Tides, Truro and Tidal Bore

Fortunately it was not raining this morning, and we were able to explore the Hopewell Rocks (Bay of Fundy) in beautiful calm weather. It was quite amazing to walk on the ocean floor and look up to observe how high tidal waters have worn away the rocks into “flowerpot” formations, as they are called. The area has a number of walking trails and we spent about 2 ½ hours there. We arrived right at low tide, and by the time we left it had risen significantly. When the tide is at its highest, the water is just a bit below the trees you see on top of the rock formations. At that time you can rent kayaks and paddle around - and in some cases, through - the rocks. You will notice that today the person offering to take our picture did a slightly better job than the other fellow at the lighthouse. In the photo we are backing onto HUGE mudflats (low tide) and we are about to explore rock formations which are to our left.

It was interesting to me how little English we heard both in Moncton and at the Hopewell Rock site. Again, my French was practically useless, of course, not that we had to try to communicate in anything but English. (I did, however, press the correct button in the hotel elevator when asked to by a fellow French occupant!) In the one and only restaurant we went to, we were greeted in both French and English, and then communication continued in whichever language we responded. Rob dared me to say “bonjour” and then receive a French menu, but I didn’t go for it - thereby, I know, forfeiting a great number of points.

After the rocks it was on to Truro, our final stop. We went to the Tidal Bore (as opposed to Total Bore) site here, which is essentially the tide coming in to a river that is flowing out. At certain times of day you can see the two meet, create a wave (no tidal wave or anything) and then it appears that the river changes direction as the tide comes in very quickly. It was kind of funny as a whole bunch of people gather on a riverbank and sit or stand and stare at the river --- and then all of a sudden you can see the tide literally ‘rolling in’.

I figured out that we are ‘land’ people after all, as for our last Nova Scotia meal we had steak and ribs…. not all that maritime, is it! Even seafood enjoyment must come to an end.

Tonight we are staying at another bed and breakfast place, with friendly Dutch hosts who moved here a year ago and bought this place. I’m sure we’ll have a good breakfast before we head out to the airport tomorrow. I will write two more blog entries after this. One, when we arrive home tomorrow night, and two, the following day when I will do a top ten of the trip or something of that nature. Stay tuned….and thanks for the comments.