Hopewell Rocks

On the way to our next overnight destination in 5 Islands, Nova Scotia, we plan a stop to Hopewell Rocks. This park features another aspect of "the ocean's floor". When the 48 foot tide is out, the "Garden Pots" are exposed. These towering rocks, cut from the tumultuous tide, rise up to 100 feet tall. The walk to the beach is on a gentle path of about 2/3 mile. When you reach the beach cliffs, there is a 7 flight staircase. For those with any disabilities or if you're just not interested in the walk, there is a golf cart shuttle available for a small additional charge.

We picked a very good day. A ranger tells us that today is the lowest tide ever recorded in history. As we descend the stairs and catch our first glance of the rocks, it's like we've ben plopped down in a prehistoric setting...one rock even looks like a dinasaur. The flower pots are so named because the huge rocks are topped with trees. We spend perhaps an hour poking around, again grateful that even in the middle of August it's not particulary crowded.

Hopewell Rocks is a totally different experience than the "floor" walk we did in Alma. There the wonder is the expanse of the earth left exposed when the tide is out. Here, the water doesn't receed all that far, but the volume of water that covers those rocks, must be an extraordinary sight to watch come in. Sadly, we don't get the opportunity to do that since the next high tide is in the middle of the night.

We grab a quick and not very good lunch in the park cafe and begin the trek to 5 Islands, not far from Truro. As we cross into Nova Scotia at Amherst, we stop at a most charming visitor's center and we get very excited about what's to come as we explore this unknown territory. Well, the first thing to come is when we get on Highway 2, recommended by the visitor's center, and encounter a potential axle breaking, spine shaking, dish cracking road. It is so awful, but we can't turn back. Oh, yeah, then it starts raining!

If you are heading to the Truro area , take the "long way" on Canada Hwy 1. It's quite a bit further, but would probably take half the time. And your nerves will be in one piece!

This stop is solely to get us half way to our next real destination, Annapolis Royal, so we just planned on stopping at the 5 Island Provincial Park without a reservation. But just before we get there, we see 5 Island Oceanfront RV Resort. Poor Rick has had it with driving, so we stop and they have a space for us on the water. "Resort" is a stretch for this park, but the view is fabulous and the people incredibly friendly.

When we begin to talk about the horrible roads, the owner quickly pulls out her petition urging the province to fix the roads. We enthusiastically sign!

We also enthusiastically pour some drinks. Then prepare teriyaki pork chops, artichokes and sliced pineapple for the grill and make some herbed rice inside. Still no internet or cell phone connection, but we are picking up some TV and get to enjoy the Olympics.