Maritimes - Summer 2008

July 5 - 25, 2008

Day 9 - July 13: Fundy, Albert County, Lake Cave, & Flower Pots: Hopewell Rocks at High Tide

Our first stop today was Hopewell Rocks. When we first got there it was high tide so we bought our passes, did a few traditional caches and checked out the visitor centre, park and lookouts. We would have to come back later at low tide to go wander on the ocean floor among the flowerpots.

The Earthcache gave us a quick overview of the geology in the area:
"The Rocks are uniquely shaped reddish cliffs of conglomerate interspersed with sandstone. This conglomerate was formed as rocks and pebbles, washed down from the Caledonia Mountain range (over 600 million years old) into the level ground of the valley, were compressed and cemented together over millions of years. During a period of tectonic activity, these layers of conglomerate, sandstone and shale were uplifted and tilted to a 30-45º angle. Vertical cracks or fissures divided the rock into large blocks.

As the Ice Age ended the Bay of Fundy was filled with the glacial meltwater and the sea level rose. Tides became stronger and began to erode the soft sandstone along the shoreline. The surface water, filtering down through the vertical cracks in the cliffs, eroded from the top, gradually separating these large blocks of rock from the adjoining cliffs.

Meanwhile, the powerful tidal action, twice daily, began to carve away the bases, leading to the creation of numerous sea caves and the world famous Flowerpot Rocks."

Breakfast at the campsite before heading out for the day.

The tide and footwear guide at the Hopewell Rocks.

Our first moose sighting!

The tidal clock in the visitor centre at Hopewell Rocks.

Of course Sam immediately found a playground.

Kayakers exploring the sea caves.

Rubby and Christopher with a view of Big Cove during high tide.

View from another lookout along the cliffs.

When the tide goes out, much of this will be mud flats.

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