New Brunswick - September 27/14 - Hopewell Rocks - Cape Enrage Beach

Saturday, September 27

The Hopewell Rocks was definitely another highlight. It is reputed to have the highest tides in the world, and can rise and fall over 50 feet. What a unique experience to walk on the ocean floor and then watch kayakers paddle there at high tide. The floor is accessible for 3 hours before until 3 hours after low tide. The Flowerpot Rocks, are rock formations caused by tidal erosion and stand between 40-70 feet tall. We decided to spend 6 hours there, so we could see the full effect of the tide. Glad we did. Later on we made our way to the Cape Enrage Lighthouse, but it was too late to pay and explore it, so we spent the night on the beach, close-by. It got very windy during the night, but what a view of the heavens, no light pollution and crisp air, made for a beautiful starry night.

A great visual demonstration on the level of the water when walking on the ocean floor and at high tide.

Like ant activity at low tide. 

We took a guided tour by a park staff member who was super informative.

This area is one of the first to cut off access from beach to beach and they have staff to make sure you're not on the wrong side when the tide comes in. It took 6 minutes for the water to reach the rock where people are standing. 

If for some reason you didn't get out in time, this would be your spot for the next 6 hours.

Look closely....

....and you can also see the face that Grace spotted.

Some of the seaweed is edible, but no thanks.

Guess who left the binoculars on the beach and had to go back and get them before the
tide came in?

Low tide....

....half way in....

....and high tide.

Steps that lead to the floor....

....are cut off at high tide

Happy hour....

....and a view to boot. Settled in at the beach below Cape Enrage.

It was cute watching a group of German university exchange students.

A level spot achieved by using some flat rocks under the front wheels.

That's about as far back on the stones as you'd like to be.

We had all this to ourselves for the night, except one other van at the other end of the beach.

Interesting patterns in the mudflats

Sunset glow brings another day to a rewarding end.

A sliver of the moon adds to the idyllic setting.

Good night world!