Headed west off the Trans Can towards Gros Morne. The park was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987, for its unique and impressive geological features. We first headed to the south part of the park, where the Tablelands are found.
The drive was a continual trek up and over the mountains. Not to the scale of The Rockies, but definitely large and high. At one point we climbed right up into the heavy fog that obscured the top, and then as we descended we emerged.
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| a tad unnerving...but only until the other side |
We’re not talking great elevations here, but high enough for the mind to tell the hands to grip the wheel tight.
Our campground, Waters Edge, is part of the Wild Gros Morne Tours operation. Their base is in Shoal Brook, where they have a large property. They created 12 back in campsites right on the edge of Bonne Bay, and they are truly special. The views are fabulous, and there is plenty of activity in the bay. Whales have breached right in the bay, tuna make loud splashes, and eagles are a common sight. They have a small harbour from which to launch their zodiacs, as well as kayak tours. A happening spot.
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| said it a million times...can't beat a water site |
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| up early has some advantages |
Took a drive to the Park’s very nice Discovery Centre. The focus here is all about the Tablelands, its geological origin is the mantle of the earth. As continents collided 480 million years ago, this mantle area was bulldozed up towards the surface. Millions of years of erosion eventually exposed the Tablelands. This area gave geologists plenty of key evidence to support their theory of plate tectonics.
Walked around Woody Point, a small town full of older styled houses, a local fish plant, and several crafty businesses and restaurants. A neat place to explore. We scoped out a couple of options for an evening dinner during our stay. Hearing more and more of the Newfoundland dialect and quirky expressions. Most service industry people end every sentence with you with "love" or "sweeties". We are probably still missing many words, but sure makes you listen intently.
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| wonderful classic architecture |
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| the Legion pub is right on the docks |
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| this particular colour is all found all over |
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| nice rack... |
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| super soft needles |
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| fisherman man caves...all uniquely decorated |
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| every house has at least one of these |
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| and one of these |
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| Woody Point lighthouse |
Rain and drizzle most of the next day, so relaxing was on the agenda. We are glad we changed our zodiac tour to the next day, when the weather was far nicer. Drove over to Trout River to have dinner at a place that has been on the go for forty seven years. The Seaside Restaurant has been serving up classic seafood meals that get them rave reviews and rewards. This little place is on the shore of a tiny fishing village, literally in the middle of nowhere. Reservation though were highly recommended. We both had pan fried cod dinner, an excellent choice.
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| the Tablelands dominate the landscape |
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| first house in Trout River, now a museum |
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| fisherman family home |
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| an excellent restaurant |
Took a guided hike of the Tablelands the next morning. The guide was really knowledgeable and had tons of interesting details. A trained geologist, she knew her stuff. We hiked up to almost the base of the bowl, stopping along the way for the guide to explain different aspects of how the Tablelands came to be.
Peridotite rock makes up most of the Tablelands. It is a rock rich in magnesium, iron, cobalt, copper and aluminum. The rusting iron in the rock gives it the orange surface we see. However, cut the rock in half and it reveals its dark green mineral rich interior. The entire Tablelands area is virtually devoid of trees or vegetation. This is because the rocks themselves are toxic to most plant life. There are some species that have slowly adapted to try and grow here, but their methods of survival are unique.
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| the scale is so impressive |
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| serpentite rock |
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| they look soft...but actually hard and prickly |
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| looks petrified, but alive |
The Newfoundland provincial plant is the insect eating Pitcher plant. It derives its nutrition not from the toxic rocks and earth, but from luring and killing insects, which it then dissolves and absorbs. Aside from its deadly nature, it is a beautiful flower.
The whole area is spectacular, and when you see stark contrast of the lush forests across from the Tablelands, you just know this area is very special.
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| style is more important than function... |
In the afternoon we had a really nice boat tour of the Southern Fjord. We went down to almost the end of the fjord, then back around and out near to where the fjord opens up in the Gulf of St. Lawrence. Although very windy, the chop of the water was relatively calm. This allowed our guide to explore a little further than normally happens. The view of the Tablelands from the water was really neat, as it gave us a completely different perspective.
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| Gros Morne mountain |
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| Tablelands from the water |
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| nice little tour...the wind was chilly |
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| Tablelands |
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| death grip |
The following morning we had to shift over a couple of sites, the. In the afternoon we took advantage of the sunny weather and rented a double kayak to do a little exploring along the shoreline. Always nice to get on the water, but the trip back was a lot tougher as we were against the wind and chop.
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| an Alto nestled in there |
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| Barley can adapt to anywhere |
Packed up in the morning as we then headed over to the north east side of the Park.
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