New Information about Lyme Disease in Nova Scotia

On page 14 of the 2nd edition of Trails of Halifax Regional Municipality, I state that the American Dog Tick is present in Nova Scotia, but carries "no known dangerous diseases." Although this was apparently true when I wrote the manuscript in early 2010, a recently released study makes this now incorrect.

In an article published on August 11 in the Chronicle-Herald, it said: "Provincial records, kept since 2002, show that there have been 50 cases of Lyme disease treated in Nova Scotia, and 39 of those inflicted got the illness in this province."

"Lyme disease is an inflammatory illness causing swelling of the joints, fever, fatigue, headache and muscle aches. It can lead to heart problems and chronic joint trouble if left untreated", and symptoms may take years to appear. They are often difficult to correctly diagnose as Lyme Disease, due to their symptomatic similarity with other health problems and the fact that they arise long after the tick incident has been forgotten.

These cases of Lyme Disease are attributed to the blacklegged tick. This tick, according to the article, in confirmed to be established in Melmerby Beach, Kings Head, Pine Tree and Egerton in Pictou County, Admiral Cove in Bedford, Gunning Cove in Shelburne County and Heckmans Island, Blue Rocks, Garden Lots and First Peninsula in Lunenburg County.

Link to article : Chronicle Herald

Link to tick information: Public Health Agency of Canada

According to the article, "residents and visitors to Nova Scotia [are advised] to take precautions whenever they travel in wooded or grassy areas by staying on well-worn paths and tucking shirts into pants and pant legs into socks in order to avoid exposing skin."

Coastal Hiking #1

One of the best features of the outdoors of the Halifax Regional Municipality is its close proximity to excellent walking routes on the Atlantic Ocean's coastline. The possibilities are many, and there are options available for people of any fitness level. Here are just a few.

The most well-known to residents, with the possible exception of the harbour boardwalk in the downtown, must be Point Pleasant Park. Situated at the tip of the peninsula, this popular park faces the mouth of Halifax Harbour, and walkers on its trails often are treated to views of commercial traffic on its way to one of the city's container ports, or of Canadian navy ships heading to or from its principal port. Of course, you might also be lucky enough to see the Bluenose.

Few people realize that there are paths surrounding the York Redoubt National Historic Site. This fortress, sited on a ridge, faces McNabs Island at the narrowest point of Halifax Harbour, opposite the lighthouse at Hangman's Beach. The view from the ramparts is always impressive, both looking back towards the urban centre or outward into the Atlantic Ocean. However, if you exit through the Sally Port, you can follow the former road down the hillside to the water's edge near the North Shore Battery. Side trails provide access onto the rocky shoreline.

One of my favourite hikes, for almost 30 years now, is Pennant Point. Long before I thought of myself as a "hiker", I would head to this beautiful stretch of coastline, which offers both outstanding white sand beaches and rugged granite headlands, and spend an entire day relaxing to the every present sound of waves breaking against the rocks. A formal trail has been developed that connects all the beaches. After that, if you choose to continue, you must scramble over a jumble of rocks interspersed with areas of boggy vegetation. (But it's worth it!)

One of the "must see" locations near Halifax for any visitor is Peggys Cove. Its iconic lighthouse, perched on the massive, smooth rocks that protect the tiny fishing harbour, must be one of the most photographed structures in Canada. Those wishing to experience the coastal barrens around Peggys Cove, but without sharing the rocks with thousands of tourists, should consider a trip to nearby Polly Cove. Starting by following the old road from the highway to the ruins of a former fish plant, this route traces the harsh coastline along exposed rock and virtually treeless hillsides between the communities of Peggys Cove and West Dover. It is a gorgeous area, and you just might have it all to yourself.