Day 12 - Up the coast of Newfoundland

Before leaving Blow Me Down Provincial Park, we took advantage of a recommended hike the park attendant had mapped out for us. It sounded great; a 1 km loop hike to a observation deck with the return path going through a stretch called Governor’s Stairway, a set of steps that passed through a cave on the shore. What Jeff did not tell us was that you could not access the cave during high tide, that it wasn’t really a cave as much as it was a stairwell on the side of a cliff, and that the hike up to the observation tower was 100% up stairs.

Putting these things aside, it was a great way to begin our day. The views from the path were beautiful although the wind at the summit was a bit overwhelming. Irene is still working her way through Quebec and we are experiencing unusual winds and temperatures due to it.

Back on the road we headed for Gros Morne National Park. A local back in St. Georges, NB had recommended the drive out to Trout River.  He had described it as looking like you were “driving on the moon.” The experience was other-worldly; looking to one side of the road there was lush green and the other the rich red dirt of the earth’s mantle. This area, known as the tablelands, was formed by the mantle being pushed up to the surface.

 

The town of Trout River was another little fishing village. There was a suggested hike to the “lighhouse.” which turned out to be a light signal, but given the winds we decided playing on the cliffs was not a bright move.

Traveling in and out of the park while driving up highway 430, we found the location of the shipwrecked S.S. Ethie. This boat crashed on the rocky shore in 1919. All passengers survived and the wreckage itself has remained to this day. Climbing down to the beach, we expected to see a few iron pieces here or there. We were shocked to see how much of the vessel is still strewn about the beach.

Tomorrow will be our last day in Newfoundland. We have found this island to be surprising, stunning and alluring. Each new province has provided us with something new and interesting; we can’t wait to see what Labrador has in store.