Whalen's Wanderings

C7

By Ben Whalen

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Family is very important to me. If you have read any of my previous columns you have probably realized that.

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Foggy Dickson Falls in Fundy National Park

Recently, my family and I were able to plan a large family camping experience which will go down as one of my most memorable. My parents, brother, and sister, and our significant others and kids all managed to attend this wonderful weekend. In total there were 13 of us and we hope to make this an annual event -- one that will likely grow.

Our family camping trip had to take place in Fundy National Park because only Fundy has the campgrounds, playgrounds, trails, and theaters to keep us all entertained. It is actually quite amazing how much Fundy has to offer everybody. I rediscovered Fundy again.

For so long I have viewed Fundy as a wilderness getaway meant for one. The buildings I once wished were not there, the park I never saw useful, the theater that had no popcorn now all had purpose. I knew that as a kid and now with kids of my own, I know it once again.

We had an amazing time at the amphitheater listening to Isaac and Blewett while magnificent slides played behind them and young kids, including our own danced in front of them. This little theater is something I would recommend to anyone, whether you are a young couple on a first date, a family looking for something for everyone, an older couple looking to rekindle that desire, or just on your own looking for some relaxing entertainment. Why am I telling you this? I guess it is because I think we should all revisit our national parks.

If you decide to do this let me request one more thing. When you go, go with a different perspective. You don't necessarily have to take someone's kids along to achieve this either, though in my case that helped. You will be amazed at what you find. If you have never been to one of our national parks, what are you waiting for? Fundy has hiking and biking trails for all abilities. They have paddling adventures for all skill levels. There are lakes with beaches for swimming in if you can't handle the cold waters of the Bay even. The cost may seem high at first glance but once there you will quickly realize that your entry fee into the park is well worth it.

I want to add a new feature to my column. So this week I want to let everyone know about an activity that is going to take place Sept. 3-10. The Fundy Hiking Association is once again hosting a volunteer trail cleanup. This is an important event that helps greatly in maintaining the Fundy Footpath.

The group will be returning to Adair's Wilderness Lodge every evening and leaving from there every morning for maintenance activities. If you are interested in meeting people who love to hike, camp, and/or backpack then you may want to take in this event.

For more information you can contact me via email or Alonzo Leger at (506)386-2867 or leger@nbnet.nb.ca. They are seeking groups of three to four people to go in and work on sections of the trail together, so if you are thinking about hiking that weekend anyway, why not help out.

This is the first of many environment and recreation minded activities that I hope to promote here in my column. If you have something you want to promote let me know. I want to provide a voice for those who may not have it when it comes to outdoor activities.

See you in the woods or on the water.

Ben Whalen is an avid backpacker, adventurer, and environmentalist, who loves the natural areas in and around Kings County. You can contact him at benwhalen@hotmail.com.