Some trails are rich in history. Sometimes the history is many centuries old. The Oasapegal Heritage Park in Pabineau First Nation is a small park near the mouth of Pabineau River where it flows into the Nepsiquit. Historically Pabineau River was called Oasapegal which means “flowing brightly” in Mi’gmag. The site of the park has been a sacred heritage site for the Mi’gmag for many centuries. For more information go to Pabineau First Nation – Oasapegal Heritage Park.
I was driving from Bathurst to Miramichi on Friday and had a bit of time. I decided to check out Pabineau Falls and the park. The snow was still melting so I figured Pabineau Falls would be flowing full. I went around the turn on Pabineau Falls Road that’s just before the bridge that crosses Pabineau River. The park sign was still there and I could now see trail signs and benches. I parked in front of the start of the trail.
The trail split in 3 different directions so I chose the one to the left that went down towards the river. The river was high and you could see it was over its banks, but the trail was still above the waterline. The other side of the river was a steep hill. I followed the trail along the river passing several new benches made out of Aspen logs. Just around the turn I came to a trail junction.
I returned to the trail junction and went back towards the car. There were several small bridges built over wet parts of the trail. Once back at the car I took the trail farthest to the right. It was on an old road or ATV trail. It returned back towards the stream to the other side of the trail underwater. There were several piles of poplar logs piles in neat piles across the trail. It looked as though someone had piled there firewood in the trail. I assume it was to keep ATV’s out.
Once I got closer to the stream I noticed that there was another trail on my left between the ATV Trail and the stream. I mapped it all out with the GPS and then continued on the trail upstream. I stopped to take pictures of a small greyish-brown bird. He would pose for me on a branch but always with his back to me.
I took several pictures of the river and the rock shelf and then I was on my way. I was happy to see the small bits of green poking up through the old dead leaves. It meant that spring had finally arrived. In another week or two this river valley would be lush with green and spring would be in full bloom.
I returned to the car and headed to the Miramichi to pick up the kids. Pabineau Falls would have to wait for another day. I was lucky to find some time on this beautiful, warm, spring day to take a walk in this steep river valley. Thinking about the deep history of the area made it all the more special.