So we were up and going for it early today. Really early, 5:00am. Truro NS is known for its tidal bore on the Salmon River, which is just a 3 minute drive from our motel. The bore was due to 'hit' at 6:05am and we didn't want to miss it so we got up, dressed warmly, made coffee, etc, and were at the end of 'Tidal Bore Road' (no kidding, look at the picture) by 5:45am, waiting. One problem was that it was dark, like black dark with a cloud-covered moon, and windy. Second problem was we didn't know what to expect. We had heard of 30 foot tidal variation, and seen pictures of a three foot high wall of water coming up a river with a bunch of laughing zodiac riders plowing into it. Sure, but we're alone at the end of a road, in the dark, can't see much except city lights shining off a little river about 10 feet away and 5 feet below us. We can't even tell which way the river is running, and we're waiting for a tidal bore that may be a wall of water followed by a tide that rises 30 feet. Sort of like sitting on the beach waiting for the tsunami.
It was about two minutes to six and, with those thoughts running through my mind, listening to the wind, and drinking coffee, I heard Jan call from about 15 feet away just by the embankment. I trotted over from my lookout point to hers, and she said 'listen'. There was an unmistakeable sound off to the right, like a waterfall in the distance. We noticed the reflection of lights in the water become distorted as the water became turbulent, and the sound of rushing water got closer. The sense of anticipation became stronger and the thought of taking to our heels faded completely. What was to come next?
Nothing. With the sound moving into the distance to our left, and the turbulence subsiding, we realized that the moment was passed. The bore had come and gone. Relieved, disappointed, happy to have experienced 'it', we drove back to the motel and celebrated the morning by going back to bed. Later we thought about the event and decided that we were victims of advertising. The brochures don't tell you what the motel clerk later told us, that the photo-worthy events only occur when Spring Tides coincide with stormy/windy weather and a combination of strong tidal forces and a wind driven swell push the bore to an extreme height. Then the photographers are out in force for the photo-op. Otherwise, yup, its about 4 to 6 inches high and often passes without notice. High tides do ensue, and the river in the photo will fill its banks. This photo was taken about 10:30am and the full effect of the high tide should have been felt by then, so you can see that a monster did not arrive for our day. Just as well to be bored by the bore. The river is question is the second image, though we didn't know what it looked like at the time.
Then off to Halifax harbour, delightful and ironic with the tugs of legend side by side with the tug of tourism, and on the road to Lunenburg where we have found a lovely hotel to spend the night. Some pictures from the Halifax harbor, the road in the evening, and the last one is typical of the haloween attitude in Atlantic Canada, outside a small store in Lunenburg.
