Today we visited Hopewell rocks. When we arrived at the info centre, they were serving some Canada day cake... Yum! We then went to see the rock formations seen at low tide and you are actually able to go down to the ocean floor and walk among them.
Short hike to the rocks...
Looking down from the top of the many stairs to the ocean floor...
Looking up to the top of the stairs...
What an amazing place!
This area is very unique because of the incredible difference between low tide level and high tide level. High tide can be as high as 52 feet! Click here to watch a 55 second time lapse of the tide coming and going at Hopewell Rocks...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EnDJ6_XpGfo
After chatting with a guide, we met up with Gilbert, Susan and their girls Danielle and Claire and followed another guide doing a tour which was very interesting. Besides the many facts and explanations, she used an ipad to show us pictures and videos. We found out about a peregrine Falcon nest on a cliff in the formations, and could see the baby from below.
On left... Jay Leno or Mulroney rock...
"Sleeping Dog" in foreground
Demonstrating types of seaweed on rocks...
Bladder Wrac
Knotted Wrac
We then walked as far as we could in each direction before the high tide came in. Glad we brought our jackets! It got windy and colder as the day went on. The formations or flower pots as they are also known are spectacular! Some have interesting shapes and are named accordingly. Elephant, baby elephant, whale head, sleeping dog, etc...
Hint... Don't walk in the mud!
I wonder why they call it "Chocolate River"?
One of the interesting boulders we were walking on!
So interesting!
Looking up from the beach...
"Eye of the needle" in the background
Snails on the mud from closer up...
See all the snails?
More interesting rocks!
We loved the boulder walk - so reminiscent of the West Coast Trail (but without a pack). All in all we had great day walking on beach. Stopped for a snack of cheese, bread and grape tomatoes. Again, having the snack on the beach was so reminiscent of the special times we had doing the West Coast Trail with our children.
Lunch on the beach... food is always so much better outside!
Inquiring about Hopewell Rocks kayak tours
What an awesome day at the Rocks!
On our way out, we stopped at one of the lookouts to see the falcon nest and were lucky to meet one of the guides who had set up his tripod to get photos of the mother feeding her baby. He'd been there an hour and a half already. We were lucky to look through his lens and see close-ups.
Notice the Peregrine Falcon on the cliff and in camera's viewfinder...
The rocks from the top
We then made our way to Moncton along the scenic drive back. Because we had a deadline in the morning to get to the Rocks while it was still low tide, we had more time to enjoy the views on the return trip.
We met up with Lise and Jeeps to join in the Canada day celebration. They were with Riel and Dominique, so we got to wish him happy birthday. We then walked up Main Street, which was closed to traffic and a large stage with jumbotrons was set up. The free concerts were amazing! We got there when Bottine Souriante was playing. We were close to the stage and could see very well. This is one of Roberts favourite groups. They play very spirited Acadian foot stomping music, always a big hit.
Bottine Souriante! Excellent music!
The next and final concert was Colin James, one of my favourites! I never realized what an amazing guitarist he is! Lots of bluesy rock music! We both loved it and so did the crowd!
Colin James... Blues and hard driving rock!
For a 19 second video of Colin James and a peek of Jeeps and half of Robert's face, click here.
After the concerts ended, we walked over to the river's edge which was close by to watch the fireworks. A magical display ensued to top off yet another memorable day!
Click here for the amazing 49 second finale of the beautiful Moncton Canada Day fireworks display!
We then all went to the Mexicali Rose restaurant to enjoy some tasty mexican food. On our way back to our car, we stopped by the club where Riel and Dominique were partying with some friends to say our goodbyes as Riel was going back to Kelowna the next morning. Once again, Riel entertained us with his great sense of humour before we left.
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