Once again – a beautiful day. And once again, a tender port. But all goes smoothly – we line up at Aqua 7 – and wait our turn for the tender. We aren’t the first today – but all goes smoothly and we are soon shoreside looking for our rental car. Budget has set up right behind the visitor center so it is easy to pick up and drop off our ride for the day. We’re off on the road in no time flat!
Today is an easy day – direct to Perce to see the “rock”! It is 200 meters in length, 45 meters high and 375 million years old. Standing out in the water just off the coast of Perce.
We wind along the coastal road, enjoying the view and trying to ignore the jerk car renter who is behind us and crawling up our bumper. Finally the jerk (yes, jerk from our ship) passes us and another car in front of us. Good riddance! Now we can relax and watch the scenery flow by.
Finally, we round the corner at the top of a hill….and the rock! (oh, and the jerk speeding driver who couldn’t wait to get around us is now right in front of us stopped in the middle of the road for pictures!). at least he causes enough of a distraction that we can stop and take pictures too.
Stunning! We proceed into the cute little town, stop at the tourist info center to pick up some maps, then head up to the church where we can park and hike up to the grotto. It’s a gorgeous day and we can get in some wonderful fresh air exercise while enjoying the sites!
As we climb higher up the trail, there are beautiful vistas looking back toward the rock and through the woods.
We finally come to the end of the trail at the grotto/waterfall which is gorgeous with the fall colors around it.
The intrepid hikers stop for some photos opps….
…then head back down the trail to explore the village and get up close to the rock!
Back at sea level, we find a new friend
as we wander the streets of Perce. The rock is just amazing! Out on the pier, you can see it so clearly – an incredible example of mother nature!
Lunch time! We peruse our options, and settle on the Restaurant le Surcouf. Good menu with local beer! We head in at the right time – we get a table by the window, order and are eating as the place fills up! By the time we are done, the line is almost out the door and there isn’t a seat to be had! It is a good choice (obviously!) and we enjoy our salads, melted parmesan cheese (fried cheese – delicious) and lobster rolls immensely!
As we are leaving, the fog is rolling in! We had perfect timing. After a while, you can’t even see the rock!
Amazing! We head back to our car and the drive back to Gaspe, enjoying the fine scenery along the way.
We’ve got plenty of time before the last tender, so we head into Gaspe town to wander. Not a lot to wander through – one small little street with restaurants and boutiques. We do hit the grocery store though for hair conditioner and room supplies! (Forgot on NCL there is no conditioner, just shampoo that may or may not be a combo with conditioner – I’m betting not!). Then back to the visitor’s center to return the car and onto the tender for another smooth sailaway and night at sea.
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