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The crackerberries were out in full colour during our last hike. Some folks call them also call crackers because of the sound they make when you bite them because of the pit they contain. Their latin name is Cornus canadensis and they are sometimes called bunchberry. They belong to the dogwood family and they often cover the forest floor throughout Newfoundland and Labrador. The fruit is slightly sweet but mostly tasteless. Many folks consider them edible but not highly sought. (Note: Get proper training to accurately identify any wild edible before consuming). One final factoid-Cornus canadensis uses the rare strategy of "explosive pollination." I'll leave that up to your imagination.Adventure puppy, Koa, (still not ours) is growing every day. He handled this week’s hike even better and made a bit more distance. So fun to watch him explore and sniff and sniff and explore. During our snack break on the beach, he curled up into a sun-drenched ball of cuteness to nap and refresh. Taking to the trail with a fresh being, eg. puppy or toddler lets one see the wonders of the natural world in all new ways.For today’s adventure pairing, I offer a lovely dodge along Tinker’s Path between Tors Cove and Mobile on the East Coast Trail with a snack stop on Kearley’s Beach. Today’s snack, the @theoatcompany Sea Salt Brownie Oat Bar paired wonderfully with the swoosh of the waves making landfall on the shore. Re-energized after the break, all of our other senses were tickled by the tapestry of colour, the cacophony of a pounding surf, and the thrill of a breaching whale. Tinker’s Path is a great choice for new hikers, multigenerational hikers, young hikers, all hikers. The 5.1 km path is relatively flat, easily managed terrain with spectacular sights around each nook and cranny. Puffins, whales, beaches, and islands filled with sheep-what more could you ask for?A view out towards where the whales were breaching and the fog was inviting them to dance.I was introduced to @theoatcompany through my being a local hike advocate for #HikeNL and @legendarycoasts. After finished my blueberry bars, I ordered a 12 pack so I could try all their flavours. Yesterday on our Spout hike, the Snowball bar was just the ticket of sweet and chocolate to finish lunch and to propel us through the post lunch 40 minute steep climb out. So, this is my Snowball (chocolate and coconut) at the Spout! #maderighthere and with speedy free delivery here in St.John’s, they are now my go-to hike treat for the summer. I can’t wait to try the rest of the flavours! #BuyLocal #poweredbyoats #ExploreNL #OutdoorEats #Getoutside #hike #yummyinmytummyWe had an absolutely fantastic stupendous hike to “The Spout” yesterday. We tried the overland route and with the dry conditions this summer, it went well. Following the good navigational challenge, The Spout-a freshwater geyser propelled by ocean wave action, did not disappoint. It was blowing well. During lunch, we spotted some whales at the next point and didn’t they just breach while the spout was spouting. A magical moment for sure that will never be forgotten.TA’s Facebook Page
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- TA Loeffler on Ten Hints for Hiking the East Coast Trail in Winter
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- How Living With/Through the COVID-19 Pandemic is Like Climbing Everest | TA Loeffler's Adventures that Move on Revisiting an Adventurous Decade Countdown 2018: How Paddling North is Like Climbing Everest and 2.5 Million Paddle Strokes
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Tag Archives: Winter
Ten Hints for Hiking the East Coast Trail in Winter
The East Coast Trail can be enjoyed in all seasons but winter can be especially magical with the interaction of snow, ice, and water. The trail is not groomed nor maintained in winter so you have to be prepared to … Continue reading
Posted in hiking, Life, Loca-venturing
Tagged East Coast Trail, HikeNL, hints, snowshoe, Winter
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Team #Skiarail Goes Coast to Coast to Completion
My friend, Heather, wrote to say she likes to play, “Where in the world is TA?” She said, “I know you could be anywhere.” Well, Heather-you might be surprised that I am not that far from home but a world … Continue reading
Posted in Ski
Tagged 2018, adventure, Cross Canada, Lovewinter, ski, Via Rail, Winter
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The #SkiARail Team Heads West
Marian and I are sitting on a train bound for Toronto and we are wearing longjohns. We’re sweltering a bit but the ski we had this afternoon on Mont Royal was worth it. The sun was shining, the trail grooming … Continue reading
Lungta Livyers #19: Pressing Pause
As you may remember, Lungta is the name of prayer flags in Tibet and Nepal. Lungta means “Windhorse” and refers to how the wind can carry the prayers that are printed on the prayer flags into the universe. Livyer is … Continue reading
Posted in Lungta Livyers
Tagged 2018, adventure, Buddhism, Cross Canada, Lovewinter, prayer flags, ski, Via Rail, Winter
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Lungta Livyers #18: Home and Away Again
Happy New Year, When we left in August, we had no idea where we would be for either Christmas or New Year’s. Turns out that we spent them in St. John’s but not at home. We rented out our house … Continue reading
Posted in Lungta Livyers
Tagged 2018, adventure, Cross Canada, Lovewinter, ski, Via Rail, Winter
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A Book Birth Announcement: The Get-Outside Guide to Winter Activities
It’s a book birth announcement. It weighs 14.7 ounces & after 2 years gestation, it is wonderful to finally hold it! It just arrived from the publisher and it’s beautiful. The book, a collaboration with Andrew Foran and Kevin Redmond, … Continue reading
Winter Joys
Finally enough snow to get out and enjoy winter!
Posted in Everest 3.0, Life, Video
Tagged 2013, chopsticks, concept piece, scrape, ski, Winter
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Radio Noon Crosstalk …How do you stay active at this time of year?
“Towering snowbanks, slippery sidewalks…exercising outside isn’t much fun in February. And fighting through stormy weather to get to the gym can get pretty old. Antony Card is director of Memorial University’s department of Human Kinetics and Recreation. TA Loeffler Professor … Continue reading
Posted in Life
Tagged Antony Card, CBC, fitness, joy, physical activity, radio noon, TA Loeffler, Winter
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Over the Hill and Picking Up Speed
For the first time in my life, yesterday, I felt “middle-aged.” And I actually said it aloud. What prompted me to say that? Flying like a projectile down an icy slope on a slippery piece of plastic–that’s what did it. … Continue reading
