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It
was time to leave the big cities and head for the Atlantic Provinces.
Heading northeast the valley grew larger and it was hard to imagine how in
ancient times a large river coming from the retreating glaciers washed out
this land. Leaving the agricultural shores of the Saint Lawrence River we
climbed into the wild rolling hills of New Brunswick. The road was in very
good shape and traffic held up pace. Forest across the hills and calm lakes
filling the low areas between yet reflecting the shore beyond created a
relaxing serenity.
Entering New
Brunswick territory, the first thing that caught our eye was a historical
monument at the side of the road, an vintage Lancaster bomber guarding the
entrance to the airfield. We had a delightful chat with the manager and soon
learned a few things about the area.
Our stop for
the night, Edmundston with the paper mill as the main employer showed us the
hardness and slower pace of life in this corner of the country. Most of the
people spoke, however, French and English. Tired from a long drive and
looking for a comfortable place to eat we spotted a busy little cafe/pub. As
Ueli went to scope it out, Joan got into a conversation with a presumed
customer who had pulled up beside our car and greeted her warmly with a
comment about the weather." Should we try this place, Joan asked? "Yes, I
am
the owner!" Okay, so we went in and had a good pizza and a glass of wine.
The food was fresh, light (as pizza goes), with good service and friendly
people. We make a quick stop to see Grand Falls and later the longest
covered wooden bridge. The next urgent stop was Fredrericton for a pit stop
and refueling at Starbucks - the chocolate macaroon wasn't bad either!
Destination of the day was Saint John, not to be confused with St. John of
Newfoundland.
The main
attraction in this town besides the cruise ships making daily stops was the
Reversing Falls. This is aptly named because of a rocky passage in the Saint
John River creating heavy vortexes on either side, depending on which
way the tidal flow is going. It is a very dramatic sight and is taken advantage of by
touristy powerboats with bedazzled passengers experiencing their
thrill rides. The town as it is today is a bit tired but holds much charm
waiting to to be brought to life with some imagination.
After visiting
the local museum filled with highly educational historical and geological
information, a trip to Fundy Bay was in order. World renown for its dramatic
tidal variations and beautiful untouched coastlines, we walked for hours
through the shallow waters (thanks to Ueli packing the knee high rubber
boots) and gingerly walking on huge seaweed covered rock outcrops. We stayed
there until sunset which was spectacular and took the last of our memory space
on both cameras. As the tide started to roll in, the day closed with a fish and chip dinner overlooking the
area we had just walked for hours and hours.
Time to move
on to Prince Edward Island or PEI as the locals call it.
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New Brunswick Countryside
Gentle rolling hills with deep blues
and endless lakes. The forest almost at peak of displaying its full set of colors.
Maples in red and aspens in yellow appear as far as the eye can see. |
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Feed
Silo with Character
Is he in favor or against the passing traffic?
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Lancaster Mk.X KB882 at Edmundston
Flew over Germany 1945 as part of the
RAF but under Canadian control. Then used for photographing the Canadian
High Arctic. |
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Edmundston
Quiet little Town along the Saint John
River. |
Rock
Formation A
page out of the earth's geological history. |
Grand
Falls A modest
display of motion as most of the water is diverted to the power plant. |
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Reversing
Fall Saint John
Low tide with current flowing out out the river basin. |
Longest
Covered Wood Bridge at Hartland
No traffic lights just courtesy
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Ready
for Winter Farm outside Edmundston, expecting up to 6 ft of snow. |
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Reversing
Fall - Saint John
High tide with dramatic turbulence as the
water rushes up stream. |
Giant
Vortex Deep funnels appear in the rushing water.
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Fun
Boats Water jet boats with tourists slither and jump across the wild
turbulence |
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Skyline
of Saint John The cruise liner dwarfs even the high buildings along the
harbor front. |
Tim
Hortons Our
favorite backup for lack of Starbucks. The bakery section is especially a
worthwhile stop. |
Old
and New Every day
in season, the town is flooded with a new group of visitors from the cruise ships. |
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Charming
Streets Town
Center holds much charm which needs some special care to become really
attractive. |
Conflict
Beauty even when revived is spoiled by
modern day contraptions. |
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Lonely
Beaches Some
lonely but exquisite stretches of coastline along Fundy Park. |
Nature's
Interaction
Large tides work hard on the shores carving into the rock and exposing sea
weed. |
Beauty
Exposed Life
is everywhere and the diversely colored pebbles show a rich geological
history. |
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Mussel
Man Nowhere
are they as fresh as next to the sea. |
Time
to Rest Large
tidal variations require careful timing of your work. Nature is the boss
here! |
The Right
Footgear Good
thing that we were prepared for the occasion. |
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Salmon
River Calm
today, the river shows marks of a hot temperament with logs and large boulders
scattered everywhere. |
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Airport
Tower of Saint John
With the high pressure area overhead, the
day calmly drifts into night. |
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Visit the next
Web Page |
Prince Edward Island (PEI) |
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