|
|
For a List of Other Reviews & Ordering Information: Click HERE!
Would you like to comment about this or any other material on Outdoor Nova Scotia? Sound off - at Speaker's Corner, Outdoor Nova Scotia's outdoor discussion forum.
|
Discover Nova Scotia: The Ultimate Nature Guide by Gary L. Saunders The Nova Scotia Museum & Nimbus Publishing Ltd. Cost: $29.95 Paperback 440 pages ISBN 1-55109-242-5 A Superb Reference Guide! reviewed by Ronnie Scullion It
introduces one to a new way of experiencing the province's landscape. Gone
are the days when one simply sets out for a drive to the beach or a trip
along the coast. With this book in hand be prepared to embark on a journey
equipped with a naturalist's vocabulary, and a geologist's perspective. Forester
and Artist, Gary Saunders shows that much more than postcard perfect
vistas awaits the Nova Scotia traveler. Now the visitor will walk on
drumlins and explore dune systems. He will be looking out at sand spits
and tom bolos. She will walk along a river terrace or traverse an erratic
boulder field! The
distinguishing features of the land shaped by time, sea and geological
events are explained and described in detail. Even inner city geology is
touched upon - "Citadel Hill", Saunders explains, was
"sculpted by a glacier over 12,000 years ago..." The
accompanying photographs are abundant and illustrative. The
book begins with instructions for using the guide and a general overview
of the province. Saunders lends his expertise as forester in instructing
us on how to 'read' the landscape, and 'read' the flora and fauna. Following
this, are the sections covering the nature tours. Each section or tour
follows the same format. Saunders begins with an overview of the area to
be covered. Then - 'the Tour begins' - and one is taken on 'side trips',
to 'stops', 'back on the highway', directed to 'views', and there are many
opportunities for 'leg stretchers'. What you can expect to encounter,
types of wildlife or unusual plants you are likely to see, suitability for
sports - such as skiing, climbing or canoeing - and other notable facts of
the route are highlighted in the overview and detailed in the side trips,
views and other subsections. Colour-coded margin edges, a different colour
for each tour, make quick reference easy. The
one shortcoming of the book is the lack of maps to accompany the tour
overviews. Plenty of small map sections are provided, showing a short
route, park area or portion of highway. But orienting oneself, figuring
out where one is in the larger picture, can be confusing. However, this is
easily remedied if, as the author suggests, one equips oneself with a good
topographical map of the province. Saunder's
makes the ordinary extraordinary. A snake-like river becomes a meander.
Fields of lupins - a familiar sight to anyone on the Nova Scotian highways
in mid summer - become indicators of
the pH in the soil - blue lupins suggesting an alkaline soil, the
redder flowers - acidic. For
Saunders landscapes are like symphonies. He shares his appreciation of the
rhythms inherent in the elements and his unique and educated perspective. The Ultimate Guide by Gary Saunders is truly a superb reference, one worth toting along any excursion to Nova Scotia's cuestas, estuaries, plateaus and other natural wonders!
Designed &
maintained by Outdoor Nova Scotia, Liverpool, N.S. BOT 1KO |
Steeped
with natural and geological history and occasional folklore or anecdote,
this guide promises a guided tour like no other.
