Thursday, October 3, 2019, Gaspe, Quebec

Gaspé is a city at the tip of the Gaspé Peninsula in the Gaspésie–Îles-de-la-Madeleine region of eastern Quebec in Canada.  Gaspé is located about 400 miles northeast of Quebec City, and 350 220 miles east of Rimouski.  As of the Canada 2011 Census, the city had a total population of 15,163.

In addition to the city, Gaspé's territory includes the communities of Cap-aux-Os, Cap-des-Rosiers, Douglastown, Haldimand, Jersey Cove, L'Anse-à-Fugère, L'Anse-à-Valleau, L'Anse-au-Griffon, Penouille, Petit-Cap, Petite-Rivière-au-Renard, Pointe-Jaune, Rivière-au-Renard, Rivière-Morris, Sandy Beach, Saint-Majorique, Saint-Maurice-de-l'Échouerie, Wakeham, and York Center.  The city's territory occupies  560 square miles and borders the sea and the St. Lawrence River for some 81 miles.  French is the first language learned by most of Gaspé's population where nearly 90% of the population is French Canadian.

Gaspé is where Jacques Cartier took possession of New France (now part of Canada) in the name of François I of France on July 24, 1534.

Set among stunning natural beauty at the tip of the Quebec’s Gaspe Peninsula on the Gulf of St. Lawrence, Gaspe is one of North America’s earliest European settlements.  Claimed first by the French, then by the British, and attracting Loyalists to the British Crown following the American Revolution, Gaspe is known as the “Cradle of French Canada.”  Across a small bay from the charming town lies the rugged, majestic wilderness of Forillon National Park.  With hundreds of species, the Gaspe Peninsula is a spectacular area for bird watching.  The surround gulf is home to wildlife including blue and humpback whales.

More info:  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gasp%C3%A9%2C_Quebec

 On our way for today's 6+ hour shore excursion.

 Tunnels connecting projectile and powder storage rooms to guns.

 Anti submarine guns fired only for target practice.

 View across bay where submarine nets were placed.

 A drive through a province park of abandon buildings and homes.

1800s general store.  Area was closed ten years ago due to lack of winter infra-structure (removal cost to clear roads of annual 12-16 feet of snow, keep utili-ties functioning, and food supplies).

Abandon homes bought by the province government.

  

Our second stop of the day was at a "deck" (small, flat, high observation point) overlooking Cap-des-Rosiers.

Between the parking lot and the deck we came upon a porcupine enjoying an early lunch.  Much larger than we would have thought.

View from the deck down to the "beach."  We descended these stairs.

  

 Small waterfall on the cliff at sea level.

 Yes, it was quite cool.

A look up the 126 steps up to the deck.

Prior to climbing up the steps, we made a last look at the "beach."

 From our second stop we could view several miles across a bay to a working lighthouse.

 Just arrived at the light house proper.

  

   

  

Our lunch restaurant had been a fish processing plant.

 Old freezer compressors.

 Ducks on ocean waters.

Home built in 1850; period furniture is on display.

Stairs have no supports.  A tree bent to shape, under the carpet runner, sup-ports each step.

 Our local guide pointing out pictures on the wall.

 On our way back to cruise ship; most likely last views of fall colors.

We learned we are about a week too early for full fall colors 😕

Our cruise ship will leave Gaspe 6 PM, heading for Halifax.  We will be a day and a half getting there as we must observe Canadian speed limit of 10 knots to avoid marine life, especially whales.