2.8.12

NEWFOUNDLAND - MISTAKEN POINT


 Kathi and I made the lengthy hike out to Mistaken Point with Julie Cappleman as our guide. This site is along the road to Cape Race just east of Portugal Cove South in the southern Avalon peninsula. It was cool and foggy which helped to reduce the biting insects and make the walk out very pleasant. Julie pointed out a number of flowering plants along the way. To me, the most stunning was this BLUE FLAG.

 

 The hike to the fossil site was just over three km, with some tricky spots along the way. Here we are just above the fossil beds.


Mistaken Point fossils are among the most signficant anywhere. The were recently dated at 575 million years old, making them the oldest known multicellular fossils known to science! Below is one of the most common fossils at this site. 



As we returned from our hike, we were thrilled to find a SHORT-EARED OWL sitting right beside the side of the road. Three carloads of people stopped and took dozens of photos of the owl before it flew off into the fog. It was a great way to wrap up the day!





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