Blacks Habour & Grand Manan Impressions

To catch the ferry to Grand Manan one is required to arrive at least 45 minutes prior to departure, even with a reservation. We claimed our spot in line bright and early which left me with some time to explore the area around the ferry dock.

It had rained the night before and the sky was still a bit dreary. It wasn’t difficult to find inspiration for contemplative images.

It was soon time to board the ferry and we waved goodbye to the Blacks Harbour lighthouse. The light over the water was magnificent and the 90-minute sailing time flew by fast. About halfway we underwent the monthly emergency drill with a headcount of all passengers and two Zodiac rescue boats getting launched into the water to ride alongside the ferry for the rest of the trip.

The Grand Manan lighthouse guided the ferry around the headland and into the harbour where blue sky and sunshine had magically pushed away the grey clouds. The picturesque island beckoned.

The main reason for the trip was to drop off artwork for a solo exhibition at the Grand Manan Art Gallery. The show opens tomorrow, August 21st. Since exhibition openings are still not organized I did not take the time to stay. We had some time before we had to be at the ferry dock for the sailing to mainland New Brunswick. We discovered Castalia Marsh where we walked the beach at low tide.


Long Eddy Point Lighthouse was one of the destinations suggested to us where we might spot whales. We enjoyed the drive there and spending time on the viewing deck was memorable. But the whales eluded us.

Before we knew it we had to return to the ferry dock for boarding to sail back to Blacks Harbour. We had a long drive ahead and arrived home just before 9 pm with the setting sun.

I hope you enjoyed the travelog of our quick excursion to Grand Manan! Thanks for stopping by. Hope your Saturday was filled with sunshine and peace. Best wishes, Anna

Waiting…

…for the morning ferry to Grand Manan Island off the New Brunswick Coast at the mouth of the Fay of Fundy .

I know… the image for today is less than inspiring. Let it be my promise to you to share better photos and a report tomorrow.

Happy Friday, Anna

No Better Place to Regenerate…

…than the ocean floor teeming with life at low tide!

In need of some alone time after several days of interacting with larger groups I set out to Wasson’s Bluff in search of tranquility.

I found it! I experienced the last Meeting of the Waters for this full moon cycle and I am ready to tackle the next commitment on my schedule.

Tuesday Blessings to all, Anna

The Meeting of the Water…

Around each full moon we have the opportunity to experience the meeting of the waters soon after the tide turns. I try to get out at least once a month during the summer to stand at the meeting point and experience the Bay of Fundy waters swirling and rising around my feet!

Book your guided tour for September now! By October the water will be too cold. best wishes, Anna

Not Since Moses…

It’s back!!! After two years of cancellations the annual run between Soley’s Cove and Five Islands is back! “Not Since Moses” 5 k 8 km Fun Runs took place earlier today. The call to volunteer went out to the Fundy GeoPark Seniors last month. We joined the GeoPark geologist Caleb Grant on Friday as well as Summer Student GeoPark Seniors Coordinator Cassie Mollins for the pre-run orientation st 8 a.m. today. Our official mission: keeping the protected areas of the endangered Mud Piddock Clams out of bounds for the runners.

Our positions across from Moose Island revealed eye-catching subjects while I waited for the runners to pass us.

At my back a personal favourite landmark first encountered in 2018 while camping at Five Islands Provincial Park: The Old Wife Rock and Old Wife Formation never disappoint! The rain intensified about half way through the race but watching runners pass and cheering them on took my mind off the liquid sunshine.

Just a few runners captured as they passed: the first 10 km participant, the first female runner far ahead of the pack and the GeoPark’s own Leah Benetti full of energy and exuberance…

It was a rainy morning well spent doing our part to protect the humble Mud Piddock. The clouds are getting lighter! Sunday Blessings, Anna

Island in the Mist…

The goal was to get up early to time our circumnavigation of Partridge Island just so. The end result was that neither Adrienne nor I are into holding on to ropes while slithering over seaweed covered rocks. We walked to the rock outcropping from each side instead (and called it “goal accomplished) while experiencing some amazing sights. As the sun rose in the east and warmed up the air mist accumulated and enveloped Partridge Island. It was a beautiful sight!

Once we made our way through the rocky gateway a beautiful expansive beach opened before us! It was such a great reward for clambering over slippery basalt rocks!

What a way to start the weekend! May you enjoy your mid-August weekend wherever you are, Anna

Low Tide Soley’s Cove Excursion, Day 2

The weather was much better today when I left the house at 6:15 a.m. to take full advantage of another ocean floor walk at Soley’s Cove.

The sky was constantly changing despite a lack of wind. It was such a wonderful walk with a friend. Conversation flowed easily as we walked across the firm sand watching for snails and green crabs seeking refuge in shallow puddles.

We explored several coves and their environments, each presenting its own unique mood.

It’s never easy deciding when the time comes to turn back so one does not get surprised by the incoming tide. We had headed out very early and by the time we returned to our starting point the clam harvesters had disappeared from the beach and the tide had turned to slowly cover the mudflats once again with salt water.

Happy Friday, everyone! The weekend will be busy with exploring new territory for hiking and volunteering for the Not Since Moses Run at Five Islands. The Fundy Shore never lacks interest. Stay tuned for new images and reports soon. Best wishes, Anna

Soley’s Cove on a misty morning…

I have walked the beaches and explored the coves here in summer and winter, in bright sunshine and stiff breezes. Never before have I experienced this beach in truly flat light with light rain falling.

Between the crumbling cliffs and the ever-changing sea stack it was once again a sight to behold.

We are entering the full moon phase and with that the tides are at their lowest and highest points. We arrived at the beach with the tide steadily rising. Once we walked past the ubiquitous Soley Cove Stack it became obvious that we best turn around or be cut off by the incoming water.

An eagle poised to get airborne in the adjacent Cove had kept our attention just a few moments too long. We climbed over a rocky outcropping to quickly get back on solid ground to exit the beach in plenty of time before the waves lapped at our toes.

No matter the day, season or time. Soley’s Cove is one place along the Fundy Shore that is filled with experiences for nature lovers.

Thanks for tagging along on this short excursion. Enjoy your Thursday, Anna

Tour Day!

Sometimes the best days are those that are planned at the spur of the moment. Today was such a day! Two lovely guests to Parrsboro were interested in exploring the shore.

We made it to Phinney Green just before high tide. The clouds parted and the sun illuminated the beach perfectly for pictures.

The afternoon was spent celebrating Ash’s 3rd birthday with friends and pupcakes😜 and soon it was time for another low tide beach excursion of Wasson’s Bluff.

It’s been a great day filled with memorable moments. I just love showing visitors to the Fundy GeoPark what this part of Canada is all about!

Happy Wednesday! Anna

A Break in the Rain

My walking group last night was not deterred from heading out for an after dinner jaunt through the rain drenched woods. It wasn’t all that bad: the rain was gentle and warm. The much needed moisture continued through the night and all morning today. When it finally subsided I saw my chance to head back to the woods for a solo excursion.

I love the end results of a rainy day: all the dust has been washed off, plants and rocks appear free of dust, their colours pop!

I checked deep into the woods and the mossy patches under trees for mushrooms. There were a handful of chanterelles to bring home. The Woolley chanterelles were impressive in their size but since they are not edible my initial excitement was quickly dampened.

An hour in the forest passes quickly. How fortunate we are to have the little wooded area only a short distance away from our home. Now, if only the deer flies would end their hunting season😜 a walk in the forest would be even more pleasant!

The clouds are receding, the sky is getting lighter. Sunshine is in the forecast for tomorrow. Enjoy the rest of your Tuesday, Anna

Red Rocks Beach in West Advocate and Cape d’Or

I had the pleasure of leading a bus tour with 26 participants down shore yesterday. Our first destination was West Advocate where the Red Rocks beckoned. The group even spotted a seal close to shore in the waters of the outgoing tide.

The landscape was shrouded in mist for most of the day. As we headed to Cape d’Or we experienced sunshine and blue sky for the first time.

Only Isle Haute kept eluding us… it never revealed its mighty cliffs in the distance. With the relentless heatwave fog and mist have dominated the landscape. It was a welcome change to experience one of our stops in glorious sunshine.

I created this final shot on my way up the cliff where the bus was waiting. In reviewing it today I choose it as the best image of the day. It reminds me of a majestic landscape painting of days gone by.

All the best for a new week, Anna

Quiet Time Before Sunset…

Took my Hampton Cruiser for a loop around town last night. There was a concert at The Hall and the streets were deserted. It suited me just fine as I did not have to compete with too many cars for space on the roads. My destination was First Beach.

The light was soft, there was no wind. After a hot day recording 31C in the shade it felt perfect.

Thanks for tagging along for the short ride through Parrsboro, NS to check up on the lighthouse! May your Sunday bring you sunshine and content moments. Best wishes, Anna

Heat Wave

We are enjoying a hot summer here in the Bay of Fundy. Hot days usually start with a misty morning, the fog horn sounding from the Parrsboro lighthouse and feeling like I need another shower after walking my dogs.

As the day progresses the fog lifts and the promise of finding relief from the heat is kept with a quick dip in the lake.

I spent some time immersing my feet into the refreshing waters at Leake Lake. Walking through the woods I came across this natural composition…

… lovely lichen layers! Texture and soft colours called for a brief pause to capture this gift.

Happy Friday, Anna

My Hampton Cruiser…

Yeah, my friend who is handy in tuning bikes dropped off my reconditioned Hampton Cruiser this morning.

Two broken spokes, aligning the back wheel, polishing the rusty bell to give an old-fashioned, less jarring “ding-dong” sound was all that was really needed to get it road-worthy.

My first test ride took me to the grocery store where I picked up the ingredients for the lemon cake requested in lieu of payment. Imagine… win-win all around! Love living in a small town with talented friends where we help each other out and even barter for services.

Happy Thursday! Best wishes, Anna

A Lonely Rose

Sometimes a walk around town doesn’t yield much in terms of perceptional flashes. A rose in bloom with several more buds emerging and getting ready to unfold was a wonderful discovery today.

Enjoy pondering this treasure found in a lot full of weeds. Happy Wednesday! Best wishes, Anna