Chasing Something New (Without Leaving Nova Scotia)

by Angela Sanford

Here it is — the final hours of February. The shortest month on the calendar, technically… and if I see one more snowflake, I’m not entirely sure what I might be capable of.

I’m genuinely happy for those with sleds and snowmobiles — this has absolutely been their winter, and that’s terrific. But personally? I’m ready for milder temperatures, shrinking snowbanks, and daylight that stretches past suppertime.

With spring break (my last one!) fast approaching, I briefly considered heading south with a cousin and her family.  Last March was the first break I spent outside of Canadian borders but, instead, I’ve decided to stay local, reconnect with friends, and seek out a few new experiences close to home.

So far, I have one adventure officially booked: a midweek day at Sunsea Nordic Spa with a girlfriend I’m looking forward to catching up with. This has been on my to-do list since it opened, but I’ve never quite managed to squeeze it in. From mid-January onward, I checked their website daily, trying to snag a spot before it filled — and finally succeeded. I’ve never spent a full day at a spa before, so I’m looking forward to the experience and will happily report back on whether it lives up to the hype.

Next on the list is the new tubing experience at Martock. This one has proven harder to coordinate. I can’t even convince my husband to join me. Until last weekend, I couldn’t understand why no one was eager — but after hearing about a friend’s daughter’s icy wipeout (complete with abrasions and lingering soreness), I’m reconsidering whether my 54-year-old body would bounce back in time for work the following week. Still… I haven’t ruled it out. All I need is a willing accomplice….

Beyond those two outings — and an appointment with my optometrist — my adventure calendar is looking a little sparse for the week. I even asked AI for ideas. Despite specifically requesting “March Break winter day experiences in Nova Scotia,” it suggested sand sculpting and river rafting. Intriguing, yes. Seasonally appropriate? Not so much.

Of course, I have a stack of books on my nightstand, plus scrapbooking and sewing projects waiting patiently in my craft room. But I don’t want to spend the entire week indoors. I’m hoping to alternate cozy days at home with something fresh and new.

So if you’ve discovered a hidden gem, a quirky workshop, or a winter-worthy outing I haven’t considered — send your suggestions, please, before I default to reorganizing my basement junk room.