Baie Comeau and the Chicago Tribune

9/30. Baie Comeau 

We arrived at the port of Baie Comeau and started to see some whales in the distance.  

Baie Comeau is a small town and was built in the 1920’s/30’s, funded primary by Colonel Robert McCormick who developed the wood pulp industry as the primary industry fueling the local economy. The paper produced in this area was for the Chicago Tribune. I could not help but think I may have delivered some editions of the Chicago Tribune which were printed on paper from those very trees  and plants. 

The paper industry has declined and now only two units are producing paper. The plant now only employees about 200 people. 

We walked about the city and it’s parks exploring two of the local churches, now tourist sites. The frescos and stained glass Sainte Amelie Church, named for the wife of Robert McCormick, were amazing. I particular enjoyed the St.Andrew’s and St. George’s Anglican Church, where the stained glass was themed to include the local forest and the work done there. Here we supported the church by purchasing a couple local cookbooks. 

A rain started as we began to walk back to the ship, so we opted for the shuttle bus. At the port, some local folks were selling a local Canadian dish called Cipaille, best described as a meat pie which included pork, beef and vegetables in a brown gravy. It was very tasty, and we later learned the pastry can be layered in this dish. 

We watched the whales breaking the surface of the Bay most of the afternoon.  We understand these are Minke Whales which are common in this area.  Still no Beluga Whales.