[2023 – New Brunswick – 48 km – 2 days – Fundy National Park]
A coyote steps onto the trail in front of me,
blocking the path,
staring at me.
I’m trying to remember whether I’m supposed to stare down a coyote,
or avert my eyes.
I decide to make eye contact.
We hold our positions for about twenty seconds,
then the coyote walks towards me,
steps off the trail to pass me,
carries on.
–
I am no threat to him in this National Park,
and I am not food.
I am of no interest.
He wanders off in search of easier prey.
I think to try the Fundy Circuit in one day,
though I hear it’s difficult,
with lots of hills.
–
But I get off to a late start,
so decide not to push it and camp at Tracey Lake.
The mosquitoes are bad following a rain and
part of the trail is flooded.
There are several creek crossings that are enjoyable.
–
The trail meanders through lumber mill history.
The creeks are only starting to recover and
finally see some fish again.
I see occasional fragments of the old mills.
–
Views of the Bay of Fundy
make the grunt climbs worthwhile.
I see the village of nearby Alma,
at the entrance to Fundy National Park,
through the trees.
–
At low tide,
I see the fishing boats resting on the sea bottom.
In Alba, I celebrate the hike with some good East Coast fish and chips.
