WEEKEND GETAWAY

WEEKEND GETAWAY

There’s something about a last-minute road trip. Knowing I will have to make do with what I’ve gathered and shoved in my hiking pack makes me feel alive. Last-minute mini adventures are all about the unknown for me. Did I forget anything? Did anyone check the weather? Where are we sleeping anyways? What should I bring? It always leads to great memories. 

 

"Did I forget anything? Did anyone check the weather? Where are we sleeping anyways? What should I bring? It always leads to great memories.  "

When it comes to surfing on the east coast of Canada, quality waves can be elusive. You never really know for sure if the forecast is accurate so, when it seems like some might be rolling in, you pack up and go. Loading up camping gear, surfboards and waiting around for that last guy to show up is all but routine. Once you hit the road, it’s like you’re in a moving capsule full of good people, good music and good times.  

First official stop on our way into town is the liquor store-grocery store combo. This is where we carefully calculate the campfire-worthy foods and volume of beer required to keep us going. As we roll into Halifax, our destination is set to go check out Vandal Doughnuts and their amazing creations. We aren’t too sure if we’re at the right place considering we walked into what seems like an old rundown bar. In the end, we grab a baker’s dozen of delightful pastries, have a good laugh as we indulge in a creative depiction of the beloved Mr. Trump.  

 

Tuxy Surf Board

After a few rounds of sugar pastries and craft beers in town, it’s time to hightail it to the ocean and see if mother nature graced us with some surf. As the crew rolls into Kannon Beach for some last minute rentals, we run into an old hometown friend who’s out for an evening session. Walking out to the cliffs, we scope out the point break which seems decent so a few of us decide to rush out and catch the last few moments of daylight while some of us look on wandering the rocky shores of Nova Scotia. The tide turned and the surf picked up late into the evening so the guys ended up catching some decent waves. 

tuxy beach

I must say, there’s something magical about the ocean. As I sit there looking out into the openness, I realize how insignificant we are in the grand scope of things. As the sun starts to set, we take in the scenery on top of the cliffs with a few choice refreshments and start the celebrations early. After a few rounds of cheap beer and strong caesars, it’s now pitch dark so we decided it would be a good time to go set up camp at Porters Lake

"As I sit there looking out into the openness, I realize how insignificant we are in the grand scope of things."

Once at the campsite, it’s all hands on deck to pitch the tents, strap up the Tentsiles, hang dry the surf gear and prepare the evening feast. This is when the crew is introduced to Ced’s Secret Camping Recipe: Prepared chicken & veggie skewers on top of Oriental flavoured Mr. Noodles. (Amazing!) Evenings can get pretty chilly along the Atlantic Ocean. TUXY’s seem to be the preferred fireside comforter. As the bonfire grows and the beers empty, the crew is later joined by a few friends who made the trip up for tomorrow’s expected surf and we invited another group who happened to be travelling in the area to join in on the fun. The East Coast of Canada is a good place to be in the heart of summer.   

"TUXY’s seem to be the preferred fireside comforter."

camping ramen 

Sunrise at Porter lake is pretty awesome. As the rays reflect off the lake, find their way through the trees and seep in through the tent walls, you can’t help but get your ass out of your sleeping bag, brew the first pot of coffee and enjoy the morning sun. The crew is in high spirits even with the aftermath of last night’s festivities still lingering. After a quick bite and a lot of coffee, we packed up the truck and headed out to check the surf. The forecast was a little misleading and the breaks are less than ideal. We make the best of it by hitting up the beach breaks and hang out in the cold water on this beauty of a morning. 

"The crew is in high spirits even with the aftermath of last night’s festivities still lingering. "

tentsile tuxy

After a few hours on the water chasing anything that seemed rideable, the crew decides to call it a day and hit up the Rose & Rooster for some desperately needed calories and more coffee. The sun is out in full force and we chill out on the back patio which offers a nice view of the neighbourhood. We recall and replay last night’s antics and have a good laugh before we draw straws to decide who’s stuck driving while the rest of us sleep on the drive home. 
 
tuxy bag beach break