Fellow travelers raved about Newfoundland’s rugged beauty, encouraging us to spend as much time as possible exploring all the island’s nooks and crannies. We dedicated two weeks, reserving campsites months ago in the west, central and eastern portions of the island and thought we had it covered.
Once off the ferry we drove up the west coast and quickly realized that our allotted time would be woefully insufficient.
A big first day was planned and reserved so we got an early start, beginning with a short beach walk. The path led between the rocky coast and a couple ponds where geese paddled about. Our next stop required a reservation, one of the first that Reg scheduled last winter.
Boat tours ferry passengers the length of Western Brook Pond, a Canadian fjiord located in Gros Morne National Park. A 45-minute walk out to the dock was all part of the fun for us. We knew a cold drink would be waiting at the lakeside cafe. For a fee, less energetic visitors have the option of reserving a ride, one that requires a sense of humor and strong grip on a bouncing golf cart.
As we waited for our boarding call, the crowd continued to grow and grow and grow. I hoped there were enough life jackets on board because the likelihood of such a crowd sinking the little rickety boat seemed like a very real possibility.
The scenery was spectacular and captain and crew kept up a running commentary, explaining the history and geology of this ice age wonder. As we neared the end of our cruise and they’d run out of facts and figures, one crew member whipped out his guitar while another pulled out a pair of spoons. We were entertained with music, corny jokes and general silliness as we sailed back to port.
The next day we were exploring a muddy trail.
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