Sunset View
This is our first Newfoundland sunset of the trip, over the Codroy Valley:
Day 8: June 24
We woke to rain and fog and the desire to head to Newfoundland, so we headed out early and got to the Battery Provincial Park in St. Peter’s. Since we weren’t able to book a ferry until Wednesday, we had some time to tour the area in the Jeep.
So we picked the BEST site in the park (#30, $14 Senior Unserviced) and took a quick drive to the canal where we have often stayed (for free) and where David caught a Mackeral last year.
Here’s the awesome view from of our site:
Day 9: June 25
As forecasted, it rained all day (this may become our weather pattern: bright day followed by a rainy day), but we took a tour of Isle Madame, another first. And our first stop was at the bakery for coffee, treats and a chicken pie (she swore it would be the best we’ve ever tasted and we’d be back).
This would be a great drive in the sun. It is very Acadian but for the Irish community at the base, clearly marked with orange, green and white banners and flags. Interesting contrasts.
We spent the afternoon inside under down throws (remember, unserviced!), reading, napping then enjoying the chicken pie!
Day 10: June 26
Yes, a pattern. Though it was chilly in the morning, it was sunny as we drove up 104 to North Sydney. I still tear up when we pass Rita’s Tea Room.
We stocked up, gassed up, and I fretted because we needed to book as two separate vehicles, so I would need to drive on board and drive for 35 km to our Newfoundland campsite. Jeesh.
But we spent the afternoon at Indian Cove Beach and I was soothed:
We also talked with Noemi and Clemence from Italy (northern Italy since they spoke German). They are on a many months tour of Canada, the US and farther south, and bought a much-loved and old motorhome. Noemi and I chatted, and I shared some advice and apps while Clemence fixed something (successfully; they made need his many talents!). They’re young and will have a great time.
Our plan was to sleep in the parking lot overnight:
but around midnight, several pickups and fast cars arrived (guess it was graduation night) and things got rowdy, so we headed to the ferry terminal and slept there:
Day 11: June 27
Two sunny days in a row! As usual, we hung out chatting with the neighbours waiting to board the ferry. The time came, and not only did I have to drive on board, I was the first car, had to cut a sharp corner, go DOWN a ramp then BACK UP into a tight spot. I kid you not. The ferry guys were great and laughed!
It was about 20 minutes before David got on board, but I had found us a great table in the bar (we think this is the most comfortable and spacious place to hang out on this ferry). It was an easy sail and included a couple of pods of porpoises (apparently unusual this early in the season and so far out at sea).
We got in on time and, though first on, I was fifth to last off! David had to wait for me. But I successfully led us to the Grand Codroy RV Park and we booked Site #9 ($38, FHU) for three nights. Yay, we were in Newfoundland (with snow in the mountains):
Day 12: June 28
Another sunny day. We headed immediately to the beach at Codroy Provincial Park to look for Piping Plovers, a tradition, and we were rewarded: six adults and three chicks. Wow:
Then we made our first stop at Chap’s Garage. This lovely man collects and displays memorabilia, including his prized 1956 Ford. Lots of “familiar” items:
Next was a ride to Cape Anguille Lighthouse, another first:
As we’d hoped, staying put longer and venturing out in the Jeep is proving successful. We may be paying a bit more for camping (we often stay for nothing or in cheaper Provincial Parks, but leaving the MoHo and cat behind for hours has led us to this solution. AND we have water and electricity!).
On the way to the lighthouse was a stop at the Holy Trinity Anglican Church. The graveyard has a magnificent view:
Oh, and there was a lunch stop:
We continued the driving tour through the Codroy Valley and a visit at another church, The Precious Blood RC Church, a timber frame church built in 1912 :
Back home, I shopped at the Craft Store then took the one-kilometer Inspirational Trail in the park:
Day 13: June 29
Well, the wind and rain began today. Since the sun tried to peek out, we decided to head to The Granite Coast for a tour of some outports. By the time we stopped at Fox Roost, we were socked in by the fog. I got this great shot:
and we headed back to Port aux Basques for a Tim’s (inside, no less, where I enjoyed listening in on the locals, especially the seven “Red T-shirt Ladies”, a walking club. We bought a few things and headed back for a rainy afternoon. We decided to stay put for two more nights in anticipation of some better weather and Canada Day festivities.
So, here’s our afternoon view:
Day 14: June 30
Though overcast, we were determined to complete our outport tour. We visited Rose Blanche, Harbour Le Cou, Diamond Cove, Burnt Islands:
We pulled into Isles aux Morts for lunch at the Harvey Trailhead:
As we finished, the sun came out and we hiked the four kilometers along the beautiful shoreline and enjoyed the boards telling the tale of the Harvey Family and their Newfoundland dog, Hairyman, and their saving of more than 200 shipwrecked passengers in the 1800s:
Oh, and there was some nice flora:
We finished the day with an icecream in Port aux Basques and enjoyed the murals (“Muriels” for you Corrie Street fans):
Day 15: July 1
Canada Day began in rain and fog. Hoping for clearing, we headed back to the beach to see more Piping Plovers (three adults and three chicks today with some different poses), some “attacking Terns, and a Spotted Sandpiper:
On our return to Port aux Basques, we stopped at the Grand Bay East Beach where we usually stay for free when we arrive. They have made improvements to the beach and parking area, and we’ll be back:
It was raining and the streets were bare, so no festivities that we could see. We got some chicken at Bob’s Chicken Coop (they ran Mary Brown’s out of town) and are getting read to head to our next “new” adventure tomorrow.
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