For your enjoyment: a couple of pages of photos taken on our 2002 early fall trip around the Gaspe.

Our route took us along the St. Lawrence River north shore to Bay Comeau where we ferried across to Matane. From there we followed Route 132 around the peninsula. Our next stop was St. Anne -des-Monts for a side trip to the Chic-Chocs mountains where we enjoyed a hike amid the early fall colors.

Cape des Rosiers, was handy for an exploration of Forillon National Park at the tip of the peninsula.

From our Gaspe hotel we toured the southern portion of Forillon Park. When the park was founded most of the old buildings were demolished. Hyman's store and warehouse in the old fishing village of Grand Grave a few km. east of Perce was preserved as a museum. The shelves are filled with food cans and boxes sold a century ago. We were surprised to find out that they are all recently made replicas. But they do help recreate the long ago ambiance.

Well, as you'll see in the photos, we finally did make it to the end of the Appalachian Trail at Cap Gaspe. The motto on the Gaspesie Map says "pince-moi je reve." At the tip of the Gaspe peninsula "pinch me I'm dreaming" is not far off the mark. Standing where the forest meets the rolling Altlantic does feel like you have journeyed to "worlds end".

At Perce we took the boat out to Bon Aventure Island. The boat trip starts with a close up rounding of Perce Rock and then moves on to the island. There, the main attraction is---I've forgotten how many million ganets--- all going about their business of feeding, breeding and getting ready for a trip south. Their preferred habitat, precarious looking ledge nests, are visible from the boat. In the sanctuary we had a close up view of the excess population that has been forced off the ledges. Before our eyes real life birds were busily acting out most of the bird behavior described on a park info. signboard. The place sounds like a big factory that has run out of lubricating oil.

On our way back we stopped off at the Empress of Ireland Museum in Point au Pair. One foggy night back in 1913 the Empress and a freighter laden with coal got their signals mixed. After much whistle blowing and desperate reversing of engines, the freighter smashed into the Empress's engine room. With water cascading into the cavernous engine space the liner's watertight compartments were not of much use. She went to the bottom in 15 minutes with huge loss of life. The museum is a maritime history buff's delight. Lots of great ship models and photos. A well done I-max production describes the collision. Artifacts recovered over the years by divers are displayed along with much of their now antique diving gear.

The trip took about 10 days. If you luck out with the weather, early fall is a great time to visit the Gaspe. Leaf peeping is not yet at its prime, but there is a hint of color on the mountain sides. Many attractions are still open and hotel prices are a third to a half off.

Best of all, the parks aren't over run with tourists---present company excepted.

See you next trip,

Jack and Marie