The NB Nature Trust AGM kicked off with a late morning field trip to the Seven Days Work cliffs. This was led and interpreted by geologist Dr. Gregory McHone. Everyone gathered next to the Surfside Motel and then made our way down Whistle Road to the start of a trail. It was about a 15 minute hike to reach the shore. As the trail descends to the beach, our first view was of Ashburton Head (photo to the left). This actually connects to the Thomas B. Munro trail that Bridgette and I visited earlier in the morning.
Off the point of Ashburton Head, we spotted several seals (photo to the right).
It turns out that the Seven Work Days cliffs lie between Ashburton Head and Whale Cove (the location of the Meredith Houseworth Nature Preserve).
It turns out that the Seven Work Days cliffs lie between Ashburton Head and Whale Cove (the location of the Meredith Houseworth Nature Preserve).
Dr. McHone explained to us all that the layers in the cliffs are lava flows from about 200 million years ago. He also explained the many unique rocks and minerals that could be found in the area -- most notably the crystal-like zeolites.
About 30 people participated in the field trip.
About 30 people participated in the field trip.
The cliffs themselves are about 50 meters high. Here is a photo of the Seven Days Work cliffs as seen from the Ferry the next morning.
I have yet to settle on how to capture the scale of these cliffs in a painting. I think this site is one that I need to revisit before committing to canvas. Both Bridgette and I would really like to complete a hike from the Whistle Lighthouse (start of Thomas B. Munro) all the way through to the Meredith Houseworth site at Whale Cove. In the meantime, I have lots to keep me busy in the studio.
I have yet to settle on how to capture the scale of these cliffs in a painting. I think this site is one that I need to revisit before committing to canvas. Both Bridgette and I would really like to complete a hike from the Whistle Lighthouse (start of Thomas B. Munro) all the way through to the Meredith Houseworth site at Whale Cove. In the meantime, I have lots to keep me busy in the studio.