Baie des Chaleurs to New Richmond

  New Richmond, Quebec, Canada
Wednesday, August 24, 2005

Soon I passed by Pointe-a-la-Croix where the roads meet. This was the point where my New Jersey friend and I would have crossed paths if I'd managed to be there a day or so earlier <g> -   the interprovincial bridge links to Campbellton, New Brunswick. 

Unfortunately it was raining like blazes so I did not have a good view of the Bay at that point.  I really wanted to stop at the National Park at Miguasha (fossil site from the Devonian era 350 to 400 million years ago) however, it was also closed. 

I was also running more than a little bit late (who would have thought a Canadian would miscalculate how long distances would take to drive) for my arrival at my B & B for the night in New Richmond. 

I decided to backtrack in the morning to see this fascinating UNESCO World Heritage Site.  The next 80 or so kilometers passed in a bit of a blur although I think I’d like to spend more time among the red rocked Bay and small communities of Nouvelle, Carleton and Maria.  The area was populated by Basque and Jersey fisherfolk, French speaking Acadians excluded during the 1700s, English villagers and First Nations folk (MicMac, I believe). 

My hosts at New Richmond were a couple who have both lived there all their lives.  Their home was a lovely place right on the mouth of the Petite-Cascapedia river.  I arrived about 8pm and went almost immediately out for dinner at the local pub (St. Francis Hotel).  A nicely laid back place where I was the only English speaker trying out my limited French and surprisingly getting on quite well.  Burger with a huge spring salad was quite delicious.  Beer on tap was the same as at home (another surprise) was Rickards Red. 
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