Sept 3/10: Church in Gesgapegiag

Church in Gesgapegiag, originally uploaded by susanvg.

A lot of time to kill before a train home, I meandered through the coast, stopping for photographs, to stroll, to explore. I stopped in Gespapegiag, the Mi'kmaq reservation. Most of Canada's aboriginal people are Christian, It is nice to see that they have made way in this to celebrate their own way, to bring their culture to their spiritual home.

Gaspesian Sunset

Gaspesian Sunset, originally uploaded by susanvg.

Minute by minute the colours in the sky changed, at first a fiery orange then moving through mauves and pinks. Moments of magic as darkness descended.

More photos 1, 2, 3

Sept 1/10 New Richmond

New Richmond, originally uploaded by susanvg.

The southern side of the Gaspé peninsula sits on Baie des Chaleurs. While the French were the first Europeans to settle here, the Mik'maq were already here. Bonaventure, the town in which I'll be giving workshops is celebrating its 250th anniversary. The Acadian flag is seen everywhere (Acadians are the original French settlers).

Some towns have larger English populations. Unfortunately, there is high unemployment in the area as the fishing industry has suffered a decline, the forestry industry is also facing challenges and mining, too has seen mine closures.

But as a place to visit - there are many charms as you drive the coast.

Aug 31/10: Fossils in Miguasha

Fossils in Miguasha, originally uploaded by susanvg.

I managed a short visit to Miguasha - here is one of the fossils from the museum. This is a World Heritage site - with some of the best fossils found in the world. Dating from the Devonian period and later there are splendid examples. What is really remarkable are the fossils they found that had fins with bones like precursors to hands and feet - the tetrapods. They are a step from fish to the vertebrates that came onto land.

Fern Fossil

I'm fascinated by the movement of our land masses. Last year's trip to Newfoundland whetted my interest as I learned about its geology. This year's visit to the Badlands and now Miguasha has only piqued my interest further.