On the Move ! En mouvement !
Greetings all ,
Paul Gaudet
As I was mulling over what to write in this issue I thought of the unbelievably nasty past winter we lovers of the great outdoors have experienced , with roller coaster temperature changes , freeze / thaw cycles which have resulted in making it difficult to decide what to do or where to go . Do we hike , do we snowshoe , do we need grippers , how do we dress , or do we simply stay indoors ?
But spring is just around the corner and with that warm thought in mind , I am also thinking of waterfalls ... visiting as many waterfalls as we can this spring . In the springtime waterfalls are generally gushing with white water and really impressive to see and hear . Who does not enjoy visiting these natural and fascinating wonders of nature ?
I will recommend a few of my favourite waterfalls in our Southeastern ( N . B .) region and one just outside this area . Although there are many , these are reasonably easy to reach without risking life and limb .
Let ’ s start in Fundy National Park where the easiest and most beautiful to visit is Dickson Falls just a half kilometer off the Point Wolfe Road . The shaded trail and boardwalk / stairs ( a one kilometre loop ) will lead you down to a completely unique ecosystem where mosses , lichens and ferns are in abundance and the lush surroundings is reminiscent of a rainforest . The torrent of water in springtime make these falls a must see .
Again in Fundy National Park you must see Third Vault Falls which is about a 3 kilometre trek with its trailhead on Laverty Road . These falls are the highest in the park and may be the wildest in terms of power , sound and height .
Off the same road you will find the trailhead to Laverty Falls which is marginally farther through the forest than Third Vault Falls but well worth visiting . These falls are more of a broad curtain falls where swimming opportunities abound . There are a few more falls in the park , but they are more difficult to access .
Dickson Falls
If you want to go for a long scenic drive you could go to Economy , N . S ., drive on an old logging road ( about 7 kms .) and visit Economy Falls . Unlike most waterfalls you can get above this one without too much trouble . There is a bridge across a steep canyon enabling you to look down far below . When done with this great view you can then go way , way down to the foot of the falls and even swim in the pool there if you like .
If you develop the desire to visit other falls , I would recommend the book Waterfalls of N . B . by Nicholas Guitard and make it an enjoyable project to visit as many waterfalls as you can this spring . Remember to bring a camera .
Laverty Falls
18 PrimeTime SPRING / PRINTEMPS 2018