The Popeye Express: August 2012

Friday, August 31, 2012

Perce' by Jeep and Foot

The famous rock at Perce' is known world wide. We actually make two trips here, the first time by Jeep for a "look-see" and the second with Popeye for an extended visit.

From Parce' by Jeep and Foot

Yes, you are seeing 17% correctly. I commented to Bob that he earned his Master's Degree in driving taking the coastal route of the Gaspe' Peninsula. Most of the drive was unremarkable, until you come to the hilly section. Although the grades weren't especially long, they were breathtaking Most were in the 10-12% range, the rest were in the 13-16% range, and yes, the final grade into Perce' tops out at 17%. Since grades are only posted on the downhill side, we didn't know what we were going up, but I can report that on 3 occasions Bob had to put Popeye into 1st gear to get to the top!

From Parce' by Jeep and Foot

Notice the hill in the background of this picture? Well, it took Olive Oyl (our Jeep) 4-wheel drive in low to get to the top. It was fun. People up there seemed amazed as they all walked. We felt very smug! Here are some pictures of the views from atop:

From Parce' by Jeep and Foot

This is the campground we call home.

From Parce' by Jeep and Foot

St. Bonaventure Island known for the Gannet colony.

From Parce' by Jeep and Foot

A short drive around the corner from where we stand is this waterfall.

From Parce' by Jeep and Foot

Now back near the shore, we take a walk around. I love the colors and charming buildings. Perce' may be small, but it is packed with charm.

From Parce' by Jeep and Foot

Did I mention we find a terrific bakery?

From Parce' by Jeep and Foot

Thursday, August 30, 2012

On-line at last!

Finding sufficient band width to be able to access this site has been a major problem, even in the north part of the US. We have been in Canada for a few weeks now, so to avoid outrageous data fees, I temporarily suspended our wifi and have been using only public wifi in campgrounds, all woefully inadequate!

Keep your fingers crossed that I will now be able to upload some photos and continue on where we left off. To catch you up, we are at Parce' Quebec Canada, on the Gaspe' Peninsula. It's a long ways from anywhere, but this campground is almost empty, and so far, they haven't limited wifi access as the previous parks did. Whatever happens, please enjoy a safe Labor Day holiday with your family. Bob, Tiazzi and I are doing just fine.

Tuesday, August 28, 2012

Downtown Gaspe' & Our Campground

From Downtown Gaspe' & Campground

Gaspe' is a charming little town, complete with this old section right along the bay.

From Downtown Gaspe' & Campground

The views from our campground could not be nicer. We are Happy Campers!

From Downtown Gaspe' & Campground

Museum Gaspe'

From Musee' Gaspe'sie

This interesting museum has much to offer showing the history of the area.

From Musee' Gaspe'sie

As I look at these museum pieces through the eyes of my digital camera, I realize what a long way we've come. This camera was most likely in production when I was a child.

From Musee' Gaspe'sie

Here a depiction of what the French thought the locals were like!

From Musee' Gaspe'sie

On the museum grounds, interesting displays of photography and sculpture.

From Musee' Gaspe'sie

Finally, the bay alongside the museum.

From Musee' Gaspe'sie

In and Around Forillion Park, Gaspe'

From In and around Forillion Park, Gaspe'

Now down at the end of the peninsula, we visit this National Park of Canada, and see what we can while the weather is cooperative. This map shows our location.

From In and around Forillion Park, Gaspe'

Except for a brief glimpse of a fox in Alaska, Bob and I have never really seen one in the wild. This guy was hanging out around the parking lot, leading us to think he was probably hoping for a handout, as he spent several minutes eyeing us tourists.