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