Have Camera, Will Travel.: Gaspe and Forillon National Park

July 16
From Kouchibouguac New Brunswick, we drove northwest to Metapedia in Quebec then turned east along the shoreline of the Gaspe peninsula. At sunset, we arrived at a campground in Baie des Chaleurs.

Surprise! While checking in I left the RV running on a slope behind me. Suddenly, the receptionist looked past me with eyes as big as saucers.

I spun round to see our RV barreling down toward me. With surprising agility, Emma leapt out of the passenger seat, sailed over the dog, landed in the driver's seat and slammed on the brakes. The RV came to a screeching halt a foot from the building's picture window.

To unwind, we walked along the Gaspe shore as the sun set. It was a beautiful tranquil setting marred only by Emma's staccato observations on my RV parking prowess.

July 17
It was sunny and warm as we continued toward Forillon National Park which was located at the eastern tip of the Gaspe peninsula. The road was slow and windy but the scenery beautiful.

At Perce, we stopped for lunch and an opportunity to enjoy iconic Perce Rock. Silhouetted against the dark blue water and light blue sky, it really was gorgeous.

Perce Rock caught us by surprise at it suddenly popped up just off shore.

Perce Rock

Emma at Perce Rock

Perce Rock from the other side

Continuing east we drove past Perce Rock then took one last photograph looking toward the west.

We were reaching the tip of the Gaspe peninsula and could see the cliffs of Forillon National Park in the distance.

Pointe-Saint-Pierre in the foreground and Forillon National Park in the background

Monument to the builders of Gaspe

We drove into the village of Gaspe and stopped at the Musee de la Gaspe. It was a nice city museum and a good opportunity to stretch our legs.

Monument to Jacques Cartier

The monument to Jacques Cartier was particularly interesting as the sculpted tablets highlighted aspects of his adventures in the new world.

Monument detail

In the early afternoon, we arrived at Forillon National Park. For $25, we booked our dry campsite then headed out for a hike.

Fishing Boat in Gaspe Bay

We decided to do the Les Graves trail from Anse-Aux Amerindiens Beach to Lands End at Shiphead.

Anse-Aux Amerindiens Beach

Emma started out at her usual brisk pace with Sonaa and I sauntering along behind. It was an eight km hike so Sonaa and I paced ourselves while enjoying the view.

Gazing out on Gaspe Bay you could see Minke Whales just off shore.

Minke Whale

It was a long hike for us and I was thankful it was a nice day and the trail was reasonably flat.

Les Graves Trail

At last, we arrived at the lighthouse at Cape Gaspe Station

Lighthouse at Cape Gaspe

The lighthouse was on top of a high cliff. It looked like a gently sloping meadow until you got to the edge.

At the edge of the cliff, you realized just how far above the water you really were.

Shiphead Cliffs

Emma had started the hike hard and was now played out. She and Sonaa rested at the top of the cliff as I proceeded over the cliff edge and down a steep winding trail.

Northern Gannets flying in formation

At the end of the steep trail was a very long set of stairs which enabled you to climb half way down the cliff face.

Looking along the cliff face you can see Rasorbills and Cormorants nesting on the sheer granite wall.

Great Black-backed Gull

It was a special experience to see birds soaring feet away while others were clinging to the cliff face or skimming just over the water.

Double-crested Cormorant

I would have happily photographed for an hour or two but I was on the clock. I crawled back up the steep trail to find Emma reasonably refreshed and ready to complete the return hike.

We hiked back to our campsite, had supper and crashed.

July 18
Going to bed so early the night before meant we were up and rolling at 5:30 a.m. By 7:00 a.m., we were at Petit Gaspe Beach and starting our hike up the Mount Saint Alban trail.

Mount Saint Albans Trail

As we were the first ones up the trail Emma was anxious and insisted I bring bear spray. Never one to pick unnecessary battles I went along with her requests and even brought my buck knife in case any bear action became hand to hand. Satisfied for her safety, Emma led the way up the steep mountain trail.