Saguenay

Maiden port! The town came out in force - more than 10,000 from a town of 22,000!  Secondary school closed. Primary and kindergarten brought kids on buses to see the ship and activities. Regional governor came by helo to greet Captain Oprey and Queen Mary 2. The Canadian Air Force even sent two jets to do a flyover as the captain accepted a gift from the city. 

 

 

 I wish I could convey the startling contrast between this teeny town and this glorious ocean liner. She dominates the entire wharf and towers over every structure in the village! (This evening a genrtleman told me the dock was built 10 years ago specifically to fit this ship. I wonder why it has taken so long for her to get here?) So why come here? Partly for the fjord and partly for the internationally known gannet colony on Perce Rock. 

This small town set at the tip a gorgeous fjord is so much like a miniature Maine village, I felt at home immediately. Lots of rocks and color! 

 I met and chatted with Jeanette while having a tea in town. She seems typical of the locals who are so proud of their town and heritage. 

 There are flowers everywhere! When I asked, it's a reaction to the long cold winters! Color abounds here in plants and in houses!

 

I totally forgot to ask about the origins of these girls on stilts in swaying dresses but there were a couple of them involved in the welcoming events! 

As we sailed out of Saguenay, the townspeople were still there, gathering in the later afternoon to send this ship off in style. 

 This enthusiasm for the Queen Mary 2's visit was echoed as the ship steamed back down the fjord to the St. Lawrence. Small towns like Petit Saguenay set off fireworks as Her Highness went by. 

 

The ship went by Our Lady of Lac Bouchet, a statue of the Virgin Mary installed in this cliff face by a man who survived an ice-out on the fjord! I knownits an awful picture, but the story is great and you can always Google it yourself!

 

I even took a great shot of the fireworks framed by a spotlight hanging off the observation deck:

We are now doing 25 knots on the St. Lawrence, heading for a morning port of call in Gaspe, Nova Scotia! I feel a bit guilty that I am enjoying this voyage while friends and neighbors are weathering Hurricane Matthew. I passed up Cherries Jubilee tonight so I'd feel less bad!!