Welcome to the second half of a week-long driving trip in Newfoundland, Canada. Part one covered the Great Northern Peninsula (or Viking Trail) and this one covers Gros Morne National Park.
Western Brook Pond (and that pissing horse)
Before leaving, I had booked us on a boat trip to Western Brook Pond. The weather was supposed to cooperate and that was key to our enjoyment of this excursion. It’s a 3km walk into the boat and the same 3km walk out again. There was even blue sky!
This lake is often called a fjord but it does not meet the true definition of the word. Though carved by glaciers that left behind 2000 foot walls of rock, the fjord was eventually cut off from the ocean. Over time, the salt water was replaced with fresh.
One of the water sources for this lake is Pissing Mare Falls. It is one of the tallest in eastern North America at 350m (1150ft) and certainly has one of the most memorable names.
This area of the cliff face is called “The Tin Man”. Can you see it?
Rocky Harbour
I always want to see as much as I can when I’m somewhere new, I also really like to slow it down and stay more than one night in the same place. We did just that in Rocky Harbour (the accommodations got their own post).
This allowed me to see the same views throughout the day. It was foggy in the morning, clear by mid-day and a sky full of fire at sunset.
The lighthouse in the distance is Lobster Cove. We had a wander around the grounds and the interior which is set up like a museum and run by Gros Morne National Park staff.
The Tablelands
Here we walked on the mantle of the earth. When the continents of Africa and North America collided, these rocks, originally beneath the ocean, were pushed to the surface. It was here that geologists proved the theory of plate tectonics.
We had seen 8 moose but they were skittish or we moved by them too quickly to stop for photos. This caribou was another story. He was happily munching near the roadside, oblivious to tourists like me who stopped to admire.
We drove through Norris Point and had a different view of the Tablelands.
Another successful girls trip had come to an end. My duties as travel guide and driver were almost done. One last supper out in Woody Point and it was time to pack up.
Of course, when grabbing a coffee on the way to the airport, I couldn’t resist just one more photo. After all, we hadn’t seen much of that beautiful blue sky!
I highly recommend a visit to the west coast of Newfoundland. There are whales, icebergs, moose, caribou and the unique geology of Gros Morne National Park. Not to mention the helpful, friendly people.
I have a whole other trip idea brewing in my brain now for the east coast. So many trips I want to take . . . how do I ever decide which one comes next?
Oh, and did I mention that this trip marks the retirement of my camera? Let’s hope I can figure out how the new one works.
Amazing description visually and written. What a treat it was to travel with a guide like @lostinthewanderness
Where now?
Tanks! You. Me. Ireland. After all, some of the accents we heard in Newfoundland are extremely similar. Gives us a head start on comprehension.
Thanks for a great tour of parts of Newfoundland through your words and images. It was a real treat.
Loved the post. Just like being there all over again
I echo Janet and Susy, thanks for a memorable trip -photos and commentary brought it all back again. I’d love to go to Ireland!!!! Aunt Thelma
Beautiful pictures and a fun journey up the coast.