Fundy

Upon arrival at Fundy National Park in southern New Brunswick, we grabbed a campsite for two nights and went looking for a place to hike. The ranger recommended a loop called “Moosehorn” that follows a series of waterfalls along the Broad River. We put on hiking boots and set off along the path, descending steeply in the first section. The river had many swimming holes along the way, which appeared to be quite popular with hikers. We snapped our last pictures of Laverty Falls before returning on that trail.

In the evening we went into the town of Alma (the home of the worlds largest tides – fluctuating from thirty-eight to fifty-three feet!) to inquire about kayaking and get dinner. We made our reservation for a guided morning paddle and grabbed some chowder at the local diner. Returning to our campsite, we spent the evening playing music in the kitchen shelter before hitting the hay.

We awoke early the next morning and got ready for a big paddle. When we arrived, it was clear that we were the only experienced kayakers in the group. We rolled our eyes when the guides showed us how to hold the paddle right side up and what to do if you fall out of your boat. When we finally launched and looked back at the group, half of them had fallen out of their boat like a bunch of floppy tuna. I would imagine that leading this tour is similar to teaching kindergarten.

We tried to stay ahead of the group since they were out of control in the rolling ocean waves. We would still get cut off occasionally and Lisa had one great save when she got t-boned in a kayak (who knew that you could get t-boned in a kayak?). I had a baby seal playing and splashing around my boat before sniffing and snorting on my port side. I gave him a little scooch on the head and he swam off. The guides were quite jealous since seals are apparently rare in this part of the Bay of Fundy.

So peaceful....

AHHHHH!!! Under attack!

We stopped for a snack in Herring Cove where all the floppy armed tourists got to rest and eat sticky buns, something with which they clearly had much more experience. After enjoying the scenery and watching the tide come quickly in, we journeyed back to Alma where we grabbed some lunch at the local bakery.

The afternoon was spent hiking, first on the Coppermine trail, which based on the tiny amount of tailings was probably the site of an unsuccessful mine. It offered some nice views of the ocean though, and we found some comfortable Adirondack chairs in which to while away the afternoon. We also made a short hike to Dickson falls for some nice cool mist and mossy views.

With a hankering for pizza, we headed into town for the last time and demolished a pizza before spending the evening playing music again in the acoustically perfect kitchen shelter. We are currently on our way to Grand Manan Island for a night. Hopefully there is room on the ferry!