Wednesday, July 1
Deer Lake
to Trout River 87 km (54 mi. )
We begin our tour at
the inland town of Deer Lake. We start off by going
westward. By late morning we will reach Gros Morne
National Park. Taking the southern option of the
two routes into the park, we will cross the "tablelands",
rocky barrens formed by the wearing down of very
old mountains. The far end of the road at Trout
River offers us an incredibly spectacular vista.
Thursday, July 2
Trout River - Rocky Harbour
42 km (26 mi. )
Today
we return through the tablelands to take a boat
crossing to the northern side of the park. After
a ride from Norris Point to Rocky Harbour, there
will be time for a short hike, a swim at the pool,
or perhaps some photography at the Lobster Cove
lighthouse.
Friday, July 3
Activity day in Gros Morne
National Park We
will take a day to explore the National Park, viewing
its magnificent fresh-waterfjords, and many pleasant trails.
Saturday, July 4
Rocky Harbour to Cow
Head 54 km (34 mi. )
Turning
northward at the ocean, we negotiate the park's
immense fjords. There is plenty of time today
to take in some exploring. There are several
short hikes, as well as boat tours of the fjord
at Western Brook Pond.
Sunday, July 5
Cow Head to Hawke's Bay 102
km (63 mi. )
Enjoy
the spectacular coastal scenery. There are several
scenic look-offs today, as well as an ecological
reserve. The prevailing tailwinds are usually very strong at this point.
Our
campground offers a boardwalk, which crosses typical
island marshes and follows an active salmon river.
Monday,
July 6
Hawke's Bay to St.
Barbe 88 km (55
mi. )
We
wind around numerous bays and harbours. People have
lived along this shore for over 9,000 years. Port
au Choix National Historic Site is the location
of one of the most important archeological sites
concerning the history of aboriginal people. The
lighthouse stands at the furthest point west on
the peninsula. It offers spectacular photography.
Tuesday, July 7
Day Ride to Labrador (various
distances)
Today
we take a boat ride to Labrador. The icy channel
between the island and the mainland is home to whales,
seabirds, and occasional icebergs.
Remarkably
different from Newfoundland, Labrador's coast is
treeless and extremely rugged. We return back to
the island in the late afternoon.
Wednesday, July 8
St. Barbe to Pistolet Bay
128 km (80 mi. )
We
turn north-east along the top of Newfoundland. A
long lonely stretch of Newfoundland's northern interior
barrens lies between us and Pistolet Bay. The vegetation
and conditions here resemble that of Canada's north.
A diversion allows us to go to the far northern
tip of Newfoundland. This, the longest day of our
tour, goes through a wilderness area, will very
services along our route. The usual prevailing tailwind
should lessen the effort in rounding the tip of
the island. As done everyday, and again for this
long day, we will be offering rides in our support
vehicle for anyone desiring to shorten the distance.
We camp in an attractive forest setting.