The cove has had many names throughout the years for different
reasons. Originally this site had been named Swallows Cove it is
believed by scholars and writers. Père Dagnaud a historian and
writer often referred to this location as l'Anse aux Hirondelles or
Swallows Cove. A fourth grade literature book published in the late
1920's "Voyage à travers le Canada" also referred to the area as
l'Anse aux Hirondelles and since this time the name has been used
in songs and poetry. Comeau Cove is the official name for this
location that is listed in the Royal Gazette. This name makes
reference to the large number of Comeau families living around the
Cove.
The name for the cave itself given by the locals is Le Fourneau.
In early Acadian fireplaces, special compartments in which bread
was baked were also described by this word. The name Le Fourneau is
thought to have started with residents who are closer to the area
but through the years it appears to have spread throughout the
entire municipality. A legend set in the 1900's gives the location
its most common name of Smugglers Cove.
As the legend goes, since the cave was so well hidden in the
cove, it was an ideal spot for rumrunners to hide contraband liquor
during Prohibition in the United States. Revenuers decided to try
and match wits with the rumrunners but this proved futile as the
long rocky coastline made it difficult to keep an eye on the
smugglers since they could dock at many different places. In order
to divert the revenuers' attention, people would give hints that
smugglers would be landing in a certain spot and later, while the
revenuers were on watch at that site, the smugglers landed
somewhere else and unloaded their shipment without arousing the
suspicion of revenuers.
Photographers love Smugglers Cove for its awe-inspiring views. A
wonderful place for a picnic where you get a magnificent view of
St. Mary's Bay and of Petit Passage which separates Digby Neck from
Long Island.
The park has several viewing platforms along a set of steps that
lead to the ocean offering excellent views of the water and the
spectacular cave. This spot is a favorite for beachcombers, rock
collectors and adventurers.
The cave itself is about fifteen feet high and runs to a
distance of approximately 60 feet inland and comes to a sudden
stop. Ironically, one of the most interesting features of the cave
is not a natural one. Initials, names, and dates from different
explorers and different years can be seen carved into the rock.
Oddly enough some of the engravings are up to fifteen feet from the
ground. It is not known if these were made while in a small rowboat
or whether the pounding surf has eroded the floor of the cave
during the years. In any case it adds to the rich history of
Smugglers Cove.
In order to log this cache as a
find, please post 2 pictures (with your GPS in the picture), one at
high tide and 1 at low tide. Please also indicate the date and time
of each picture, as well as the elapsed time between
photos.
Logs that do not meet the requirements will be
immediately deleted.
Also, take care when exploring the area. The tide
can come in quickly.
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