The weather is once again overcast with periods of rain. Last night we were advised by the gentleman at dinner ( who owns the local Outdoor gear store, so in our book is a credible source ) that if was overcast, hike the Blomidon trails and skip Cape Split.( Both are known for their spectacular views) because it would be socked in with fog.
So off we went with our gear and picnic lunch, and headed to the coast, and to Blomidon Provincial Park as advised, to do some hiking.
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| This is during a full moon period, and tides are running 3 feet below sea level at low tide. |
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| Unfortunately our hike took too long, and we did not return at high tide. Note the dark water mark on the pier to see just how high the tide got. It went from low, to high and back down this far in 4 hours! Wow! |
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| Norm hiking along the beach at Blomidon Provincial Park. Note the red cliffs. |
The Bay of Fundy is said to have the world's highest tides. What that means is that there is a 50 foot difference in the height of the tide from low to high. This is five times higher than typical tides on the rest of the Atlantic Coast! The water drains right out of the harbor and comes back in on a rush of water, almost like a mini tsunami reaching 3 feet in height, creating with it, whirlpools and rapids! There are all kinds of "tidal bore" adventure activities in the Bay of Fundy, which I really wanted to do, but as vacation time nears its end, and the weather "unsettled" at best, I will just have to miss that adventure this time.
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| Where we want to hike is socked in the fog! So eerie! But beautiful |
We drove back to the bottom and climbed down to the beach to take advantage of the low tides while we were able walk the beach and marvel at these amazing red cliffs. There were many signs warning people to watch the incoming tide carefully, because at this particular place, it rises VERY quickly, perhaps trapping folks. Not good.
Norm had the great idea to keep an eye on a large rock that was about 15 feet from the water's edge. Well, within 10 minutes, the rock was underwater! That information suggested we not dawdle any longer, and get off the beach. This tide is REALLY fast!
We stopped and spoke with a number of people, some of whom were Rock Hunters. They shared their stories of local rock hunting, and how they create jewelry from the agates, jaspers, quartz and other crystals that abound at this beach. They shared where the best rocks are found, but Norm didn't seem too interested, so I will have to add that to my Bucket List of things to do. I would love to find a stone and have it made into a piece of jewelry.
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| Future jewelry from the trunk of a Rock Hunter |
Norm and I walked the beach and marveled at how fast the tide actually does come in here, and how easily the careless could get in serious trouble being stranded. We thought we would drive up the mountain try to hike to see the fabulous views of the Fundy Bay again. The fog must have cleared up there by now..... well, no it didn't, but we were very determined. We thought that if we hiked through the woods for several miles, then come out at the coast, perhaps the fog would have lifted by then.
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| Believe it or not, this is a "look-off". All we could see was white! |
We trudged along, sometimes in the rain, anxiously awaiting that first, and highest, look-out. We found the platform, but beyond it was an endless white.
We continued on, stopping at each look-out, seeing nothing.
When we reached the end of the trail - TA-DAH! The sun was shining, and the air was clearing! Figures!
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| The fog is beginning to finally lift, but I didn't have the energy to climb back up the mountain to see what we imagined would be a phenomenal view. |
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| People sure love their gardens around here! This yard was completely filled with lilies. |
I was able to take a few pictures, then we headed home, a couple of disappointed hikers. I am told the view we missed was one of the best of the Province!
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