Ferry to Newfoundland!

 Day 16:26.07.09Ferry crossing day today! With groans and complaints, the family awoke at 5.30 am to get ready and depart for the Ferry to Newfoundland. Upon arrival at the terminal at 6.30 we were informed that the ferry had been delayed and that the expected time of departure was 1.00pm! For six long hours we tried to amuse ourselves in and around the vicinity of the ferry terminal. Just as well that Tim Hortons was but a Tim Bit’s breath away and it was there that we availed ourselves of a hearty breakfast and morning tea. By the time we managed to haul ourselves onto the ferry we were quite exhausted. The only thing that revived the kids was a lunch consisting of a hot dog and the essential side dish: fries! The crossing itself was relatively uneventful. There were movies to watch, a gift shop in which to browse and a cafeteria from which to indulge. After about five hours we spotted the bleak, rocky and treeless coast surrounding Port Aux Basque and finally docked around 7.30pm Newfoundland Time. It was with relief that we made the 28 km trip to our campground for the evening: Little Paradise. We have become quite efficient at setting up camp rather quickly and in no time at all, we were settled for the night!

Day 17: 27.07.09Today is the end of three relatively full days of travel. It’s certainly somewhat of a relief to be able to set up the van secure in the knowledge that we dont have repack for three days. After leaving Port Aux Basque this morning, we set off up the highway in search of milk so that we could have breakfast. Our search however, was fruitless necessitating a stop at a roadhouse for a late and rather large breakfast.
Pushing on up to Cornerbrook on the TCH1 (Trans Canada Highway), we stopped for groceries and a visit to the bank. Noticing subtle but scenic changes in the landscape, we passed into Gros Morne National Park early in the afternoon. This park is one of two UNESCO World Heritage Sites on the famous Viking Trail. Our trusty Montana weaved in and around some spectacular mountain ranges past scenic lakes and waterways. In spite of the overcast and drizzly conditions, the scenery was spectacular. It has been said that this area is one of those rare places on the planet that transcends any superlatives. I can see that this is so. Tomorrow we look forward to discovering some of this unique area for ourselves. We have also reserved a seat on the Western Brook Pond Tour for Wednesday.