#117 Jul 2015 Bay of Fundy's 40 Foot Tides!

After our short visit to Nova Scotia we returned to New Brunswick where we met Dale and Donna, cousins of our friend Cathy from Coquitlam BC. They gave us a great tour of the Shediac area, including a festival and the World’s Largest Lobster.

 

We had heard about the extreme Bay of Fundy tides. Can you envision one hundred billion tonnes of water pouring, twice daily, in and out of a long, narrow bay? That’s an amount comparable to the average 24-hour flow of all the rivers in the world.

We first experienced the power of that water at the Reversing Rapids at St. John NB where the incoming tide reverses the flow of the St. John River. (Post #103)

We had not heard of a Tidal Bore until we were in the Maritimes. The descriptions we heard could not begin to convey that amazing sight on the placid Petitcodiac River in Moncton.

As the incoming tide rushes up the River it challenges surfers to catch the wave.

 

One surfer rode the wave to the cheers of onlookers.

After the wave comes the mud which the incoming tide powerfully churns up twice a day.

The Hopewell Rocks gave us the opportunity to see the changing of the tide up close.

When the tide was out we walked down to the ocean floor, which was wet but not mucky.

Ralph and I were dwarfed by the awe-inspiring rock formations.

Everywhere there are signs showing the high and low tides for each day.

Park staff is very vigilant about making visitors aware of the changing tides and when it's safe to walk on the ocean floor.

This painting provides some perspective.

The Flower Pots show the dramatic rise of the ocean.

The Bear also shows the transformation from low to high tide.

While the tide changed we explored Cape Enrage Lighthouse.

Some high fliers enjoyed a bird’s eye view.

We enjoyed lobster poutine and lobster tacos for lunch – much more our style.