

The cost is $5.00 upon completion for a recognition certificate.  

Thanks.

Michele Bell

CVF Executive Assistant

Walking is good for the mind, body and soul.

LEWIS MOUNTAIN TRAIL CONTNUES SUNDAY 16 OCTOBER 2017

Please Note:

 

The Guided Walk Event for Sunday 16 October at Lewis Mountain will continue as advertised.

WE will be walking at Lewis Mountain!!

Registration begins at 1:30 and we step off at 2:00 pm.

The Permanent Trail (PT-244) in North Sydney is once again open.

This trail can be done at anytime by members and volkssport visitors on your own or as a group.

Sydney (PT-059) Remains Closed.

Please refer to the Cape Breton Island Hoppers Volkssport Club  "Home Page" for a description/explanation of "Year Round/Permanent Trails.

http://www.capebretonislandhoppers.com/

Also see our National site for more Permanent Trail Events

 

http://www.walks.ca/yres.html

CB ISLAND HOPPERS PERMANENT TRAILS - FLOOD CONDITONS

The Cape Breton Island Hoppers Volkssport Club Permanent Sanctioned Walk Events  located in Sydney and North Sydney are cancelled, until further notice, due to the recent flooding caused by hurricane Mathew.

CBRM work crews, and NSP emergency crews are out repairing roads, bridges and power lines.

Many areas of these trails are impassable.

YOUR SAFETY SHOULD BE YOUR PRIME CONCERN.

The Permanent Seasonal Walk Events located in Glace Bay, and Louisbourg are also  closed and will cease from now until the new season begins in early May 2017.

There are no reports of damage or street closing in Baddeck; this Seasonal Walk Event will remain open until the end of October as posted, or unless there is more bad news from that location.


At this time, the Guided Walk Event at Lewis Mountain, on Sunday 16 October will proceed as planned.

Again we must caution that adverse weather and trail conditions will determine the outcome as another storm is making its way up the Atlantic Coast this coming weekend.

Any changes to our schedule will be posted as quickly as possible.

If you have any questions or want to pass on any new developments that we are not aware of, please do not hesitate to contact CBIH club president Cal Thistle or the Trails Coordinator Rollie Coombes at the club email address or post on our Facebook account.

For those interested in seeing flood conditions in Cape Breton and other parts of Nova Scotia, there are many videos being posted dail on social media outlets.


bretonhoppers@hotmail.com

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/capebretonislandhoppers/?ref=aymt_homepage_panel

DEVILS HILL AND WATERFALL

The Annual Shirley Boutilier Memorial Walk Event

This years walk event will take place at Devils Hill and Waterfalls located on the New Boston Road, Catalone

Start Point: 20 New Boston Road, Recreation Centre parking lot

Date: Sunday, 25 September 2016

Registration: 1:30pm

Walk Time: 2:00pm

Walking Distances: 5k and 10k

Walk Leader/guide: Shirley Pettigrew


Directions to Start Point:

From Hwy 125 take Exit 8 to Rte. 22, Louisbourg Hwy, and continue to Catalone,  turn right at the second exit to New Boston Road. The Start Point is the Catalone Recreation Centre, 20 New Boston Road.



http://www.capebretonislandhoppers.com/event.cfm?eid=687

http://www.capebretonislandhoppers.com/index.cfm

CLYBURN VALLEY TRAIL - CAPE BRETON HIGHLANDS NATIONAL PARK

Our next walk event and a special birthday event:

[1.]

Walk Event: Sunday 11 September 2016

Time: Registration: 1:30 PM - Walk Start Time: 2:00 PM

Location: Clyburn Valley Trail-head, Cape Breton Highlands National Park

Walk Distance: 5 k and 10 k, a linear style trail walk in and return on the same trail

Travel Time and Distance: (not including wait time for ferry at Englishtown)

From Exit 8 on the 125 bypass to the trail-head is 137 k or 1 hour- 50 min.

Walk Leaders: Diane and Bruce Clarke

From Diane Clark:

This hike is rated  2C with spectacular stands of hardwood trees, boulders bigger than cars, meadows, apple trees and the remains of an old gold mine which will be our destination, approximately 8.5 km return.  The trail follows the river for most of the way, but you will catch a glimpse of the Highland Links Golf Course as it weaves its way up this valley. 

[2.]

After the walk, 5:00 PM dinner reservations and a Special Birthday Cake surprise.

Coastal Waters Restaurant, 36404 Cabot Trail

Directions: From the Clyburn Trail turn North (left) and continue for 4.1k or 5 minutes, the restaurant is on the left of the highway and lots of parking spaces,

Our Social Committee Chairperson Dianna MacDonald needs confirmation, now, from all members attending this walk.

Please call Dianna MacDonald 902-567-2298 or 

email:

macdonalddianna@hotmail.com

as soon as possible to ensure you have a seat at the table!

[3.] CB Highland National Park Fees are in effect, members are responsible to pay at  the toll booth when entering the park. 

CBIH cannot be held responsible for this fee or any tickets issued by National Park staff.

http://www.pc.gc.ca/pn-np/ns/cbreton/visit/tarifs_fees_e.asp?park=15

Fees for the day: Adult $7.80 Seniors $6.80

MABOU BEACH AND HIKING TRAILS

Sunday 28 August 2016, The Cape Breton Island Hoppers walked the network of trails on the West Mabou Trails and beach area.

Trail Bio:
Walkers can select one of two Start Points.
(1). Begin at the parking lot, entrance to West Mabou Beach Road or continue on Beach Road near the entrance to the beach area where there are some picnic tables and toilette facilities.
(2). The Western Coastal Trail runs from behind the parking lots near the beach along the bluffs, adjacent to, and overlooking the beach. This is the most popular trail.
The trail runs through a small section of twisted spruce before it opens up into an old pasture field, providing wonderful views the whole way. You can either follow the trail down to the south end of the beach and walk back on the sand, or you may choose to walk back to the parking lot or road through a series of inland paths and loops. Any one of these loops is about 2 km of easy, family friendly trails with some benches along the way. Karst topography or sinkholes are a common but interesting geological feature along the trails here.

Twenty members of the CBIH enjoyed a great day of walking along the beach and the various trail.

After the walk event 17 members enjoyed a good dinner and good company at the "Mull Restaurant" in downtown Mabou.

The group photo below was provided by Wanda MacDonald:

ALTERNATE WALK EVENT - SUNDAY 14 AUGUST

CBIH Members,

Mira Pastures and Canoe Lake have been cancelled!!

A travel ban in Nova Scotia forests, including hiking and walking trails, as you may already be aware, has been enforced this past week and will continue beyond our next walk event on Sunday 14 August.

This is beyond our control and we would like to provide you with a "Safer and fun Alternative."

Club executives will provide our membership with a new walk option, beyond the forest, for this coming Sunday 14 August.

Come on out and show your enthusiasm for walking no matter what the obstacles.

Join us for a beach walk in Sydney Mines.

Start Point: The Recreation/Ball fields Parking Lot at 
150 Pitt St. B1V 1R8 

This walk event will take us out to the beach area at the end of Ocean Avenue and we will continue on the trail just a few metres from the beach, going towards the community of Florence. 

A great opportunity, If you want to kick off your shoes and walk in the water! 

Registration will begin at 1:30 pm

Walk Start Time: 2:00 pm

Please pass on to all club members that you meet or talk to!!

CB Island Hoppers are dedicated to Walking for Fun, Fitness and Friendship!

Club President Cal Thistle and the Trails Coordinator

TRI PROVINCE WALK WEEKEND

Note: a brochure was sent out to all members earlier this year. If you are planning to attend and require the brochure please contact the following:

From: Sandy Hickey [mailto:sandyhickey@bellaliant.net] Sent: July 26, 2016 2:47 PM Subject: Tri Province Weekend

Hello everyone,

The time is fast approaching for our Tri Province Weekend Aug 19-21 and I wanted to give you an update.

It has been passed on to me that the Ferry running from NS to PEI is down to one at the current time and may still be on that weekend.  We have checked and currently there is 1 ferry running that evening at 1815 and 2130 from NS to PEI.  Unfortunately, this could not be foreseen when I was making up the schedule for the walk that Friday.  Therefore, it will be your decision if you wait for the ferry or drive around to the Confederation Bridge.  It is approximately 290 km to drive around.

It was suggested to get in the line up for the 1815 ferry and if you don’t get on that crossing then to leave the terminal and drive around. 

Over the last few months, many of you have indicated you plan to attend the weekend.  It would be greatly appreciated if you would drop me an email and let me know as I can’t remember all who is going.  I just need an idea of numbers so I can contact the 2 establishments we will be eating at to confirm they can accommodate us. 

I am really looking forward to this weekend as it has been something I wanted to do for a very long time.  Fingers crossed the ferry situation works out and the weather is great.

Thanks,

Sandy

SOUTH HEAD AND WADDEN'S COVE

St. Mary's Anglican Church at South Head

Walk event at South Head and Wadden's Cove.

A misprint in the annual schedule has this event rated at 3C, the rating should be 2B, albeit there are some hills, however the walk will take us along an old country gravelled road. This event will be suitable for all walkers of different  abilities.

Sunday 31 July, 2016
Registration begins at 1:30 pm
Walk Time: 2:00 pm

From Sydney follow Highway 22 (Sydney/Louisbourg Hwy) and after crossing Albert Bridge, turn left at **Brickyard Road and continue to the end of the road. Then left on Route 255 and continue over the one-lane bridge following the road signs towards Port Morien. Wadden's Cove and South Head are located on the right before the community of Port Morien.

** Before Albert Bridge, Horne's Road is a shorter route, however that road has many rough sections and potholes.

CBIH walk signs will be posted to the SP at 60 Church Lane. B1B 1S8

OR

From Glace Bay follow Route 255 going past the community of Port Morien, continue to South Head and Wadden's Cove.

CBIH walk signs will be posted to the SP at 60 Church Lane. B1B 1S8

Walk Leader:

Shirley Pettigrew 902-737-1006

ROOTS TO BOOTS FESTIVAL AND MORE

COME  OUT FOR A FULL WEEKEND OF WALKING EVENTS.

JOIN THE CBIH FOR FUN, FITNESS AND FRIENDSHIP!

The Cape Breton Island Hoppers Volkssport Club will provide 2 guided walk events during the Roots To Boots Festival in Louisbourg this coming weekend.

Our continuing Sunday walk schedule will include a walk at Dominion Beach, please see details below:

LOUISBOURG

WALK #1

"Roots to Boots Festival."

Friday 10 June
Registration begins at 1:30 pm
Group Guided Walk starts at 2:00 pm -
Walk Distance: 5k and 10k

Start Point - Kennelly Point Picnic Park, Havenside Road, Louisbourg.
The Trail: Louisbourg Lighthouse and Coastal Trail
Rollie Coombes, 902-849-0747 or 902-565-6256


WALK #2

"Roots to Boots Festival."

Saturday 11 June
Registration begins at 1:30 pm
Group Guided Walk starts at 2:00 pm -
Walk Distance: 5k and 10k

Start Point -  Kennington Cove Road at the "Old Town Trail" trailhead parking lot.
The Trail: Old Town Trail and Fortress Louisbourg (Ruins Walk)

DOMINION

WALK #3

Regular scheduled walk event

Sunday 12 June Registration begins at 1:30 pm
Group Guided Walk starts at 2:00 pm -
6694 Seaside Dr., Hwy 28 B1G 1T9
Walk Distance: 5k and 10k

A Guided Walk along one of Cape Bretons most beautiful sandy beaches including a board-walk with a short stroll into the community of Dominion and the S&L Trail.
CBIH signs will be posted near the Start Point parking lot.
Judy Lorway and Rollie Coombes 902- 849-0747


Walk For The Health Of It!

SERVICES FOR BILL HOPKINS

The Cape Breton Island Hoppers Volkssport Club has lost a good friend, and we extend our sincere condolences to Marion Hopkins and the  family of Bill Hopkins.

ON THE LEFT IS BILL HOPKINS

William (Bill) Tracy Hopkins a member and good friend to the Cape Breton Island Hoppers VC passed away on 18 Dec. 2016.

Bill was very active with the CBIH and enjoyed many outdoor activities before his illness.

Bill is survived by his wife Marion R. (MacLean) who participated in our walk events as well.

The Cape Breton Post reports that visitation will take place at Sydney Memorial Chapel on Friday, May 6 from 7-9 pm.

Funeral services will take place at the United Protestant Church  of Sydney River on Saturday, May 7 at 2pm., with  Rev. Dana Feltmate officiating. Internment at Black Brook Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to a charity of choice.

CBIH will make a donation to the Hospice Palliative Care Society, Cape Breton County 
rfc for Cal Thistle, President Cape Breton Island Hoppers VC

CVF - ATLANTIC DIRECTORS MEETING AND WALK EVENTS

The Cape Breton Island Hoppers had the privilege of hosting the Canadian Volkssport Federation's Annual Atlantic Director's Meeting.

The weekend events included  three group guided walks in Sydney (Baille Ard Trail*), Peters field's NS Provincial Park and New Harris Road that included a 2Km stretch on the Kelly's Mountain Trail.

The weekend meeting also included lunch for those attending the scheduled meeting. An evening dinner was held for all members at the Swiss Chalet in Sydney.

Barb and Cal Thistle hosted the meeting and lunch at their home in Coxheath.
Members of the Social Committee provided the lunch.

The Social Committee includes Dianna MacDonald, Carmel Coffin, Julie Dzaich and Judy Lorway Thank you folks we enjoyed everything you provided.

Going up the Kelly's Mountain Trail off New Harris Road

In attendance for the Atlantic Directors Meeting:

"Thank you for visiting our community and we hope to see you all again".

Phillip Longmire - CVF Atlantic Director

Julie Benson - Representing Dartmouth Volksmarch Club [DVC]

Heather MacLeod - President Central Nova Volkssport Club [CNVC]

Karen Illsley - President Valley Trekkers Volkssport Club [VTVC]

Deborah White - Trails Coordinator for VTVC

Cal Thistle - President Cape Breton Island Hoppers [CBIH]

Rollie Coombes - Trails Coordinator CBIH

On Monday, May 2, 2016 6:16 PM, Phillip wrote:

 Hi Cal.

Please pass  my thanks to the Cape Breton Island Hoppers Volkssport Club for hosting what I believe was a very enjoyable weekend. A special thanks to you and Barb for opening your home for our Atlantic Director’s meeting and providing us with a hearty lunch. Thanks to Rollie for organizing and leading us on some beautiful walks with spectacular views.

Our visitors take sometime to enjoy Cape Breton hospitality!

Salute, Cheers!

Karen Illsley

Barb Thistle! So who is going to wash the dishes?......"Cal"!

A Special Thank You to Barb Thistle who opened up her home, and a warm welcome, as our meeting area and provided us with a great meal and good tea!


A FEW HIGHLIGHTS OF THE MEETING:


One of the important subjects to come out of the AD Meeting for the CBIH was to inform the other Nova Scotia Volkssport clubs that our 20th Anniversary will be held in 2017.

The Island Hoppers will hold 6 walking events and dinner during the July 1st weekend.
We are in the final planning stages to host a series of walk events in Ingonish, The Highlands National Park and Cape North areas.

2017 is also the 150th anniversary of Canada and the National Park service has indicated that Park entrance fees will be suspended for the year.

The 2017 Nova Scotia Volkssport marathon event will be hosted by the Central Nova Volkssport Club 16 September 2017. CNVC will also host the next Atlantic Directors Meeting 29 April 2017.

We were reminded that the Valley Trekkers Volkssport Club will be celebrating their 20th Anniversary this year in Shelburne, NS during the July 1st weekend.

The Dartmouth Volksmarch Club will be hosting the 2016 Marathon in September.

BROCHURES  HAVE BEEN SENT OUT TO ALL CBIH MEMBERS!
If you need a paper copy or require an updated electronic brochure on these or any events, please email and I will send it to you as soon as possible.

Baille Ard Trail

When on the trail, I was asked, "what does Baille Ard mean in English? 
While in Ireland the English had a habit of writing phonetically when they encountered local place names.
The only answer I could find and I may be corrected if wrong.
Baille is Irish for "townland" and Ard is "hill or height".
Therefore I will surmise that it is "townland on the hill" !

First walk of the weekend, Phillip Longmire AD 3rd from right

Petersfield Trail

A wonderful weekend for Fun, Fitness and Friendship!

Thank you to all members of the Island Hoppers who attended the walk events and gave our Volkssport friends a warm welcome to Cape Breton.

Below: Don and Maurena MacKenzie 

"It was a beautiful day for a walk--great company, too!"

UPCOMING WALKS AND SOCIAL EVENTS:

CBIH WALK AND SOCIAL EVENTS:

Registration is requested for the dinner event on April 30, 7:00pm, at Swiss Chalet, see below for more information :

A. Next Scheduled Walk Event:

Open Hearth Park,109 Ferry St., Sydney B1P 6A4 
Guided Walk Sunday 17 April, 2016
Registration begins at 1:30pm
Walk starts at 2:00pm
Rated 1A - very little hills or inclines, well groomed pathways
Walk event will take place in and around the Open Hearth Park and trails
Walk Leaders Maurena and Don MacKenzie

B. Weekend of Walks/AD Meeting/Dinner :

The Cape Breton Island Hoppers will host the CVF Atlantic Directors Meeting with Philip Longmire from 29 April to 1 May 2016.

The AD meeting starts Saturday 30 April at 1:30pm and includes all Atlantic club presidents, trails coordinators and/or their representatives.

The weekend of activities will also include 3 guided walk events, a luncheon and an evening dinner event.

ALL Club Members are encouraged to attend the walk events and the evening dinner.

Registration and/or confirmation of attendance is requested for
the evening dinner on Saturday 30 April, 7:00pm, at Swiss Chalet 482 Grand Lake Road, Sydney B1P 5S8.
(Menu can be found on-line)
Contact Dianna Macdonald at 902-567-2298 or Judy Lorway 902-567-0017

WEEKEND WALK EVENTS: (29, 30 April and 1 May)

1.
Cambridge Suites, 380 Esplanade, Sydney B1P 1B1
Sydney Permanent Trail (Baille Ard Trail)
Guided Walk Friday 29 April 2016
Registration 3:30pm
Walk Starts 4:00pm
Walk Leaders Maurena and Don MacKenzie

2.
Petersfield Provincial Park, Westmount NS
1188 Westmount Road, B1R 2J6
Guided Walk Saturday 30 April 2016
Registration 8:30am
Walk Starts 9:00am
Walk Leader Elsie Buck
Directions to Start Point: Take Exits 5 or 5A from Hwy 125 following signs to Westmount Rd and the nearby Canadian Coast Guard College

3.
New Harris Road/Seal Island Bridge
3779 New Harris Road, B1X 1T1 - adjacent to KOA parking lot
Guided Walk Sunday 1 May 2016
Registration 8:30am
Walk Starts 9:00am
Walk Leader Rollie Coombes

Directions to Start Point: From North Sydney continue west on Hwy 105, after crossing the Seal Island Bridge turn left on New Harris Road.

Re:PLEASE NOTE:

Registration and/or confirmation of attendance is requested for
the evening dinner on Saturday 30 April, 7:00pm, at Swiss Chalet 482 Grand Lake Road, Sydney B1P 5S8. (Menu can be found on-line)
Contact Dianna Macdonald at 902-567-2298 or Judy Lorway 902-567-0017