The Life and Times of SIT: Not Boring

July 29-30, 2014

Nova Scotia has another spot that the locals say is worth seeing so you know what that means. SIT landed in Truro Nova Scotia for two nights in order to see the “Tidal Bore” we were told about. This is a natural phenomenon of which is seen in very few parts of the world. The Bay of Fundy is particularly noted for its extremely high tides, the highest in the world, and for its tidal bores.

At most places along the ocean shores, high tides occur regularly every 12 hours, 25 minutes. In the open ocean the tide only rises and falls a fraction of a meter. However, in most V-shaped bays and inlets the tide enters the broad end and the water literally piles up as it moves up the bay. Tide Water enters the Cobequid Bay at its widest point and as it passes along toward the head of the bay, it is in effect squeezed by the ever narrowing and by the constant “shallowing” of the bottom.

Flowing

It's Coming

At the very head of the bay this advancing tide becomes a wave varying from just a ripple to several feet in height. This wave is referred to as the “Tidal Bore”. Thus we have the phenomenon of the river changing its flow before your eyes, created by the tidal wave, or bore, flowing over the outgoing river.

A Bit Muddy

Measuring the Rise

Rolling

Disappearing Rock

As you see by the pictures it does become a bit muddy, but I suppose at times when it is much higher than now some people might decide to ride the wave!

The area where you come to see the water enter the bay there is a plaque that tells you that near this head of the Cobequid Bay the first English speaking settlers of the townships of Onslov and Truro landed. This is the first landing 1760-1762. And as they say the rest is history!

Across the street from the wave action sits an abandoned motel. I imagine at one point in time this was a thriving business. Now it is just a skeleton but the tree still stands by welcoming your eye.