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"Some experiences simply do not translate. You have to go to know."
– Kobi Yamada
Gros Morne, Newfoundland
July 2 – 9, 2010
Newfoundland
is the world’s 16th largest island. On a map it resembles Swiss
cheese…firm around the edges and lots of holes in the middle. It
is a land formed by plate tectonics, the ice age, and the ocean. Gros
Morne National Park in western Newfoundland was declared a UNESCO World
Heritage Site because of its exceptional natural beauty. At
its opening in 1973, the park was characterized as “what the Galapagos
are to biology, Gros Morne is to geology”. Gros Morne translates
into “big, isolated hill” referring to both the park and
the mountain that dominates it. Gros Morne is a pinnacle of the Long
Range Mountains which run the entire length of western Newfoundland and
are an extension of the Appalachian Mountains.
Based
in Norris Point in the Gros Morne National Park, the first half of our
week is filled with hikes exploring coastal lowlands, rocky cliff scenery,
sandy beaches, and waterfalls.
The first weeks of July are the best time to see wildflowers — pink
lady’s
slipper, purple fringed orchis, yellow lady’s slipper, bog pink, and harebell
to name a few. Blue skies give way to a sweep of bright stars at night
and occasionally northern lights may be seen. There are caribou, rock ptarmigan
and the frequently present moose. Moose density is higher in Gros Morne
than anywhere else in North America. Our hikes are lowland walks with opportunities
to enjoy all these surroundings.
The second part of our week is the Northern Peninsula and will include L’Anse aux Meadows, the first Viking settlement in North America, and a boat excursion of the coastal waters of St. Anthony –an area famous for whales, icebergs, and sea birds. Conche, a remote fishing village first settled by the French, will provide us a unique glimpse into this island’s history.
Our accommodation, for the first part of the week, is Neddies Harbor
Inn near Norris Point then Tuckamore Lodge on the Northern Peninsula. Both
have beautiful settings, provide delicious meals and warm hospitality.
Download
the Day by Day Itinerary (pdf).
Our Itinerary
Friday, July 2 – Deer Lake Airport. We
meet at Deer Lake Airport in the evening and transfer to Neddies
Harbor Inn in Gros Morne National Park.
Saturday, July 3 – Gros Morne.We leave Neddies
at 9:30a.m.for a hike to the base of Gros Morne Mountain. The trail
climbs gradually through boreal forest where chickadees, warblers,
and woodpeckers can often be heard. We are sure to see wildflowers
and maybe some moose taking a drink at the pond. After lunch we continue
our exploration with a hike to Baker’s Brook Falls. This is a
flat, well groomed trail rich in wildflowers with a carpet of bunchberry,
white orchids, purple iris, and usually lady’s slipper. Near
the trail’s end are three waterfalls, the last one is the largest
by volume of any in the park. Gros Morne trail is about 5 miles with
about 1,000’ elevation gain and will take 3-3.5 hrs. Baker’s
Brook Trail is about 6 miles of relatively flat walking and will take
about 3 hours.
Lodging: Neddies Harbour Inn, Norris Point.
Sunday, July 4 –Gros Morne. Happy 4th of July!! Sorry, no fireworks! We
leave Neddies at 8:30 a.m. and drive to the water taxi for a 9a.m. departure
and 20 minute ride to Woody Point—just across Bonne Bay. On arrival at
Woody Point we walk half an hour to the Discovery Center, an excellent interpretive
center for Gros Morne National Park. Afterwards, we take a van to Green Gardens
trailhead and hike to the shore at Green Gardens. The first part of the trail
leads through peridotite barrens then descends to the sea shore through forest.
We may see the amazing pitcher plant along this route. Following lunch our
hike will resume along the cliffs with views of sea stacks, green meadows and
the Gulf of St. Lawrence. Dinner at Seaside Restaurant in Trout River before
our return to Neddies Harbor Inn via the water taxi and van. Green Garden Trail
will take 5-6 hrs. - 9-10 miles today with descent/ascent of about 750ft.
Lodging: Neddies Harbour Inn, Norris Point.
Monday, July 5 – Gros Morne and Northern Peninsula.We
leave Neddies at 9:15a.m. We go sea kayaking just off Norris Point in the protected
Bonne Bay, an ideal place for a first time kayaking experience. There are sea
kayaks for singles or doubles. Following lunch at Norris Point we tour the
Marine Station Aquarium and from there take a 1.5 hr. local hike to Burnt Hill.
The top of this hill offers our last picture taking views of Bonne Bay and
Norris Point. Return to Neddies Harbor Inn for our 3PM transfer to the Northern
Peninsula and Tuckamore Lodge in Main Brook.
Lodging: Tuckamore Lodge, Main Brook – (709)
865-2112
Tuesday, July 6 – Conche, Northern Peninsula. After
breakfast at the Tuckamore Lodge we drive to the little fishing village
of Conche. We visit the local museum and view the wonderful tapestry
being embroidered by local women about the history of this French Coast.
Our hike here is lead by a local gentleman who knows
the history and stories of this coast.
Lodging: Tuckamore Lodge.
Wednesday, July 7 – St. Anthony and L’Anse aux Meadows,
Northern Peninsula. This morning we drive to St. Anthony, near the
tip of the Northern Peninsula and have a 2 hr. iceberg and whale watch boat
tour. This northern corridor of Iceberg Alley consistently has more icebergs
than any other area of Newfoundland. And, the coastal waters off St. Anthony
are noted for gatherings of humpback and dolphins. Afterwards we drive to Lacey
Trail for a walk on this headland before our guided visit to near-by L’Anse
aux Meadows. This UNESCO World Heritage site, the only authenticated site of
Norse Settlement in North America, dates from the year l,000.
Lodging: Tuckamore Lodge
Thursday, July 8 – Main Brook and Deer Lake. Today we
drive back south and have a couple of stops along the way. Arches Provincial
Park is the site of natural arches created by tidal action of the sea on rock.
The Torrent River Salmon Interpretation Center at Hawkes Bay will give you
the opportunity to observe migrating salmon first hand. Torrent River salmon
fishing draws international interest. Then we continue our coastal drive to
Deer Lake. Lodging: Deer Lake Motel, Deer Lake-(709) 635-2108 -
Friday, July 9 – Deer Lake. Transfer to airport
for early morning departure.
Download
the Day by Day Itinerary (pdf).
Please note: The above schedule is subject to change due to weather or
other circumstances beyond our control.
© 2009 - 2010 KDavis Travels
Photographs © Karen Davis / Kristen Wittstock
