• A for Adventure conquers Mount Sagamook

    Despite the declaration in last Saturday’s Telegraph Journal, there are several folks willing to declare that Mount Carleton is not the toughest trail to climb in Mount Carleton Park. The trail up Mount Sagamook is definitely a much more challenging hiking trail. The trail is steep and rocky for most of the distance, if you hike up the right hand trail to the outcrops that are most often featured in photos of the park.

    On Friday, June 5th a group of hikers consisting NB Parks staff, a Friends of Mount Carleton representative and three members of a group named A for Adventure. “A for Adventure is all about inspiring people to get outdoors and experience adventure.” The members of the group endeavour to go on adventures, large and small, and by taking their message to the media, they hope to encourage others to get outside.

    In August 2013, Jan LaPierre and Graham Carter had just finished a 200 km plus kayak paddle to Cape Sable Island. “Paddle to Sable” raised funds and awareness to create a camp for kids struggling with mental health issues at Brigadoon Village. “

    On the trip home from their epic paddle, Jan began to recite a poem he was thinking up. He asked his friends if they could put together an adventure children’s book. They were all so enthused with the concept, that they stopped the car and went on a hike to discuss the idea. On that hike a book was born.

    “A is for adventure, as you will come to see.
    Like hiking or biking or climbing a tree,

    Or taking a plane to a far away land,

    Or a trip to the beach to play in the sand. “

    The idea took flight and currently their group includes not only Jan LaPierre and Chris Surrette, but a recent addition is photographer Brad Sayeau. Christopher Hoyt agreed to illustrate their book, “A is for Adventure”, which is due out this month.

    Meanwhile the group are taking in as many adventures as they can, in the hopes of encouraging folks young and old to get outside and see and experience the world around them. Many of their adventures are in our parks and last week they came to Mount Carleton Park, where they helped to paddle a large canoe on Little Nictau Lake and climbed Mount Sagamook. They agreed that the challenging climb was well worth the effort, once they took in the panoramic view offered from the iconic rock outcrops at the top of Sagamook. Despite the threat of rain, it held off until the group reached the parking lot at the foot of Mount Sagamook, insuring that all the camera gear was kept safely dry.

    When asked for his opinion of Mount Carleton Park, Jan LaPierre summed up his experience there by saying;”Mount Carleton Park is one of those places that can’t be summed up in words. And I’m so grateful for that. It’s a place that needs to be seen, but more importantly, felt. Where, because of its authentic beauty you can” let go.”

    Jan feels so passionately about his experiences in the park, that since his trip last Friday he has been talking about the park nonstop, to anyone who will listen. Jan’s only regret is that he had not come to the park sooner, but a return trip to the park is definitely in his near future.
    A for Adventure advocates for a fitter population by declaring; “Get outside and do any kind of adventure, large or small. Adventure can be right in your own backyard.”
    You may soon log on to their Facebook and website, to access more information and photos taken on their trip to Mount Carleton Park.

    John Connell Bernadette Michaud Ian Smith and Brigitte Donald from NB Parks
    John Connell, Bernadette Michaud, Ian Smith and Brigitte Clavette
    from NB Parks
    Labrador tea
    Labrador tea
    L R John Connell Jan LaPierre Chris Surette Brad SayeauIan Smith Brigitte Clavette Susan Mulherin
    L-R John Connell, Jan LaPierre, Chris Surette, Brad Sayeau,Ian Smith,
    Brigitte Clavette, Susan Mulherin
    Little Nictau Lake
    Little Nictau Lake
    Nature Paddle
    Paddle
    Outlook on Mount Sagamook
    Outlook on Mount Sagamook
    Purple trilliums on the trail
    Purple trilliums on the trail
    Stunted birch near the top of Mount Sagamook
    Stunted birch near the top of Mount Sagamook
    Sumi on the summit
    Sumi on the summit
    Top of the Mount Sagamook Trail
    Top of the Mount Sagamook Trail
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