Caught the 10 am ferry back to the mainland. We arrived early at the terminal, and so did many others. Some in the line behind us definitely did not make it on board. Even though it was windy, the water was relatively calm, smooth sailing as they say.
Made our way back to the Trans Canada, and boy was it a gusty drive. We were on slower secondary roads for part of the way, and glad for it. The gusts would blow the horns out of a bull. The last part of the drive was even more windy, but we soon arrived at Terra Nova National Park.
There is a different vibe to the National Parks. Everything is at a higher quality level. Very professional, top quality programming, and the facilities show they are well looked after.
In part this is probably due to access to a much larger funding base, but I think individual pride on the part of the staff is also a big factor. Provincial Parks, and most certainly those in Ontario, would do well to have a look at what the National Parks have been doing, and apply it back home. Long overdue.
Bit of an update from overnight. The campers next to us have an affinity towards party lights. They have a larger site, with a narrow line of fir trees between us. I noticed the string of lights were on all afternoon, but daytime is definitely different from the impact once darkness falls. They were so bright, it illuminated our trailer completely. We had to pull all our curtains to block out the lights. Very annoying.
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| really!!! |
Why do people do this? I’ve seen all sorts of these strings the past few years, but the real question is why do the parks allow it? Nothing wrong with a trailer light or something subtle, but this is far too bright. The ironic thing about this is that Terra Nova has a big sign on the way in stating that the Park has been designated a Dark Sky Preserve. What utter bullshit if the campground allows this ridiculous light pollution.
Walked the Coastal Trail in the morning, then we hopped in the car and drove out to explore some of the nearby harbour towns.
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| star tipped reindeer lichen |
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| a little outdoor theatre |
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| Smokey coming for your cooler |
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| signed buoy |
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| sheep laurel |
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| Tamarak...a beautiful fir tree |
While in Glovertown, we asked about a good spot to grab a bite to eat, and the woman suggested we head out to Salvage, a small harbour at the very end of the Northeast Arm of Newman Sound. So we did.
“Head out” was the correct term to use...as it was way out. One of those drives where you wonder what to hell could be out here.
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| nice home in Salvage |
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| one of many many log piles...winter prep |
Eventually the little harbour appeared, and as we rounded a corner, we spied a little artists studio, occupying a garage opening out to the road. The woman was the painter, and the husband was the crafter. We got to chatting and they told us all about the paintings, which depicted the buildings in Salvage Harbour. They were lovely folks, and we chatted for the longest time. They both grew up in Salvage, met, married and raised a family.
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| moose antler and a kittle |
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| an oldie in an oldie harbour |
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| very apropos |
He fished every type of catch out of the sea, and she helped prepare and store the catch, managed the house, raised the kids, and tended the gardens. He readily said that the women had the hardest work, as there was so much of it. We got told about life in a little harbour, and it was simply wonderful to hear their stories. And of course, we left with some prints and tiny crafts...that now speak to us even more.
Right at the very end of the increasingly narrow road, was the brewery. Salvaje Longhouse was the former fish plant in the harbour.
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| home and fish shed |
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| such a classic harbour, or outpost |
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| all sorts of gear |
It is being transformed into a tourism destination, with a brewery restaurant, coffee shop, and soon to be accommodations. For being way out there, the place was quite busy. The renovation of the old building is amazing, and they have created a super cool spot. The coffee shop was humming, and the bar was pulling pints. One orders food from either spot, takes the receipt to the kitchen, then once complete, your little beeper go off and you pick up your food. No real wait staff, just a great spot to chill, enjoy the beer and the awesome food.
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| enough here to leave you just able to navigate |
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| fish, fries, dressing, gravy...damn good |
The next day was a hang out and chill day, doing little bits of nothing. We try to do this after we have been out and about for a few days, especially important to spend some time with Barley. Although he is very laid back, he does always like when we are around to interact with him. Dinner was a nice strip loin, with baby potatoes and asparagus. Strawberry pavlova for dessert. Camping is all about roughing it.
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