Bonne Bay Discovery center
Day 11.. We had to switch from Site 3 to #19 on account of reservations, and then we went o the Woody Point Discovery Center at Trout River. This is one of two Gros Morne National Park interpretation centeres and it's very good. It's also at the trailhead for a great short hike up the Lookout Trail into the Arctic Highland alpine zone.
One of the gros Morne goals for this visit is a hike up the end of Western Brook Pond to the famous Gros Morne and Fjord overlook. Gord wants to increase his large format image stock of Canadian natural places and this is a great opportunity if the weather holds. So we manage to get two places (250$ each) on the Bon Tours guided hike with Colin for the day after tomorrow.
The weather continues to look clear, which is pretty exceptional for Nfld.
That night we had a great Seafood Pie at the Bonne Bay restaurant, and they let us borrow cutlery and bowls for our desserts back at camp! Excellent food and service.
Day 12 July 25th…Leaving Trout River we drop off the spoons and cups at Bonne Bay Restaurant then head towards our waiting campsite at Berry Hill.
On the way we stop explore the winding road along Rocky harbor, and meet Kim and her van at a grocery store. Kim works for Parks Canada, and her camper philosophy is Yeti Adventures, with her partner Freddie (L'Anse aux Meadows Historic Site guide).
Happy Trails Kim and Freddie!
We got registered and set up in Berry Hill camp near Rocky Harbour and then quickly drove up to Green Point campground with the hope of a cancellation (no luck). It's on the ocean, a little like Kirk Campground on the California coast, so it was worth a try for the next night.
Anyway, we visited the Rocky Harbour fish Plant again, and bought excellent salmon steaks and the *freshest* scallops ever.
Imagine putting one on your tongue, pressing it up onto the roof of your mouth, and feeling it wash you with flavor as it dissolves without any chewing. Now BBQ those and imagine that!
No sooner having enjoyed this feast, and we hear great tunes wafting over from the festival site just behond us. A good local group Sons of Ned are playing and it's perfect weather , perfect day, and a perfect appreciative crowd.
Day 13... Up at 6 a.m. for hike day
Drive to Western Brook Pond to meet up with Colin and our group yet unknown.
It was a good group with a mix of people, and a young lad, Arthur, did get over his concern of muddying his new running shoes, and from then on did very well and had fun.
I however was the slowpoke of the group, and despite giving Colin advance notice of my plodding and generally deep breathing, he must have been quite concerned about whether I'd be
the Problem Child of the Day.
Not To Worry. Inspector Plod continued with his photo equipment backpack and strap on lenses.
We were back from our oddyssey at 7 o'clock. Famished.
In Rocky Harbour is Earl's Restaurant. For us, the chowder there is a solid #2 (after that of Meat Cove), and better than all the others we tried throughout the rest of this trip.
Back to Berry camp for our second and last night there.
Day 14...Headed out of Berry camp at noon and went to Earl's for lunch, this time to try the Moose Stew.
Before driving to Shallow bay campsite, we picked up more Salmon and scallops from the Fish Plant.
On the way to Shallow Bay we stop for a short exploration hike at Cow Head.
Shallow Bay is Insect Heaven. While we had nice neighbors Brian and Marianne from London Ontario, and enjoyed a good campfire and traded travel stories, we stayed only the one night. Off, ahead of schedule to Port Aux Choix, up north of here.
A wonderful seaside image with a twist. The closest half of the rowboat is the actual rowboat protruding into the room.
If you look at the top of the image, you can see that the side edges are bent into the room, allowing the boat's perspective to match the image well.
