JUNK BOAT TRAVELS: Day 12 Newfoundland Labrador Viking Trail 2022

Sunday, September 18, 2022

Day 12 Newfoundland Labrador Viking Trail 2022 - Day 6

Sep 15 Day 6: Gros Morne Local Touring

WEATHER TEMP

Discover why Gros Morne National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is truly one of the highlights of your trip with a scenic boat tour on Bonne Bay; be on the look-out for the bald eagles that frequent the deep waters of the fjord. Also, visit the Tablelands; this mountain of flat-topped rock of a kind usually found only deep in the earth’s mantle is an awe-inspiring sight. Today will be an unforgettable experience; some say the scenery that Gros Morne offers is unequaled in Eastern Canada. (Breakfast, Boxed Lunch, Dinner)

Day 5 & 6 Shallow Bay Motel - Cow Head, Newfoundland & Labrador

Today's plan.

It was overcast as we set out on another boat ride, this time on Bonne Bay.

But first we stopped at the Jenniex House, a photographer's paradise lookout that captures spectacular view of Bonne Bay and Tablelands.

These rose hips were the biggest I've ever seen.

The weathervane (wind jack) is a piece of art.

Back on the bus to Norris Point where we boarded a catamaran, the EMM-CAT.

The word ‘fjord’ has magical qualities that evoke deep Scandinavian ocean inlets surrounded by massive cliffs that are considered, rightly so, as some of the most beautiful landscapes on this planet. People pay big bucks to take cruises into these fjords on lines like Viking and Norwegian, but did you know that Newfoundland has a fjord of its own? You don’t have to cross the Atlantic to enjoy a cruise into a fjord.

A true fjord is one that is open to the sea and contains salt, not fresh water.

The route is up and down the fjord to see the villages on the coast, any wildlife in the trees (a couple of eagles), dramatic rock formations, and a different perspective of the Tablelands. The boat has 2 levels for passengers – an uncovered top deck with bench style seating and a covered interior area with movable chairs.

The commentary could be easily heard on the top deck where we sat for the whole cruise, even though we did get some sudden downpours followed by several rainbows and sunshine. The commentator, the lead singer for Anchors Aweigh, was an excellent commentator during the boat ride. He entertained us with his witticisms, insights into island life, and recollections of the resettlement times.

Large female bald eagle, native to Newfoundland and Labrador. These trees are bare from the salt air and the snow falls. The male was sitting a few trees away.

Can you see the woman sitting in the cave?

Male eagle. Their latest offspring, a male and female recently left the nest.

This is the male baby eagle, looking rather sickly. However his sister was busy flying around.

The department of ??? had been contacted about him, but they said to leave it alone as they are worried about avian flu.

From the laying of the first egg to the fledging, or first flight, of the last young commonly takes 16 to 18 weeks.
After the third week, the parents begin to relax the brood’s care, leaving the eaglets in the nest unattended for short periods of time. By the 5th and 6th weeks, the parents take longer periods of time away from the nest and begin to roost alocal way from the nest.

I was so pleased with this shot!

Wayne could tell us who lives in each house.

Another guide told us we could rent his Airbnb.

The graveyard beside the Fox Point Lighthouse where we had seen the whales yesterday.

This former Loyal Orange Lodge, built in 1908, has been lovingly restored (winner of the Southcott Award from the Newfoundland Historic Trust) and now serves the community as a centre for performances (in the beautiful Shelagh Rogers Auditorium) as well as festivals, art shows, weddings, conferences and more. Home of the Writers at Woody Point Literary Festival since 2004, and the Comedy at Woody Point Festival, which debuted in 2016.

Widow's Walk.

Before we disembark we are called downstairs for our screeching in ceremony.

The Screech-In Ceremony is a Newfoundland tradition where they give CFAs (Come from away's) the prestigious title of honourary Newfoundlanders! Think of it as a fun initiation! Typically, you're made to repeat some local sayings, kiss a cod fish, drink some Screech rum, and possibly try some Newfoundland Steak (balogna).

Thankfully our group is too large and Covid is still around, so they picked a designated person to kiss the cod and do a jig.

We ate our boxed lunch at the Canadian Legion in Woody Point.

Gros Morne Discovery Centre.

This is a photo of the Tablelands from the boat earlier today. We're weren't so lucky as we got soaked through within 5 minutes! Most others, sensibly, stayed on the bus.

But I did spot the Flower Emblem of Newfoundland & Labrador is the purple pitcher plant (Sarracenia purpurea).
Purple pitcher plants tend to grow clumps. When in bloom they stand 8-20 inches tall.

The sun comes out again for our next stop at Lobster Cove Head, a century old lighthouse that once served as a beacon to safely guide fishermen and sailing vessels into Bonne Bay. The exhibit highlights the people and heritage of the area, showcasing historical photos, audio recordings of folk songs and lightkeepers logbooks.