Solar eclipse of April 8, 2024

 

  

Solar Eclipse over Hanwell NB.

The solar eclipse of April 8, 2024, was a total solar eclipse visible within a band covering parts of North America, from Mexico to Canada and crossing the contiguous United States.

We couldn't have asked for a nicer day, to watch this once in a life time event.  Sunny with temps of 16 not a cloud in the sky except for the one at total coverage.  Just our luck!!  However even that one cloud added flare to the pictures.  

Pinder Dam Falls

The Pinder dam falls are located on the East Branch Nackawick Stream in the parish of Pinder N.B.  The waterfall can be seen from the road. The falls can also be access from the Old train tracks running behind the falls.

Directions:

In Nackawick NB head down the river along Route105. Once you get to the sign for Temperance Valle Caverhill take Route 605 and drive approximately 5 km.  The waterfall is on the right.  There is a small parking spot just passed the.

Longest wooden covered bridge in the world. Heartland NB

Hartland Covered Bridge

Located in Hartland New Brunswick being 1282 feet long the Hartland Covered Bridge is the longest covered bridge in the world, before the completion of the bridge on May 14,1901 the only way to cross the Saint John River was by ferry or ice bridges.  It is estimated that the construction cost of the Bridge was around $33,000 (close to a million now)

Longest wooden covered bridge in the world. Heartland NB (youtube.com)

The bridge was not originally build covered this happen on a later date in 1922.  A lot of the town people were against covering of the bridge, however even with all the oppositions and concerns of the town folks it was still covered.  For many years after the bridge was covered, snow had to be hauled into the bridge and  placed on the bridge floor to allow horses and sleighs to travel across it.



The pedestrian side walk was added in 1945 allowing for pedestrians to cross safely also making this a great tourist destination as the sides are open for looking out over the Saint John River.

Few facts:

In 1987 the Olympic Torch for the 1988 Winter Olympics made its way across this bridge.

In 1995 a Canadian postage stamp was issued honoring the bridge.

Declared a National Historic Site in 1980, and a Provincial Historic Site in 1999

In 1907 a fire burnt some of the structure and nearly destroyed the toll house      

      

Dr. Estey was the first person to cross the bridge before its scheduled opening; he had to respond to

an emergency call on the other side.  Bridge workers laid down planks for him to cross safely.

The bridge was inaugurated by Justice McKeowan on July 4, 1901  in front of a large crowd 2000 plus people attended.

Zealand

Carleton Martello Tower

The Carleton Martello Tower in Saint John, New Brunswick is one of only nine remaining Martello Towers in Canada.   The tower is the oldest build in the city and dates back to the War of 1812 and played a large role in the war.  The Saint John Tower has gone many restorations such as the powder magazine, restored barracks room it features exhibits in the tower and in the visitor center.  The Martello roof top offers an amazing view of the harbor and the city.  The tower has been part of the National Historic Site of Canada since 1930 and has been open to the public since 1963.

Big Pokiok Falls

The Big Pokiok Falls are very easy to find.  Take exit 231 coming from Fredericton and turn towards Nackawick.  Turn right after crossing the Pokiok stream.  This road turns to gravel shortly into it, take caution as this is an logging road beware the you may encounter a pulp truck hauling lumber on this road.  Continue on this road  you will pass under the route 2.  Keep driving for roughly 3 km and you will come to a the park sign the road to the left goes to a small parking area near the Hiker's Dream Trail head.   However if you drive pass the sign continuing straight for a small distance you will cross a small bridge just pass the bridge on the right is parking for the Stream side trail there is also a shelter.  The Stream side trail has some very beautiful waterfalls.  All trails are well marked with markers on the trails are picnic tables and camp-sites.  This park is great for fishing, bird watching hiking and we also seen a mink.  \

Pictures were taken August 4, 2015