Travels of Geo Nova: Headed West

Headed West

Now we start to see parts of Newfoundland that we passed by on our way to St Johns. The first stop was the Cape Bonavista area. The area is rich with cultural sites and of coarse the surrounding natural beauty. We drove through the historical town of Trinity, a classic example of a Newfoundland fishing village. While fishing still takes place here the town defiantly depends upon tourism. Out side of town there was a spectacular hiking trail. The Skerwink trail followed the rugged coastline. The views were breathtaking. The wind was strong and coming off the water making for a chilly hike. Cape Bonavista is another historical fishing village that has several museums and a restored lighthouse. At one point driving into town there were over 20 icebergs visible. A short distance away is the town of Elliston the root seller capital of the world. They were everywhere along the coast. Back in the day the local people grew their vegetables then stored them for use during the long cold winter. Elliston is also home to a Puffin Colony that is easily viewed from shore.

Next stop Tara Nova National Park. The park is situated along one of the long Arms of ocean that extends deep into the landscape that is surrounded with a spruce forest. The hikes and views were superb.

Gros Morne National Park, our current location another absolute jewel. The mountains rise boldly out of the sea and are still partially covered with snow. Our first hike here was through an area that has significant geological importance. This area terrain is covered with rock that is only found in the Mantel of the earth. The soil is toxic to most plant life so nothing grows here. Another hike was up then down for 1.5 miles to the ocean, return was the hard part. The geology of this park help provide the proof for plate tectonics. The area has been declared a UNESCO world heritage site. This is a geologist’s playground! Yesterday was a hike to a boat for a ride that was special, up a large “land locked” fjord.

For the sake of time I will let the pictures tell the rest of the story. Tomorrow we continue north along the Viking Trail on our way to Labrador.