New Brunswick tour 12 - 20 August 2005

Our last day in Saint John

2005-09-07T19:15:00.000-04:00

On our last day in Saint John we stumbeled across a country music concert. We had an early dinner in an outdoor cafe listening to great country music before we headed back to Montreal. I had run out of color film, so I played with the black and white film I still had in the camera, and was rewarded with a few good portraits.

2005-09-07T18:55:00.000-04:00

Ernesto listening to country..."love got me in and love got me out"...
No meal is complete without an expresso at the end. Especially since we were getting ready to drive back to Montreal...
I love these Shirley Temples...
Ay! Que rica estuvo la comida!
Daniela gently lit by the afternoon sun.
Daniela posing for my camera.

Fundy National Park

2005-08-31T21:00:00.000-04:00

On our last days we came back to Saint John. Thursday morning we went to Fundy National Park, north of Saint John. It was very easy to find our way there and took us about one hour to get to the park gate. The park is humongous and one could, should, spend days there!!!
Next time we are in that area, we should find accommodation IN the park.
There are numerous trails ranging from category 1 to 6 depending on the level of difficulty. We went to a wimpy category 1 trail in search of a water fall. Now, the walk was really nice and we were surrounded by huge trees and wild life (Dany for instance).
We had lunch in a small village, Alma, which seems to be the hot spot in the whole park. There are some lobster shops that had huge yummy lobsters.
And of course, we went to Hopewell Rocks where one can see one of the largest tides in the world. The water level changes by as much as 8 m from low to high tide.

2005-08-31T20:44:00.000-04:00

On the way to Fundy National park we decided...OK I decided...that we should take a little "side trip". The purpose of this side trip was to go see a covered bridge. We took a dirt road composed of the loveliest red dirt I have ever seen. The road was bordered by tall trees as it curved, climbed, and dipped allond the back woods of New Brunswick, Canada. The sky was the prettiest blue with great fluffy white clouds floating in the distance. The "kissing bridge" we found was a most noble structure. The true nature of the uncovered material, wood, could be seen on it's unpainted weathered siding. And the interior showed the wood members cross bracing to form a most secure shelter.
This was after all a "road trip", so here are some parts of the road. Armed with good music, a little Bob Marley, Bon Jovi, U2, and lots of Cher the trip is all in the driving...
If you believe in life after love...Cher, Cher, and MORE Cher....

Fundy National Park

2005-08-31T20:20:00.000-04:00

This is a field overlooking Fundy National Park.
As you will notice I really like rocks. These mossy ones were very beautiful. I very much like this particular shade of mossy green seen in the background.
More rocks...
OK... so we did not actually cross the stream over this log.
The trail to the waterfall we decided to take was very pretty, in the middle of our walk we got hungry, and decided to stop to eat some pears...this was our merienda bench.
A Fundy National Park waterfall in summer...we must really return in spring....

So this covered bridge we found by the side of the road on the way to Hopewell rocks. As you can clearly see this one is not a good loking as my favorite kissing bridge...

At Hopewell Rocks

2005-08-31T20:14:00.000-04:00

Daniela, Mayte and her boots

2005-08-29T20:15:00.000-04:00

Daniela and Ernesto on the ocean floor at Hopewell Rocks. The rocks behind us appear on every postcard of this place. The water level rises usually up to 8 m, about to my shoulders height, projected on the rocks in the background.

2005-08-29T15:10:00.000-04:00

This rock formation at Hopewell makes me think that a giant should be sitting and resting his feet on this foot stool. Mayte.

2005-08-29T15:09:00.000-04:00

Does anyone else see a face here???

2005-08-29T15:06:00.000-04:00

Rock formations resting on each other. Mayte.

2005-08-29T15:04:00.000-04:00

Looking up from the ocean floor. Mayte.

2005-08-29T14:50:00.000-04:00

Walking along the rock formations.

While Daniela and Ernesto walked along the waters edge at Hopewell, I took the high ground and walked thru the flower pot formations. I had a new pair of hiking boots I was trying out, and it was easier to walk on the rocks, as the soil near the waters edge was wet, and soft, and I almost left the boots in the sand as I walked back and forth from one terrain to the other...It was lovely rick red soil, and I probably should have allowed my toes to experience sinking into it...
Mayte.

2005-08-29T13:47:00.000-04:00

I found this beautiful frame of rocks for one of the flower pots.
Posted by Mayte.

2005-08-29T13:41:00.000-04:00

The flower pot formations looking down into the cove. Posted by Mayte.

Grand Manan Island

2005-08-28T17:48:00.000-04:00

There are lots of ways to see whales in Canada. You can do that on the east or the west coast. One can go to the Saint Lawrence river, New Foundland, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island or New Brunswick. One will probably find different kind of whales in those places. Minke whales and Humpback whales like to go to the mouth of the Saint Lawrence river. Nova Scotia and New Brunswick share the bay of Fundy, where the now rare right whales come to feed in the Summer. The last time a killer whale was spoted on the bay of Fundy was in 1985. Since then they haven't been seen there.
The island of Grand Manan lies kind of in the middle of the bay of Fundy and from there the “Elsie Menota” took us two hours into the high see. After this long journey we were rewarded with LOTS of right whales sightings. At some point, we had 6 whales around the boat.

2005-08-28T17:47:00.001-04:00

The wharf during low tide. One can see to the right how high the water rises at high tide. The stair case is on a rail system to adjust the height.

2005-08-28T17:47:00.000-04:00

Low tide at the wharf in Grand Manan.

A great pick nick spot

2005-08-28T17:43:00.000-04:00

Deep Cove seen from above. At high tide, the water goes in as far as where the yellow raft is laying.

2005-08-28T17:42:00.000-04:00

Mayte taking rock pictures at Deep Cove. She likes rocks!
Still waiting for those pics ... ;-)

2005-08-28T17:41:00.000-04:00

At Deep Cove, Daniela was brave enough to go in the water. She is seen here with a playmate in the river.

2005-08-28T17:40:00.000-04:00

We were sent to Deep Cove by a local, who said it would be an ideal pick-nick spot. She told us that it would be a little hidden away, and hard to find. Daniela snacks on watermelon in this picture as a mid day fog rowls into the cove.
Another rock picture...I know...I was just fascinated by the light, the color, and the textures of this cove...
Deep Cove is surrounded by dense vegetation, and is a little difficult to find
Deep Cove has a river that flows into it...A very cold river that Daniela found irresistible to swim in as soon as she made some friends
What is seen here is the bottom of the ocean at low tide...These beautifully algae covered rocks are sprinklered thoughout the cove at low tide
After a long walk to Swallowtail lighthouse in the morning, a well deserved pick-nick of lobster, fruit, cheese and wine was undertaken...

A walk to the lighthouse

2005-08-28T17:30:00.000-04:00

Fog near Swallowtail.
Daniela Philospphising...

Daniela takes a rest from our long walk up to Swallowtail Lighthouse.
A morning walk took us to Swallowtail Lighthouse
Swallowtail Lighthouse as we approached
We see a ship heading out to sea from the cliffs around Swallowtail light house

Grand Manan at night

2005-08-28T17:15:00.000-04:00

Daniela and Serafina at north head.
At night (stop) I made my way back (stop) to a restful sleep (stop)
As I walked among the sleepers...
Loose change rests.
She follows me...
The warf at night.
Upstairs hall

2005-08-28T17:10:00.000-04:00

Fishing buys and nets beside the warf.
Cut wood overlooking the harbor.

Island Arts. A local souvenier shop near our hotel.

Lunch at low tide

2005-08-28T17:01:00.000-04:00

Cove at low tide
Ernesto teaching Daniela to jump stones on the water...This is an overhand throw, and we need an underhand throw...
Me, myself and I ... ;-)
Daniela and Mayte ready for lunch!

Daniela zipping

The Marathon Inn

2005-08-28T16:30:00.000-04:00

The Marathon Inn and it's garden.
Wild Luppins and Devils Paintbrush at the Marathon Inn garden.
The flowers at the Marathon Inn...
Daniela and Serafina on the Marathon porch.

The Marathon Inn from the road.

Whale watching on the "Elsie Menota"

2005-08-28T14:00:00.000-04:00

Swallow Tail as seen from the "Elsie Menota" on our way back from the whale watching experience. The next morning took us to the tip of the peninsula where we could seat on a bench to enjoy the view.

2005-08-28T11:45:00.000-04:00

This calf came close,but I had technical dificulties...ran out of film and I did not reload in time... The other two images, are of the whale humps. The captain stopped the boat in an area where we were surrounded by many whales that came up to breathe, and then would dive for a while. As we waited for them to surface again, and again I could not help but feel fortunate in this experience, and small in my surroundings...
My favorite shot of a right whale tail fluke
I need a larger (more powerful) lens
almost in motion
serious business...whale waiting

Whale watching off the coast of New Brunswick...one needs a set of very large (powerful) binoculars, or a pair of beautiful eyes...closed against the glair in this shot...

Whale snack

2005-08-23T23:07:00.000-04:00

This is krill, what whales like to eat. To me it looks like shrimp. These creatures really know what good food is .... yum !

Right whale close up.

2005-08-23T23:06:00.000-04:00

This was a calf (baby whale) that came very close to the boat. Even though my camera wasn't as fast, I managed to get some pretty good shots from its back ....
This kind of whale does not show its head by jumping out of the water (known as bridging) like the humpback whales.

2005-08-23T23:05:00.000-04:00

Arrggg .... ! The digital camera is good for static objects. Moving targets are hard to catch. Barely got the tail of a right whale.

2005-08-23T23:00:00.000-04:00

Closer view of the basking shark.

2005-08-23T22:54:00.000-04:00

Duckies. We were pretty far from the shore. But I guess they can fly and aren't afraid of whales or basking sharks.

2005-08-23T22:53:00.000-04:00

Basking shark. Only dorsal fin can be seen. Second largest shark after the whale-shark. Feeds plankton like the whales.

2005-08-23T22:52:00.001-04:00

A full body pose.

2005-08-23T22:52:00.000-04:00

Mersmerizing dad.

2005-08-23T22:51:00.001-04:00

Do not worry dad, I'm here with you and everything is gonna be allright!

2005-08-23T22:51:00.000-04:00

Smiling. Close up.

2005-08-23T22:50:00.000-04:00

Dany smiling to the camera.

2005-08-23T22:13:00.001-04:00

Modelling sesion to kill time while we are getting to the whales.

2005-08-23T22:13:00.000-04:00

Dany practicing her photographer skills.

2005-08-23T21:44:00.001-04:00

The super binoculars were too heavy for Dany. Mayte takes over.

2005-08-23T21:44:00.000-04:00

Nothing to be seeing yet. Dany very diligently watching the waters.

2005-08-23T21:42:00.000-04:00

Ernesto serving as calibration sample for the camera. The captain can be seen in the background standing. She has allegedly a fetiche for buoys and things left behind by other boats.

2005-08-23T21:40:00.000-04:00

Happy girls enjoying the fresh air from the ocean.

2005-08-23T21:39:00.001-04:00

Dany and Ernesto posing for the cameras during the 2 hours trip to the whale watching spot.

2005-08-23T21:39:00.000-04:00

Dany showing us she was all right for the trip. Wide open eyes.

2005-08-23T21:38:00.000-04:00

There comes the "Elsie Menota"! Really beautiful vessel.

2005-08-23T21:37:00.000-04:00

Nervous smirk before the long journey ...

2005-08-23T21:35:00.000-04:00

Mayte kneeling under the effect of Gravol. Waiting for the boat.

A wharf in black & white. Grand Manan.

2005-08-23T21:34:00.000-04:00

I was charmed by the wharf, and could not resist taking a few black and white pictures of it's inhabitants.

Loose Change and friends.

This is Windy Sea, on a calm glassy bay.

2005-08-23T21:33:00.000-04:00

Loose Change and other companions on the wharf.

Windy Sea contemplating her reflection.

2005-08-23T21:32:00.000-04:00

In Grand Manan, before the whale watching tour. Boat owner (guy with yellow cap) and boat captain (blonde behind).

Our Ferry ride

2005-08-23T21:31:00.000-04:00

Waiting for the Ferry to Grand Manan
As the Ferry approaches...

Ernesto enjoying the ferry crossing to Grand Manan.
Daniela colors her way across the Bay of Fundy.
Skies over Swallowtail...
Swallowtail Lighthouse as seen upon arrival at Grand Manan.

First day in Saint John, New Brunswick

2005-08-23T21:30:00.000-04:00

Our first day (half day) in Saint John was devoted to walking around and recognizing the area. We walked from the Holiday Inn Express to the downtown area, which was aprox. 3 km away. On our way back to the hotel, a thick fog had spread around and made it difficult for us to see. One important move was to switch from the Holiday Inn Express to the Hilton for the days after our trip to Grand Manan.

2005-08-23T21:29:00.001-04:00

Besides doorways and rocks i also like railings. This one has great texture.
This is Barbours General store, the oldest store of goods in Saint John.

2005-08-23T21:29:00.000-04:00

A very charismatic Daniela
Ernesto enjoying a cigar after a LONG drive into Saint John

While Daniela and Ernesto enjoyed the pool at the hotel, I walked around Saint John...and these doorways caught my eye...

OK..so I really like doorways...

2005-08-23T21:28:00.000-04:00

Hanging out downtown Saint John.

2005-08-23T21:27:00.000-04:00

Walking through a bike path in Saint John.

2005-08-23T21:26:00.000-04:00

Close up of a well rested Daniela at our arrival in Saint John

2005-08-23T21:25:00.000-04:00

Posing for the camera at the Holiday Inn Express. Note the thick fog outside.

2005-08-23T21:24:00.000-04:00

Dany finally found which way to look through the binoculars!

2005-08-23T21:23:00.000-04:00

Trying our gear for the whale watching trip. Camera had to be ready and FAST. Binoculars are a must! Daniela is trying the binoculars from the wrong side. She's wondering why things look so small.

2005-08-23T21:22:00.000-04:00

At the Holiday Inn Express in Saint John. Lousy place. We had to move to the Hilton. Spent only that very first night there.