Day 19, Monday, August, 13, 2018. Campbellton, NB to New Richmond, QC
We departed New Brunswick and the Atlantic time zone after 4 days and headed into Quebec’s Gaspe Peninsula and the Eastern Time Zone. I actually did not change my clocks to Atlantic Time which resulted in late awakenings in the mornings but also late nights in the evenings. Our first stop after only 20 minutes was the Battle of Restigouche National Historic Site in Pointe-a-la-Croix, QC.  The battle in 1760 during the Seven Years War (also known in the U.S. as the French and Indian War) was basically the last attempt by the French to keep its colony in Quebec from the British. The French frigate “Le Machault” was the main French ship in the battle and when the inevitability of the British victory, it was scuttled by the French commander. In 1969, the remains of Le Machault were found in the Restigouche River.  The site did an excellent job of telling the history of both the war and this battle and displaying parts of the ship as well as artifacts recovered from the river. A very interesting display.  I found it incredible that each of the French cannonballs and other ammo included the fleur de lis etched into it.  Probably not ideal for aerodynamics.  Behind the building was a rough outline of the ship on the ground.  The ship measured 10 meters wide by 40 meters long and it seemed huge as we stood at opposite ends (see photo).  Another short drive to visit the Miguasha National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  First discovered in 1842 by Dr. Abraham Gesner, the area contains the most well preserved fossils of the Devonian period dating 380 million years ago.  This was the period when fish were just starting to leave the water and enter the land, the beginning of the tetrapods. The Park is a museum which tells the history of the period and contains numerous fossils, some so well preserved that they exist in 3-D.  Included is the “Prince of Miguasha”, a complete 3-D fossil.  After the museum, a walking trail leads to the base of the cliffs along the river shore which reveals the many layers of sediment which contain the fossils.  After each spring rain, the paleontologists visit the shore to see what fossils may be exposed by the erosion.  A 50 minute ride to New Richmond, QC, campground, Camping De La Pointe-Taylor, for 50 amp full hookup. Dinner out at the Pub Bayou was fish and chips or in Ro’s case fish and veggies.  Food was good and was actually our first meal out since Millis, MA, a week ago.