NEWFOUNDLAND BOUND!

Well a road trip to Newfoundland is finally a reality. The camping gear is packed in a new Thule Pod on the roof of my Subaru Outback. I ‘practiced camped’ last year, to see if I could make this a camping trip. And throughout the summer and fall, I honed the sleeping arrangements to make it tolerable to the old bones! A cot seemed to do the trick after all was said and done, and now I am more than ready!

The pod held more than I thought it would, and that left lots of room in the car for cameras and photography paraphernalia, the cooler and a few other comforts and essentials. I haven’t driven long distances for a while, so not sure how that will go, but have given myself lots of time to make the trip there. 

The pod held more than I thought it would, and that left lots of room in the car for cameras and photography paraphernalia, the cooler and a few other comforts and essentials. I haven’t driven long distances for a while, so not sure how that will go, but have given myself lots of time to make the trip there. 

My plan is to meet up with ‘Kevin Pepper Photography’ for a photo workshop -  June 5 to June 12, 2018

The Viking Trail and Iceberg Alley
(The blurb on the trip)
“Have you ever wanted to stay in your very own lighthouse? This trip will have you waking up in our very own private lighthouse inn to the smell of a home cooked breakfast as you look out across the north atlantic ocean at the entrance to Iceberg Alley.

Do icebergs captivate you? Imagine an up close and personal viewing of some of the largest tabular and cathedral icebergs at the entrance to the world famous iceberg alley.

This is the perfect trip for the photographer that loves photographing by the ocean in and around old abandoned fishing villages, icebergs, and lighthouses, with a backdrop of stunning golden hour... and we can't forget the Humpback whales that are migrating north as the icebergs are travelling south.”

The workshop is starting at Deer Lake Newfoundland and ends in Quirpon on the edge of ‘Iceberg Alley”.  Exploring the west coast of “The Rock”.

Before the workshop, i hope to start my adventure in the SW corner of the island, right off the ferry. A few days of camping, birding in the Codroy Valley, and reaquainting myself with the ocean!

After the workshop, I will head back to Deer Lake to pick up my car and gear, and head out on my own again with the goal to circumnavigate the island. Wildlife, landscapes, people, seafood, local arts and artists and, what I am really looking forward to….the Ocean! After living on the west coast for many years, the Ocean became part of my soul, and it will feel good to smell the sea air, wander the rocks and tidepools at low tide, and just sit while the waves wash up on the shore. Ahhhhhn! And of course there are Puffins! Doesn’t get much better than that!

So visit my blog, over the next month or so, and join me on my new adventure! I am sure it will be a fun time! I will update you on the fun  and foibles of my adventure, when I can. See you soon!

Friday morning May 25

At 6 am, I hit the road east from London Ontario. Packing went smoothly- which for me, is a miracle! All the preps for my car -  ‘Boo’ - tune up,  snow tires off, summer tires on (that might have been a mistake!), gassed up, and all cleaned out of all but necessary stuff for the trip. And for me – hair cut, bills paid, apartment cleaned - well sort of. 😬 and all those other things like fridge cleaned out, dishes done, plants all gathered together, for my awesome sister-in-law to take care of, and fresh sugar water, grape jelly and oranges out for the humming birds and my Baltimore Oriole family.

But packing was easier this time, as I had lots of room to pack.  The Thule Pod on the roof of the Subaru, held way more than I thought it would, which was nice. So all the camping gear and a bit more went up there.  Coolers, camera gear, suitcases, food and dishes on the lower level!

I was a little worried though, as I had to leave Boo all packed – except camera gear and fridge food - and parked outside! With the Pod on top, it would not fit into my underground garage spot!  But hey I just had to have faith! And with the help of my guardian angels, all was just fine.

My travel partner ‘Ookie the Ookpik’ raced me to the car! And was as excited as I was to get on the road! Hey all, meet Ookie!.Ookie was adopted at Expo 67, and at the last minute, he popped up to say he wanted to go with me! I figure a road trip is way more fun with a buddy, so I agreed whole-heartedly!

I was a little tired - didn’t sleep that last night as good as I’d liked to have, but I stopped for a couple rest stop naps along the way, and I made it to the east side of Montreal the first day. A few hiccups that day. First there was Toronto rush hour. Man that is a wicked mess! Then just before Kingston, there had been a terrible accident, unfortunately with fatalities. that resulted in the 401 eastbound being closed!

 Hmmm. That was probably a two hour wait and and hour inching along.  But about 7 pm I was finally into my little motel room, and after a good walk, it wasn’t long before I was sleeping ‘Like a Baby Lion’, as my good friend says! 

Saturday May 26

Woke early and on the road again the next morning by 6 am. Today it was smooth sailing. Motored along, and no need for naps today either! I am sure I saw a bear high up in a tree on the side of the road, along the way, but a  semi was on my right ( yep I was passing him - Go Boo Go!)so there was no stopping to confirm or try to get a shot of it.  Dagnammit! I am going to Newfoundland! No detours!
Well maybe one detour. Never trust a friggin car GPS! I had faith, and didn’t do enough homework. (Hey, I had a lot of packing and prep work to do!) and sometimes technology sucks right? So Ended up in St John New Brunswick! Probably an hour south out of the way. Go figure. No idea why!? Lesson learned, read the map too! I think it was taking me to another ferry across to Nova Scotia. I had a couple other worries along the way that I was on the wrong road. For some reason the Trans Canada Hwy  shows as other road numbers here. And it is not always  #1, it is #2, or 20or whatever other road. So confusing! 

But I was not in a hurry, so found a cute little motel for the night.The Hillside. Lakesh the owner was a really nice fellow and we had a good chat. (Hmmm, going to have to start learning the Atlantic & Newfoundland lingo, so I can sound local! I don’t think Chat is a word!) unloaded the camera gear and the overnight bag, and headed out for my walk. Gotta get those 10000 steps in! And I need that stretch after such a long drive.  (One thing I tried to do at all my stops, was park in the farthest spot away from the rest stop facilities. It gave me a stretch at each stop.) 

Sunday May 27

Today is a much shorter day of driving, even with the detour from yesterday. Maybe 6-7 hours. Easy-peasy! I could take the overnight ferry to Newfoundland Sunday night, but I love being on the water and especially on the ocean! So I booked myself for the Monday morning sailing. And had a nice little sleep in!
And then with CBC radio turned on for Sunday Morning, and Ookie perched on the dash, Boo started us on our journey for the day. It was another smooth-sailing day, and we made it to Sydney Nova Scotia by around 3pm. Settled in at the Clansman Motel and went off for my walk. Tonight I went out for dinner and had a good feed of Haddock and fries! Ok so I will need to walk some more! 

Monday May 28
Another good sleep. Then in the morning, shower, grocery shop, and pack up again. And ice for the cooler. Then in line for the ferry. Arrived two hours early as directed.  So time for a walk around the terminal and down to take a look at the Atlantic Vision – the ferry waiting there for us, that will carry us over to Newfoundland. 

Nice and relaxing wander, that is until I was surrounded by security! I guess I was out of bounds! Well not exactly surrounded, but approached and asked to “step into the truck Mam”. Radio announcements –“yep I got her”!  But nice guy all said and done, and I got a nice tour of the shipyards and he took me to where I could get a good shot of the ferry. Heehee!

And then I was taken back to my car. None too soon either, as they started to board pretty quick.  I am sure it was early! Wasn’t supposed to leave till 11:45 am. We were well on our way by 11:30.  And the skies were blue and the waves small, and although it was a bit cool, wandering the deck with Ookie was great fun.  Checking for whales and dolphins, but no luck yet. 

But Ookie was going on and on, about wanting to go up to the bridge and see the Captain. So we asked the Senior Chief Steward, if Ookie could have a picture taken with the captain.  Sue Holmes, the Senior Chief Steward, arranged it with the Captain, and off we went up to the bridge. Apparently no one had ever asked to take their Ookpik to the bridge, so Ookie was quite the star. He got to read the charts, sit in the Captains chair, be the lookout for icebergs, and a few other neat things.  Unfortunately the Captain had been called away, so Sue took a picture of me and Ookie together.  It was fun.  Got lots of laughs! And Ookie was ever so pleased!

We wandered the decks some more, and then at about 4:30, we landed in Newfoundland! Stopped off at the visitors’ centre and picked up some info, then 7 km down the road to JD Cheesman Provincial Park. I had booked three nights here. So registered and headed to the site to set up before dark.  It was cool, but still sunny, and all was well until I tried to hammer the tent stakes into the ground. There was so much friggin rock that the temper was starting to boil. After a number of expletives, Harold, from Parry Sound – my neighbor, came over and asked if I could use some help.  I apologized for my expletives, and we both tried to get the stakes in for the next half hour.  Half we finally got in, the other half maybe halfway, but that had to be good enough. Thanked Harold, and off he went to his dinner.  I cooked up a feast, and more for the next day as I heard there might be some rain. That way I could reheat quickly and not get too wet.  And then a little wine to celebrate! I’m Here!

Well the rain started that night, and it poured and poured.  But lucky for me there were no leaks and I slept just fine.

Tuesday May 29

And then I awoke to more rain, pouring rain, never ending rain! So I had my camper’s Lazyboy ( my camp chair) in the tent, and I sat and read and watched the rain.  Eventually I got a little antsy, so I donned all my rain gear and headed out to go for a walk.  Walked to a lovely little water falls just over the bridge, the set off to the beach. A 2km walk by the road.  It rained, and slowed to a shower, then a mist. Then it rained again. I still enjoyed it and after arriving on the beach, walk for an hour or so along it. The sound of the waves cancelled out the rain in my mind, and it slowed again to a shower then a mist. But once again, the clouds opened, and I headed back.  

Lucky me though, the rained stopped long enough for me to heat up my dinner (leftover pork chop and veggie stirfry) and then i quicky ran into the tent to eat, when the rain started again. Whew just in time before it poured again. (I love my guardian angels!) Had set myself up good for staying in the tent. Had all I needed. But the wind was picking up now, and it was getting pretty dang cold.  Calling for frost, maybe snow! Yikes. So all the clothes – long johns and fleece and toque and gloves – stayed on, and I snuggled under my down comforter on my cot, and read for awhile. The wind was loud and so was the rain, so I popped in earplugs. And slept pretty fine again. All was well in my little nest……that is, until morning!

Wednesday May 30

Well the tent was rocking, and it wasn’t me! I took out the earplugs and the wind was howlin’! First things first. Outhouse across the road. Then next was to try to get my tent fly tied down tighter as it was lifting like a parachute, and pulling all those half in pegs out! Right into the wind it was! I was trying to pull it down to tighten and noticed it had ripped some of the attachments right off as well! It was a hell of a Nor-Wester! There was no way I was pulling this down. It had to come off. I was grateful that it had dawned a blue sky day! 

Well it was a chore and I had not planned on trying Parachuting for the first time with a tent fly, and I  was pretty dang close to lifting off a couple times! But with some crazy finagling, I managed to get it unattached and in the tent. Really nice that it was a blue sky day as the top of the tent is screen! Exhausted I sat in my chair, seriously considering motelling it across Newfoundland! “I am to old for this”, I screamed! 

And the thought of packing it all up was first in line of thoughts! But I sat, and caught my breath, and calmed down. And tried to consider the other thoughts vying for attention. I went for a walk, around the campsite. Virtually empty, except for a few other folks with nice warm campers, but I spied a site, that was out of the really wicked wind. And it was all grass. And still on the water.  I went back and took one of the tent pegs already out of the ground, my hatchet, and went to see I could get the pegs in there. I think that was the first deciding factor. They went in with ease! So a possibility to relaunch. But could the fly be fixed? A Ranger was trying to find and recover all the garbage cans and recycle boxes that had blown everywhere in the wind! He laughed saying ‘you sure were in the wrong place with that wind! No protection there!’ I laughed too, with tears in my eyes.

Well off to the ranger station, to see if I could move to that site. All was cool there. Then the next, was moving it all – another strong vote for motelling raised it’s hand!  But all was done by noon. And with that roll of duck tape I brought along, and the door and fly opening  facing into the hill alongside, and out of catching the wind, I decided I could weather another day or two. 

While I sat, for a breather, I thought “I want a friggin drink”! But a little early for this girl, so instead I packed up a snack, water, got the binoculars and the camera, and decided I was taking the Smokey Cape trail to the ocean today. Brian the Ranger at the park had suggested it. Said there were great views. I had also asked Brian about other wildlife in the area, and if they ever see moose in the park.  He said not too much. And havent really seen a moose in the park for a long time. 

So hopes dashed for a moose at my campsite I headed out. And the sun was shining, still a little cool, but not bad. A couple layers did the trick, with my rain jacket tied around my waist I set off.

Thank you Brian! It was a beautiful trail, and I turned back Into a happy human being! The landscape was wonderful, and the views to die for! I am not sure how long the trail was but it was lots of ups and downs, and steps, and rocks, and view after view! Then up high on the rocks, the bays leading to the campsite and the rivers ocean bound, and ocean,  appeared.  Such a sight! I sat and soaked it up for awhile. Then on towards the ocean I headed.

This time I had binoculars and my camera, and I hoped to see the piping plovers that are nesting there. 
I headed down the sand dune to the beach, and was hit with a wallop of wind! And sand! Jacket wrapped around the camera, I pushed on to the nesting area. Staying at a distance, I scoped out the area but to no avail.  I think they were all hiding from the wind today! And I figured I should too. So went looking for a spot to have my snack. I found a log around the corner out of the wind, sat down, brough Ookie out to see the Ocean……and immediately the wind snapped up most of the sand from the beach and threw it at us! Ookine was back in the sack in no time flat! I tried to protect the camera and get up and out of there, not a gracefull picture! But we hightailed back behind the windbreak and onto the road back to the campsite.  Took the road back instead of the trail as it was getting close to dinner time. Saw a number of Yellow rumped warblers on the way, and white-throated sparrows – for by birding friends. Not much else, but after that wind I am hoping for a fallout! 

Then Brian and Arlene, another ranger drove by and stopped to talk.  Laughing about my ordeal at the campsite. I thanked Brian for the recommendation of the trail and how beautiful it was. We went our separate ways.  Ack at the campsite, I decided I was lazy to cook tonight. So an avocado, cheese, tomato, and onion sandwich was the order! And a glass of wine! Sigh! The wind was still pretty strong, not in your face strong, but I had had enough for the day, and moved my chair into the tent, and read for awhile. One thing with the cooler weather, there are no bugs yet – one vote for camping! So I could leave my door open and keep an eye outside.  The birds are singing all around. Lots of robins everywhere! And I heard and saw a kingfisher today too. 

Early to bed for this cowgirl. I think I put on near 25 km with all my moving and hiking.  Hunkered down under the down comforter, on my lovely cot, I read a bit more and was sawing logs in no time.

Thursday May 31

Thursday dawned a lovely day. A nice slow start, coffee, eggs and toast, and watching the water run by my campsite.  Yellow-rumped warblers in the trees over my head! Brian the Ranger stopped by this morning too.  Apparently there was a moose in the campsite! Very close to where I was.  He said, he had hoped to get a picture of-it  with my tent in the background, and send it to me, ‘while you were sleeping’! but the moose deeked into the trees and he wasn’t able to.  Maybe tonight I will hear him and get a glimpse. I have seen a beautiful coyote, and a couple rabbits, and along with the birds, that is all the wildlife I have seen so far.

I forgot to mention one thing, in regards to the morning I almost parachuted back to the mainland.  One trick I tried was to move Boo to block the wind to make it easier to get the fly down.  It didn’t work. But Boo has now been initiated into the “first scratch club”! Those back up screens are awesome, but you still need to use those side mirrors! The fire pit (which is a metal box, on a stand with a grate on top) managed to sneak into my route.  Nothing terrible, just a wee scratch. Boo feels like a grown-up now!

So after my lazy start, I jumped in Boo, and headed to the Codroy Valley.  There was a trail I found on the rainy day, when I went out for a drive on the backroads, after my rainy walk.  That day it was really just to get in the car and get warmed up, but the drive was nice too.  For those that know me well, you will laugh when I tell you, I had the heat jacked up, blower on high and seat heaters on! Oh but it felt nice! 

Anyway I headed to a Wetlands trail I found. I was hoping that there might be a fallout of birds after the big wind. It was a beautiful walk/trail along an estuary. Camera and binoculars in tow, I saw magnolia warblers, black & white warblers, yellow warblers,yellow rumped warblers, and swainsen thrushes. They seem to be plentiful everywhere this spring.  Also some ring necked ducks, a pair of american wigeons, a  blue heron, and another bunch of ducks flying, that I think were pintails. And the cutest red squirrels who for awhile posed for me, but then I must have outstayed my welcome as they started yelling at me! So on I went.  It was a slow cruise today. A break from the bigger hiking day yesterday. Ookie seems to love getting out in nature! The little bugger tried hiding on me in the marsh marigolds, but I finally found him! Ever since he wangled his way to the bridge on the ferry, he also seems to like getting into all sorts of mischief!

Back home around 6 pm. Cooked a little dinner, washed dishes and clothes in my foldable dish-bin, and headed down to the rangers cabin to link into their wifi.  I managed to finally get the first part of my blog up and a couple mails and texts, then back to camp and organized a few things for departure tomorrow for Gros Morne.  Heading up island into the mountains.  Hmmmm I wonder if their snow has melted? Here’s hoping! 
Night night!  

Friday June 1

Well Friday I got everything packed up and was on the road North. Rangers Arlene and Bryan dropped by to see me off! Told me to make sure I go to the Kitchen Party in Rocky Harbour! I stopped and filled up with gas and a few supples, just north of The Campground.  It was one of the old fashioned non automated pump! Been awhile since I saw one of those.  And they did all the work too! Nice!

The drive towards Gros Morne had some beautiful scenery! Stopped for a couple shots along the way. (I will post some photos in the “Newfoundland or Bust Image Galleryon my website when I get good wiFi)  And at last to Berry Hill Campground! Thanks Arni Stinson from Orillia for the tip. Great spot! Close to Rocky Harbour for the kitchen party too! Woohoo!

Gros Morne is a National Park. Lots of snow still on the mountains here! Probably partly from the snow storm they had a week ago.  I am not sure what the elevation is here, but I definitely was heading uphill  on the way.

Got a nice site, and cursed my tent up.  Almost got the cot fully together too this time, but I was tired of cursing, so let one last bar be. Why the heck do things have to be so hard to put together? I think I would have needed a winch to enable me to get that last bar in place. Sheeeshhh! Ah well isnt really necessary, so the heck with it! It hasn’t collapsed yet! 

The night before I left Cheesman Park, I briefly me a lady from Ottawa. We met up again here at Berry Hill.  She has one of those little teardrop campers you pull behind your car.  Pretty cool…..or maybe I should say pretty warm!  It has a furnace/heater.  The back flips up to a built in kitchen area. The side door opens to a small space with cupboards, a bed, and a port-a- potty! 

All luxuries – when you are living in a tent! And wearing your long-johns, toque, socks and mitts to bed!
And it is just totally unfair and crazy how your bladder thaws so fast in the morning, as soon as you stand up, and to add to the misery, you have  to get the friggin zipper door open on the tent, and then the 200 yard dash! Sigh. Camper envy! 

o a lighthouse close by, in Rocky Harbour. Not sure of the name, but a good chance it was the Rocky Harbour Lighthouse!  Walked a few short trails, and headed down to the rocky beach.for a bit. Then to a meadow where there was a good chance for moose. No luck. Saw two pretty big jack rabbits munching on the grass. Quite the size they are!

A little fishing village For sunset. Beautiful sunset. Not so much for colour, it was a golden glow, but the rocks and the reflections were pretty wonderful. 

Saturday June 2

Had a great walk today around the “Beaver Pond trail”.  It is about a two km hike around the little lake.  It was supposed to rain, so I had put on all the rain gear, and got the camera’s in its rain gear-too. It didn’t rain. But I’m not complaining!

Saw a couple warblers – black throated green and yellow rumped.  Swainsons thrushes. And toads. And Peeper frogs! The must have been a convention for peeper frogs! I have never been able to see them before. They always seem to stop peeping when I approach. But today they were everywhere, lolling and peeping on the top of the water, outstretched to the max. Feeling just like I was I guess.

I had a lovely sit on a rock by the water with another rock to lean back on.  Watched the peepers float and scoot, float and scoot.  A couple gulls carried on quite a conversation, on a rock across the way. There was a little sun so I soaked it up-for a good while.  Sigh.

Once back at the campsite I cooked me up some Turkey thighs and veggies for dinner. Lit up my first camp fire, and settled into my camp chair, wrapped up in my blanket (inherited from Gert, my mother-in-law. She’s still taking good care of me! Jessie came over to join me. So we had laugh fest till all the wood went to ashes and then into the tent for the night!

——

Sunday June 3

Well lo and behold if there was a lovely sight to see in the morning! Opened the tent door to make my morning dash, everything was white! Yikes! I thought it was cold last night. Pretty - but friggin cold!

Today was a day to tour in the car – with the seat heaters on! Jessie was thinking the same thing, so we decided to go together. My turn to drive. We did a full day tour. Trout River, Woody Point, the Tablelands. Met some great folks! A side road off the Trans Canada with Woody Point our first stop. We were in the shop – ‘Hunky Dory, Folk Art and Things’. How could you not stop at a place called that  spent some time looking at the local arts and crafts, and talking to the Artist there that did some interesting wood art. His wife did rug hooking. Lots of her own local patterns that were very Newfoundlandish.  Got some photos of her work Joyce!

Mentioned I was in a tent. We all had a good laugh! He left and another artist came in to take over.  All of a sudden the door opens a bit, a head pokes in, and this burly voice yells, ‘You the Lady in the Tent?’ He proceeded to tell me that he had a trailer out back. It has heat, power! I replied, so you figure you could make an easy sell huh? No, No he said. I don’t want to sell it! My Second thought (which I did not say out loud), was oh my! Well I probably don’t have to even tell you, you can guess what I thought! But all that got cleared up quickly when it was made clear that I was just welcome to use it if I wanted out of my tent and a warm place to sleep! The stories are true, they are so friendly and kind!

That was in Woody Point. We wandered around the town for a bit cute little town. Small village with lots of character. Time for a little bite to eat. Fish and chips again! Yummm! Then on to Trout 
River, a little further down this road. First though, we stopped at the Gros Morne Discovery centre. 

Saw my first moose here. Had my photo taken with it, and gave it a little kiss to say thanks. Yeah yeah, it was a statue of course. 

Then headed down to the wharf to see the boats and views. But on the way, something caught my eye. I made a U-turn, headed back, and sure enough my eyes did not betray me! There poking their heads out the window, of a little house, were three cows! Unfortunately their ear tags did not have a number. It just said “Beef”. Their fate had been cast already. But I figured they could use a little loving, while they were still here, so went up to the window to give them some good scratches on their heads. Well there were not 3 cows, but six! Once the first one got a good scratch, the shoving started to get their turns. Such adorable little bulls. Then their was a squeal! And another squeal, then a real out break of squeals, as three little piggies came charging on a little door in the side of the house! Too cute.i headed over to-say hi to the little guys, but then the cows got upset, so after a little nose rub for the piggies and a little scratch, I head back to the cows-making sure each one gets another scratch and an ear rub, before we started to leave. 

But Wait! There’s more! Then the chickens came running across the road! We asked them why, but they wouldn’t tell us their secret. After a little encouragement, the rooster came over and posed for a few photos. Seriously! Came right over in front of me not 2 feet away, and strutted and posed this way and that. So funny! Jessie was shaking her head by this time.  So had to tell her my nick name – ‘Di-Doolittle!

On the road again, to the wharf. Windy as heck, when we got out to the far edge where it opens to the bay.  Looked like all the boats were in today. Pretty sure I would not want to head out on that water today either? Lobster traps, crab traps. 

Then it was off to the Tablelands. An amazingly beautiful stretch of oxidized rocks. Orangey, yellow rocks.  There was a great trail here, maybe 2km one way, so we headed out on a hike to the end where there was a waterfalls. Really unique landscape. Some of the trail was along boardwalks. The rest on a rocky trail. This area is famous for the uniqueness of its geology. The wind on the way back was straight on and in your face! And Cold! So the decision was, we should go for some soup. Another great little restaurant, this one in Woody Point.

it was still pretty dang cold out, and now it was about 7:30 pm.  Neither one of us wanted to head back to our cold sleeping quarters, so we decided we would head to the Kitchen Party in Rocky Harbour.  It was great fun! Right off the bat, Jessie had a couple from New Brunswick - Rod and Brenda, laughing (probably shaking their head at us at first, but laughing to be polite I think).  But soon, they got as crazy as us and we had some good laughs together. after that we were fast friends!. Then the show started, with A Newfoundlander playing his guitar and singing, then pulling up some of the folks up to tell a story or sing a song.  Then he got us all up doing a jigg. Too much fun! And then it was time for those who wished, to get ‘Screeched In’. Well I was driving so unfortunately I had to decline this time. But Rod would have none of this, so secretly he had it all arranged, that I would get screeched in and they would slip in pepsi instead of Screech! Then I learned this was the ceremony that included Kissing the Cod! Too late now, so up I went with the rest of the folk! 

We had to recite  “the Pledge”, dance a little jig, sing a song, throw back the screech, kiss the cod and sing oh Canada! This is not an easy feat - all this! But certified I am! Except I haven’t really Screeched yet, so I would imagine I will have to do a repeat on that part!

It was only about a ten minute drive to the campground from the Kitchen Party, and about 11:30 we headed home. I dropped Jessie off, looped around and parked the car at my little oasis, and headed to the washroom before I jumped into bed. Well by the time I made it back, and was zipped into my tent, I decided taking off any clothes would be a mistake. So I tugged my toque down over my ears, pulled my 
Scarf up over my chin, slid on the mitts, and just crawled in under my duvet, and pulled it over my head, to hopefully get warmed up quicker.  

And there was another day of adventure finished in style!

Monday June 4

Well another day dawned early, starting with the birds singing their morning  songs….at 3:30 am! Sunrise is at around 5 am, so they must like to get an early start. Of course when you wake up even just a little bit, and it is cold, that friggin bladder wakes up too. But no 200 yard dash for me this time! Just get the boots on, undo the zipper (that never opens easily when you have to pee), and behind the tent I went.  It was not raining or snowing, the sky was clear, the stars were out in all their glory- which translates to being it was clear, and  ‘ dag-nam freezing’, and that resulted into a quick retreat back under the duvet!

Slept a little later this morning. Mostly it was too cold to get out of bed! But also because tomorrow I am heading to Deer Lake to meet up with the photo group, and I want to start off well rested! 

These workshops are usually pretty exhausting as you get up early to photograph Sunrise, which is currently 5:20am and we have to get somewhere and set up for that sunrise ( which usually means leaving an hour earlier!). And we finish at about an hour after sunset – which pm. (Then we have get back home). And then all day long you find all those other neat places to explore and photograph.  And somehow in there somewhere, find time to eat and sleep.

Laundry was on order. Then, clean and organize the car, and pack my bag and camera gear for the photo trip. Don’t want to have to do much more that take down the tent, and store the camping gear in my car top Thule, in the morning.  

Once that was done, jessie and I headed to Western Brook around 1:30, to hike the trail back to a small lake.  Just so beautiful! About an hour or so one way. Wonderful photo opportunities along the way. A lovely sit in the sun on the lake. A little snack, then the hike back.

We both headed home for dinner, then a little more packing up for us both, as Jessie is heading east tomorrow to Twillingate, and I’m off to Deer Lake.  Then we got out the leftover wine, a little Kalua and Bailey’s, around one more campfire before we part ways. We really had fun together these last few days! Jessie was the best tour guide, and hiker, and loads of fun! Will miss exploring with her! Thanks Jessie, from Ottawa! It was a Blast!  Travel Safe!

Tuesday June 5

Packed up the tent first thing. (another plus for the motelling plan!) frigg! it is a pain! Got everthing away, ready to head to Deer Lake.  Unfortunately couldn’t get the key out of the Thule, which also translates as it wouldn’t lock. You cant take the key out until the lock is engaged. And it just would not engage!
Frustration got the best of me, and I took a moment to stomp my feet, and curse a little.  Then took a walk to the washroom, brushed the teeth, washed the face etc.  Cooled down, headed back and tried again. ( Motelling is coming out on top!)

Finally I just left the key in the dam thing, and headed out! If I couldn’t get it out, it is unlikely to fall out right? Stopped to pay the ranger for my last night.  There were a few guys con-flabbing with the ranger at the park entrance, so I figured they might be a good  group to challenge to get that pod locked and get my key out. 

So I laid out the challenge, set up my little foot stool for them so they could reach, told them they didn’t have long as I had to make it to Deer Lake by noon! I did acknowledge, that I figured they were probably  all pretty smart engineer types, so it shouldn’t take them long. I headed off with Rob the Ranger, to pay my bill, and left them to it.  They were still at it when I returned. I asked them what the hold up was? And ‘ Jimminy Cricket’, if they didn’t figure it out, and pull that key out of the locked pod, toss it to me, and tell me to have a safe trip! It was awesome! Thanks guys!

Camping just got back in the books again! Mind you it does help to know I would be spending the next 8 nights in a cozy next too a warm bathroom!

 Off I headed north to the meeting place – Marble Mountain Inn, just north of Deer Lake.  Stopped to gas up, and made it just there just a little past noon. We couldn’t check in till 4pm.  Met Kathy from Rochester New York, one of the workshop participants. Kevin Pepper – the workshop leader, and John from Albuquerque New Mexico, returned from Tim’s. Kathy left to take back her rental car. We headed in to the little breakfast nook, where I got a coffee and a couple tasty-treats, and set up to write more on my blog.  Joanne from Montreal came down from her room. Soon it was time to pick up Joe from Toronto, at the Deer Lake Airport. And we all went together. 

After that we headed back to the Inn and checked into our rooms. Dropped off our bags, and then met for Dinner Downstairs. We got to know each other a bit during dinner, but shortly thereafter it was off to bed, because the fun begins tomorrow morning at 4am, and we are headed out for our first sunrise shoot!

Wednesday June 6

That am alarm was a pretty rude awakening! But all were on time, and off we headed off in the dark, camera gear all stowed in the back of our van.  This morning’s shoot was at a Lark Harbour.  Beautiful colours and a lovely setting! Once there, the early morning woes disappeared and the colours just kept getting more beautiful by the minute.  Purples and pinks and a lovely setting. After the sun rose and the colours faded, we headed off.

I had the front seat of the van today.  It is a six seater with a Thule pod on te top like mine. We were heading off to the next photo site -a fishing village - when up ahead I saw a moose! I grabbed onto Kevins’s arm -our driver and workshop-leader - and yelled  ‘Moose!”. Kevin slammed on the breaks and saw the moose too, then I realized it was a statue, then Kevin did, and everyone else saw it by now too. We both groaned. Then we all graoned. Out first Moose sighting and it had to be a statue.  We were still   all laughing about it, when the dam thing ran off! That was the one that got away! It took us awhile to stop laughing over that one!

We headed to a fishing village and tuned our eyes and cameras to capturing abstracts, well a few if us did, and of course the fisherman and their boats etc.  It was a fun exercise.  I said good morning to an older fisherman as he was driving by slowly. he stopped and we had a long conversation about this and that. By the end of it, I was-starting to understand what he was saying!  The dialect here , especially in the fishing villages, is very musical and words are melded together! What added to the challenge of understanding, and catching the odd word, was that he only had two teeth. But he was a great guy and we had a few laughs.Then off for a little lunch in woody Point?

At And off to another location. On the way Kathy spotted a moose, and we turned around, parked, and crept up slowly taking insurance shots as we went. This big fellow was ever so accommodating! We must have had close to ½ hour with him. He continued to eat the marsh grasses, looking up at us every now and then, bit didn’t seem too stressed with us there, so we moved a little closer, closer, closer!  We were probably a couple hundred yards away when we settled in to watch and shoot. It was amazing.

Then we left our buddy in peace, and headed off to Lobster Cove Lighthouse. Great trails, and perspectives for photography.  Fiddle heads everywhere ripe for the picking.  Sea views from atop the rocks and even a few jack rabbits. They are big! And right at the end of our time there, a Boreal Chickadee flew in and landed on a branch near me, and posed for a photo – a lifer fro me!  On to Rocky Harbour, for sunset. Unfortunately, that was a bust as the clouds rolled in thick. So we headed back to the Cabins in Middle Brook. Did a little water fall photography, experimenting with shutter speeds . Then we put together a great Bbq and relaxed for the evening. Then hit the sack to be ready for another day.

Thursday June 7
Up again for sunrise, this time off to a lighthouse near Blow Me Down Park. Not the saturation of colours as the previous morning, but a nice setting.  The moon was over the lighthouse as the colours developed. Soft and pretty. 

Then to Lobster Cove Lighthouse. Great trails, and neat perspectives for photography.  You can get all-the way down to the shore, or walk  through the tuckamores ( spruce trees bent and entangled by the wind) to some incredible sea-views. There were Fiddle heads everywhere, ripe for the picking.  Wonderful sea views from atop the rocks and even a few jack rabbits. They are big! I bet their feet are size 11! And right at the end of our time there, a Boreal Chickadee flew in and landed on a branch near me, and posed for a photo – a lifer for me!  

Then we headed to Western Brook Pond. I did this hike with Jessie earlier, but this time I was able to focus a little more on photographing.  Great tuckamores here too! “One tree Rob” ( a photo friend) you would be in your Glory! While we were there, we thought we might get a good sunset, but the clouds were moving in thick along the horizon. But a couple loons started calling and while at first they swam away, when the light was low and soft, they swam back and gave us a few opportunities to photograph them before we left.

On the way back to our cabins, we stopped again at Lobster Cove Lighthouse, and tried a little night photography and light painting. It was a Bust for me, as I have not done enough photographing in the dark to feel knowledgable of  what settings I should use, etc. But I tried for awhile, then gave up and wandered back to the vehicle where Kevin, our leader, was waiting for us.

And off to bed!

Friday June 8

Sunrise wasn’t looking like it would be worth the early hour rising,  so we all had a sleep in. This morning it was time to pack up once again, and start our journey north to Port Aux Chois where we will stay one night. 
 we stopped at a historical site, that was also a good photo opportunity – a red saltbox house on the sea, some great sea scapes, and an old house that turned out to be the museum. Kathy and I took photos of each other on a Rock – so we had proof we had been to “The Rock”! Then wandered with our cameras for an hour or so. 

As we left, Kathy said to the group – whoever finds us some caribou to photograph gets a free dinner! Right around the next curve, there they stood, as if they had been expecting us! Three full size caribou, molting their white winter coats. Another large male was wandering in along side a small lake in the background. There are not a lot of places that you are able to pull off on this stretch of road, but Lo and behold –  if there wasn’t a pull-out right there across the road from them. Perfect setting too! We had quite awhile with these amazing animals! 

It made me pretty excited about my fall trip up north to Nunavut, for the caribou migration! And a really  nice surprise is, that Kathy is also going on that trip, so we have already arranged to be roommates.

Then it was off to photograph some abandoned dories. Not really my cuppa, but I have to-say, once I put my mind to it, I really enjoyed it, and I think I might have captured a couple of nice images too. 
 
Tonight we slept in our hotel at Port aux Choise.

Saturday June 9

The morning dawned again, with no sunrise, so we packed up, had breakfast at the hotel and headed up the west coast towards our next stop, Quirpon Island (pronounced Karpoon) We had to make it by 4 to catch our zodiac over to the island. 
Along the way we had numerous beautiful photo ops. We had pack ice and small, but significant icebergs, right off the shore.  Then a really neat scene at Flower Cove. There was an old house on one end of a long spit and a lighthouse on the other end. There was a haunting feeling to the scene. And the weather was also grey and bleak, which really added to the mood. 
Hey,  Maybe it was ghosts that took my glasses! Yep they disappeared right about then. I did do a search before I left, but could not find them! Joe came over and helped me look too, but to no avail. Sigh. Maybe they were in the van somewhere. Here’s hoping! Good thing I brought my spares with me, plus I always have reading glasses with me too, so all is well.

On down the road to more shores lined with pack ice and small ice bergs. One had a likeness of Daffy Duck! Newfoundland’s Disney World!
We made it in time, and on the ride over we had the opportunity to circle a ‘blocky’ iceberg. There are different terms for icebergs, depending on their size and shape.  

Now meals here are a blast! All those staying here ate together family style, and the lovely ladies put together a feast for us every meal! And they were so much fun too! So many fun folk met over our meals during our three days here and before and after meals as we continued our chats around the table or in the living room. It was such a wonderful atmosphere.

Sunday June 10
This morning dawned pretty nice weather wise. We spent a few hours photographing around the island. A few reflections, ice in the bay, and anything else that caught our eye.

Back for lunch. Boy these ladies put on the spread every meal! 

In the afternoon, We then got ourselves dressed up warm for our 1st of Zodiac tours off shore to get up close to the icebergs. It was amazing! We worked our way around a few good sized bergs, and then wondered if we could get out to the big one out there a ways, before our time was up. Paul, our zodiac pilot, and Trina the first mate, got us secured in the back of the zodiac holding on tight, and Paul put the pedal to the metal and we took off almost airborne, towards the behemouth out thar! It was maybe 10 km away. And wow as we got closer we realized she was even larger that first thought!  Estimated at 200 feet tall, and a long journey around. Spectacular. The etchings and colours on the ice berg were so incredible.  I remember how much I loved the blues of the ice and water in Antarctica, and it was so like that here.  We could only get so close to these bergs today as there is always a chance for them to calve or even turn over, which could cause us lots of grief should we be too close! 

It seemed Time was up way to soon, and we high-tailed it back to our island for Jiggs Dinner! It was very good!

The meal most typically consists of salt beef (or salt riblets), boiled together with potatoes, carrot, cabbage, turnip, and cabbage or turnip greens. Pease pudding and figgy duff are cooked in pudding bags immersed in the rich broth that the meat and vegetables create. Condiments are likely to include mustard pickles, pickled beets, cranberry sauce, butter, and a thin gravy made from the drippings of the roasted meat.

Apparently a polar bear had been sighted on the mainland along the shore. We were warned to not wander too far, as it would just be a quick swim for our polar friend to make to our little island.

But after dinner, there looked like a sliver of a possibility of a pretty sunset out there, so Kathy and I headed out onto the helicopter pad. Unfortunately Joanne had sprained her ankle and was taking it easy, otherwise I am sure she would be out there with us.  We kept our eyes open while photographing. It turned out to be a beautiful evening with nice colours and compositions. Kathy was shooting more wide angle shots, while I used my telephoto, and picked out smaller areas for more detailed shots. One of the wonderful things about photography is everyone sees things in a different way and it opens tour eyes to trying different angles. After a couple hours we were getting pretty chilly and the colours and light was fading, so we headed in, downloaded our images, and caught up on other tasks.
That night a few sat around together in the livingroom, telling stories and sharing thoughts.  When all else had taken leave, Kathy and I stayed awhile, processing our images. 

Off in the distance you could hear the giggles start in the back rooms – the staff quarters. Well let me tell you, they had me laughing pretty hard hearing their stories! They thought we had all gone to bed! They were a little surprised when they saw Kathy and I still up when they came out to turn off the lights. Then we all laughed together for a bit! 

Monday June 11
It dawned a rainy and windy morning, so did a little computer work, and leisurely breakfast. Spent some time downloading my cards, making sure I had everything transferred over to my hard drives before I have to start reusing my cards.  Found some complications, some missing on lightroom. They are there but showing as missing, and ……oh never mind! It is all screwed up! So I Gave that, up an tried to process a few images. A few nice ones.

The girls were housed in the main building, each with our own room and washroom. So we did not have to go out unless we wanted to, just make it downstairs for our meals.  Had a little relaxing time shooting around the rocks before lunch, watching the pack ice move quickly past. And focusing on little plants, and details in the rocks too. 

Another fabulous lunch, then Kevin announced that anyone who wanted their sensors cleaned, could come on down to his cabin. That resulted in a comment from one of the other guests…..” So that’s what they are calling it these days!” Well that cracked me up as well as everyone else! Sensor cleaning will never be the same again! But we headed off to do just that, as I was noticing quite a few dust spots on my photos. (This is a delicate cleaning task of cleaning the parts inside the camera where dust or specks of stuff had managed to get in when changing lenses etc. They show as little spots when you are looking at your images, and result in extra work cloning them out in post processing.)

 Then come around 4 pm, it was time for our second zodiac tour around the icebergs. While yesterday there were a number of large ones near enough to get to, the wind had blown them off on their way south. So today was all about the smaller ones and the details in the blues. It really was beautiful getting up close and personal with these large pieces of ice.  Today I also took my telephoto and did lots of detail work on the shapes, patterns, and shades of blue. And as we were not having to worry so much about them tipping or calving, we could get really close! The hour and a half ride flew by. And we zoomed back to the island for another delicious meal and a fun gathering of travellers.

We had another great night with the other guests at dinner and after, lounging around. It is fun meeting so many great people, from different locations, when you travel. So many fun stories! And of course the makings for new tales to tell!

Tonight I tried again to clear up my confusion of the cards and downloads, but just got frustrated again! So processed a few that turned out pretty nice, and that lifted my spirits back up again. Then upstairs to pack up our things for tomorrow morning’s departure.

Thanks all of you at Quirpon! You made the days spent there so awesome!

Tuesday June 12

We were the first group to head back to the mainland this morning. Paul and Trina, came with a zodiak full of supplies. After unloading that, they had to load all our luggage and camera gear. And then we said our goodbyes, a few more hugs and we were on our way.  It will be a Long drive back to Deer Lake today, but we have a few things to see first. Lanse-aux-Meadows, a recreation of a viking village with people dressed in the costumes of the time and sharing the history and stories . This is a National Park and also a Unesco heritage site.  Then another Viking Village. Developed by the locals. A replica of the ship that sailed here from.     There were a few old Dorys there too, and we took a bit of time to photograph them as well. Then as we headed south, we had a few stops along the way to photograph icebergs, and other cool sights.  Not for long though, as we had a long way to go. But we did stop at Flower Cove, for a quick grid search for my glasses. And just as we were about to give up, Kathy spotted them! Woohoo! Thanks Kathy, and everyone for helping out! We also saw our Daffy Duck iceberg again, but this time there was an arch in it. Not sure if we saw it from a different angle, or if it had melted on its journey southward. Although it is probably unlikely it melted as I don’t think it got warm enough to melt!  I certainly didn’t!

But come dark we finally made it to Deer Lake and our rooms at the Marble inn. We were all pretty darn tired! We said goodbye to each other then, as a few were heading to the airport at 5 am. Then I snuggled in to my last motel room for a bit!

Thursday June 14
This morning, I have to admit, I lolled in bed for a long time, not wanting to give it up.  But finally I headed into the shower and packed up my things, loaded them into my car, then sat for a bit in the café and had a little breakfast and coffee. I also took a bit of time to update my blog, and load a few photos to the Newfoundland blog photo gallery. 
Time to head east!   I stopped in CornerBrook for a few groceries, and a couple memory cards for my camera – decided I couldn’t reuse my cards, since I had complications downloading. 
And It just happened, that the lady I met and hung around with in Gros Morne - Jessie, was on her way back around, and was visiting friends in Cornerbrook, so we hooked up for a few minutes and caught up on each others adventures.  Then I was on the road, cross island, through the Humber river Valley, through Springdale, Grand Falls and  then up to Twillingate. I pretty much drove straight through, as I was told there was not too much to stop for along this route. But as I hadn’t left until  probably 2 pm, I didn’t pull in till maybe 7-8 pm. The wind was roaring and it was cold. I just didn’t have it in me to put up the tent, so I stopped in to a B&B, and while they didn’t have room,  their neighbour did at Century House B&B. I got a text shortly after climbing into bed, from Daniel and Joanne, in St. johns, with contact info for his Cousin Cynthia,  in Twillingate.  I had been invited to visit  her for coffee when I was in town.  Shortly after I got a text from Cynthia, asking if I was in a tent!  She mentioned later that she was going to have me come and stay with her, as the storm was getting pretty wicked and the temps had dropped significantly.  I assured her I had luckily managed to get a B&B for that night.  

 So for one more night,  Ookie and I were warm and cosy! And as I drifted off, the wind was howling, so I was sure glad to be where I was, and had a big smile on my face knowing I did not have to curse the tent up in that wind! 
 
Friday June 15 
Ah but alas, it was tenting time again, so in the morning, I headed out to the Provincial Park – ‘Dildo Run’, and set camp up once more. Yep that’s the name! They have the craziest names for things here on the rock! A ‘ Tickle’ is the space between two islands. ‘Burnt’ means ‘very cool’. And there are many more!

 The provincial park is about ½ hour out of town.  Yes, I am still cursing it up! I think i need to get one of those tents that you throw in the air and it pops open and is all ready to move in when it lands! Really! I heard there is such a thing!
  But in a couple hours, I was set up on a beautiful spot on the water in a little bay. It was a lovely view, a little private stony beach for my chair, and some flat rocks for sitting on, to watch the sun set off shore. 
There was some sunshine today too! Woohoo! It was actually feeling quite nice!  I made myself some lunch then set off for town. I visited a few of the galleries in Twillingate, wandered around some shops then headed over to Back Harbour, where Cynthia lives. She welcomed me into her home and as the day was getting even warmer still, we sat out on her deck, overlooking the bay, and enjoyed the sun, tea and treats! And there were also her three dogs and a cat! So I also got my fix of puppy love and kitty cuddles! 

I really had a great visit with Cynthia. We chatted for a couple hours, enjoying the sunshine. She works from her place here in the summer months, but her home base is in Tenessee. She was fixing her home up to retire here permanently. It is a beautiful spot. 
So off I went, so she could get back to her work. It was lots of fun! It is so nice that you can pop into someones home, who you have never met, sent by someone you only met a few times, in another country, and have a great time! Life is pretty cool – or I should say - Burnt! Thanks Cynthia for your wonderful hospitality.

So I headed around the north twillingate back- roads and popped into Sleepy Cove. Cindy mentioned this was one of her favourite coves. And I could see why! It was a beautiful view! And the sun was still out and I think it was 17 degrees! Unheard of since I arrived here! So I just plopped myself down, and soaked it up for awhile. It was then I noticed, two huge Cell Towers up on the hill. And by golly, if I didn’t have four bars on my phone! So I could finally give a call to Donna and Eric Weiler outside Parry Sound! Had a nice chat with both Donna and Eric, and then sent a few texts to others too, to let them know I was still alive and well!

Then I took to the back roads again, pulling into the little coves along the way. Such a pretty area! Then it was time to head back to camp.

Well that sunshine with its clear skies made for a very cold night. By the time I was back to my campsite, the temp had dropped significantly. The wind was up a bit, and the air was down right cold! So I put my long-johns, fleece, toque and mitts back on, wrapped myself up in Mom’s blanket, got out the coleman stove and cooked my dinner! Brrrr! But there was a beautiful sunset, that I enjoyed after dinner, sitting on the rocks – still wrapped up in my blanket. Then it was time for bed. There was really no getting ready for bed, as I just crawled in as I was, because even the thought of taking off any layer chilled me even more than I already was!

So in my long underwear, outer layer, fleece, toque and mitts, and thick socks, I slid into the sleeping bag, pulled the toque down over my ears, and the down comforter over my head and wondered …. ‘WTF was I doing!’ Ah well it is all part of the adventure! And it is still fun…..well most of the time!

Saturday June 16

Today I was hoping to meet up with John and Julie. They were heading over to Fogo Island for the day but would return around 4. So I wandered the backroads towards the ferry terminal so I would end up there around the time they returned. On the road there,I noticed the car in front of me had stopped on the crest of the hill? I slowed right down, and inched towards him, and lo and behold there standing in the road in front of the car was a moose! He wandered back and forth in front of the car, then as the car started to very slowly move along the road, the moose kept pace for quite a way, running alongside the car! I stayed way back so as not to spook the moose, but managed to get a couple shots off through the windshield of the car and moose together.  Too funny. I’ll post the pic later. Eventually the moose headed off the road and sauntered into the trees.  

It was a pretty nice day again. In the 2 digit temps! I think maybe it was 12-14 degrees! It was like the tropics!

I Looked out for a place to meet up – like a pub or a restaurant, but in the tiny villages around there I guess everyone parties and eats at home! There was not even a spot at the ferry, to sit and visit, so I checked out the surrounding towns/ illages to no avail. So I invited them to scoot over to my campsite for a glass of wine or a beer. They declined saying they were not dressed for outdoors, so we would try to hook up tomorrow instead.

Lucky for them, they had declined! The temperature dropped and the wind came up and man oh man, was it cold again! Frost warnings tonight. As soon as I got home, I donned the long-johns, and three more layers, toque and mitts, and figured I would make the best of it.   I thought about a fire, but even with that I could tell it was going to be just too cold. I actually sat in my car for a bit out of the cold wind! So then I set up myself in my tent, with my snacks and foods and a little nip to warm the blood, and moved into my tent, nestled into my chair, wrapped myself up in my blanket, and read for a bit. 

Come time for bed, it seemed unthinkable to take even one layer off! So I just climbed into my sleeping bag with all the layers, and once again pulled the down comforter over my head, and slipped away into my arctic dreams.

Sunday June 17
Well I had from the beginning, planned on going to Fogo Island. I had planned for a couple days there, and also hoped to look up an artist I like – Adam Young. But Adam was away until the 18th, and the cold weather was getting to me, so I decided to pack up by camp, and head off towards Bonavista and the Puffins! John and Julie were based in Gander that night, so when I arrived at Gander, I texted them. But they had already headed out exploring towards Terra Nova National Park for the day. I told them I was heading  that way too, via backroads to Eastport and Salvage. About the time I turned off to Salvage, I heard from them that they had gone that way too and were in Salvage already.  So we ended up meeting there. Julie’s sister and her husband from Halifax (I think) were travelling with them. When I arrived we decided on a hike up to a lookout. It was an awesome viewpoint! I have a print from that artist in Fogo, of this place, so I had hoped to see the scene he painted. And there it was! 

And then Julie’s sister called out ‘Whales’! And there, coming into the little port, swam two whales! They swam in and swam out! Very cool to see. So we headed down to the town again, and thought we would head across the bay where the whales had  come in. The road dead-ended, and it was private property, so we were about to turn around, when a fella walked around the side of the house. So I said hello and had a little chat. Then mentioned we were trying to get out to the bay where we had seen the whales.  Well then the adventure was on, and he and his Buddy, showed us the overgrown path, and led us out to the rocks. There was lots of stories to be told by the two, and jokes, and more stories! Again, the friendliest folks are from Newfoundland! After a long chat, at this beautiful spot, we headed back to our cars. 

Here i said goodbye to the fabulous four, and headed on my way to Bonavista.  

Well I finally made it to Bonavista, maybe around 7:30 pm. The wind was pretty wild and it looked like rain, and while there was enough time to set up camp before dark, a warm bed seemed to be way more fun, so I went on a hunt for a B&B. My first call was no Vacancy, as was the second call. That call was to Puffins Landing. Keith, the owner, said, no I have no rooms, but I’ll phone around and see if I can find you a room.  let me call you back! Can you see what I mean about the kindness of the people of The Rock!?

And Keith found me a room, the last one available in town apparently! Lucky me! So of I went, tucked into my room, and Ookie and I snuggled under the homemade quilts, warm for the night! And as I drifted off to sleep, I thought to myself, “I Love warm beds and no work and no wind! 

And the winner is B&B and Motels! 

Monday June 18

I awoke slowly, knowing that I was not going to camp if I could help it, so when I went down for Breakfast, I asked if I could stay another night. Unfortunately, they were booked up😥. But they had an opening for tomorrow night. 

Now that motelling had won the competition, I really didn’t want to put up the tent, but knew it was maybe my fate.

But she called over to Keith at Puffin’s Landing B&B. Once again Keith called around. And told them to just send me over he may have a room.

So finally I get to meet Keith! He had told them he had a cancellation. In fact, there were no rooms available at any of the B&Bs in the area. But keith had called his neighbour, and they had offered me their grand-daughter’s room for a couple nights! I mean how cool is that!

Thank you so much Keith at Puffin’s Landing B&B! You will always be my first call when I plan my return! And I can see from the reviews online he has been the same kind soul to many others that have come this way!

So I Moved into Jacinda’s room! Ookie, met Miss Piggy, who shared the room with us and they hit it off right away. And I met met Gord and Rhonda, my lovely hosts! I unpacked a few things. It turned out to be a beautiful day and I didn’t want to waste a minute! Sunshine, lovely skies, and a reasonable temperature! So I headed out to see the puffin colony. 

I still had my toque on, but really it had become such a permanent fixture, that I felt naked without it! (Plus my hat-hair was a just Little too wild at this point!) but the wind was still blowing and the gloves and toque were nice. 
  
I hiked out to the cliffs where the puffins were nesting. Wow! What a sight! There was a crevice between the cliff I was sitting on, and the cliff and rock the puffins were, but it really wasn’t that far away. You could watch them quite easily, and of course, I started clicking away! Giggling at their antics and in awe of my luck of such a nice day to photograph them!

I moved from one spot to the next, and finally settled into a spot near the edge over the water. Watching them fly by and out and back. Watched their interaction and mating rituals (and a little Jiggy-jiggy!) and captured as many moments as I could from where I sat.  Then I heard someone say –“ beside you! Beside you!”. I looked to my right, and there maybe 6 feet away, a puffin had landed on the edge, and was checking out whether I was a threat I guess.  I slowly turned my camera towards him and while I couldn’t get him completely in the frame with my long lens on, fully extended, I captured a few great portraits of him! Then I realized I could zoom out – not in, and get him full frame! Pretty awesome! And he flew off, but returned again! So I moved back away from the edge, to give him more space and less worry, hoping he would come back and be more relaxed. 

And with the few others around me, we were amazed at how amazing it was. He came back again, this time as there was more room, he came inland a bit, pulling grass for nesting material (I think that is what he was doing).  And he returned again and again, pulling more grass and weeds, and then even a few dandelions! Now there was a picture! 

Then a few more started landing along the edge, and interacting with each other, not too concerned about the photographers and other visitors watching. It was pretty magical!

I think I spent 3-4 hours there. Even took the gloves off at one point! The sun felt warm! Then slowly I made my way back to my car, stopping along the way as I now noticed how beautiful the scenery was of the island and the sea there. The wide angle came out, and I captured some of the vistas as I went. 

Back in town, I had only a bit of light left, so headed off for a restaurant meal. Hoping for lobster maybe. I ended up at Skipper’s Restaurant. While they did have lobster, they told me it would be quite a wait. So I went with the fishermans platfer. Cod, Scallops, shrimp and…..Cod tongues! Yep I had to try them, even if I wondered what the poor cod would say about it, if they still had their tongues.

Hey here’s a newfie saying…
.”what’s the matter, Cod got your Tongue?” 
 Hee-hee…. No there is no such saying!

But dang, everything was delicious! Even the cod tongues! 

Totally satisfied after a wonderful day and delicious meal, I headed back to my warm cozy home. Motelling/B&Bing, may have got the trophy, but I was the one feeling like the Winner! 

I Enjoyed a glass of wine and a great visit with my hosts, then off to put ookie and myself to bed.

Tuesday June 19

Well the day did not dawn as lovely as yesterday, rainy and cold again. Sooo grateful for my sunny day yesterday, with the puffins!

So it was backroads tripping today. Visiting lots of little nooks and crannies, galleries and craft shops etween Bonavista and Trinity to the south. I had hoped to hike the skerwink trail, but the rain was coming down just too hard, so Boo and I and Ookie, just wandered some more.

Headed back to Bonavista at the end of the day, and once again headed beck to Skippers. The fishermans platter was so good last night, that I ordered it again! And oh! I forgot to mention the Scrunchies! No not the hair elastics. Scrunchies are fried pork fat bits, that are scattered over the fisherman’s platter! Good thing I am walking lots!

Visited with Gord and Rhonda again for awhile then off to bed.  Sigh, so nice and easy to just crawl into a ready made bed -and in just my sleeping shirt! This is the life!

Wednesday June 20

I got on the road early today from Bonavista to St. john’s.  Said goodbye to my wonderful B&B hosts, Rhonda and Gord. My plan was to hike the skerwink trail on the way south. But unfortunately I took the wrong turn into the wrong cove along the way, and ended up missing it. So I arrived in St Johns around 1:30 pm. 

Here I was welcomed into the home of a couple, Joanne Duff and Daniel Anstey, whom I met in Costa Rica in March of 2017 when I was there visiting with my sister in law Wendy for a few weeks.  Now I have to say, that you would think the way I was welcomed, we had know each other for years! Yet in reality we spoke only a few times during the time I was there. But as I have been shown over the last month on my travels throughout this beautiful Province hospitality and friendliness is surely in the Genes of these wonderful folks!

No more camping for this girl! Woohoo! But today and the next couple days would probably have been awesome weather for it finally! Sunny and warm – dang near hot! I was fed an amazing dinner, and dessert, then we walked downtown to “The Rooms”. This is a Museum in St. john’s. It was fascinating.  And to boot we all got senior rates! Sometimes getting older, has its benefits right! (Did I mention, I got my application form for my Old Age Pension before I left!)

We wandered back home, making plans for the next days adventures. Visited a little longer, and getting to know each other a bit better. It was so comfortable that you would think we had always know each other!

Then it was once again time to crawl into a comfy cozy bed. Windows open, and the ocean breezes flowing through!

Thursday June 21
Daniel Rex Anstey is a wonderful artist. A painter of Newfoundland scenes and sights. It was so cool to see so many of his paintings! He also delves into his imagination and his spiritual side of seeing, and this side works itself into many of his scenes, as well as his creative paintings . 

Today, after a delicious breakfast, Dan and Joanne Duff toured me around St Johns. the sun was, out and the temperatures up, and we walked 15+ km! What a beautiful city! Along the waterfront, up and down the citys-centre streets, into numerous galleries , The famous George St. Bannerman park, and so much mote.And we had to stop for Moo-Moo ice cream! Yes it was warm enough to want ice-cream! With tired toggs, we headed home, where I sat back while they cooked me an awesome meal of Cod aux Gratin and fresh salad. (I could get used to this!)

But wait there's more! After dinner it was off to Cape Spear Lighthouse - the most easterly point in North America. There a Minke whale surfaced over and over again to say hello, and the gannets put on their synchronized diving show!
 And a beautiful sunset to boot. Then a quick drive to Signal Hill before the light faded. What a day! Thank you both so much!

And a little more dessert, because we earned it with all our walking today! And down for the count after another incredible day!

Friday June 22

Today was another walking tour day. We headed out to Quidi-Vidi today. A good long walk. Down the hill from their place, around half of the lake in the downtown, and into the fishing village. First we hiked up to a lookout over the harbour. It was great weather for walking. Warm enough to wear short sleeves and no jacket, and an ocean breeze (not a gale!) to keep the sweat to a minimum.  Loverly! Then down into the harbour village, heading back along the other side of the lake, towards home. I have to admit, I was starting to lag behind these two! I had brought my camera with 18-24 lens, and other photo needs. But unfortunately I had taken out the card to download the night before. So I lugged that puppy all day, with narry a photo taken – except on my iPhone! 

On the climb back up we stopped a chases for Fish&chips. The with full bellies slugged our way back up the hill to home.  

 18+ km today!

Tonight was leftovers and a homemade Lemon pie from Chases. Yum!

And music night in the living room! Music was played, Songs were sung, dances danced and a good Newfoundland time was had by all!