Walking with Emily Forrest
Emily looking back at Black Brook Beach, Cape Breton Highlands National Park
Every once in awhile you get a rare opportunity to do something special & unique in your life….. Recently, I was able to walk two days with Emily Forrest. She is walking the coastline of Nova Scotia – 2,995 kms from May 13 to August 8, over 88 days, an average 40 kms a day walking. Her goal is to promote the benefits of walking to Nova Scotians and having an active lifestyle. She is promoting the NS Heart & Stroke Foundation Walkabout program and Brigadoon Village Project – a camp for children with chronic diseases.
Emily looking at the Bull Moose
On our first day it was foggy and Emily and I didn’t get to see much except seeing a bull moose between South Harbour & Smelt Brook. Emily hadn’ t seen one on Cape Breton yet so it was a nice treat. The second day, there was no fog so we got to see alot of the coastline from New Haven to Ingonish Beach and Cape Breton Highlands National Park. Plus got to see alot of fishing boats pulling out their lobster traps near the rocks. The weather was warmer that day and starting to sap my energy level. I found out later it was 33 degrees…. I made it ok but I learned alot about myself that day and what heat can do to your body. Some suggestions for hot days – Take a temp guage for your daypack/backpack, take salt tablets, extra snacks, extra water and pour water over your head (from streams) to cool down your body….
When walking with Emily you soon realize this lady is very down to earth person and easy to talk to on every subject. She may not consider herself an tremendous athlete but she is ….walking 40 kms a day is not easy…..She averages 5 km an hour…and does this for 88 days. She takes one rest day every two weeks…
In concluding, I am glad I took the opportunity to spend two days with Emily Forrest and to get to know this amazing person and athlete. Thanks Emily and good luck on the rest of your trip. You can follow Emily at facebook and twitter