Date: Wed, 24 Aug 2005 08:29:18 -0400
Reply-To: Christopher Gronski <gronski@GMAIL.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Christopher Gronski <gronski@GMAIL.COM>
Subject: Re: Newfoundland trip advice please...
In-Reply-To: <380-22005832445642995@M2W076.mail2web.com>
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I did a week in Newfoundland last summer it was amazoing. You did not
say what ferry you were on but from the time of the e-mail and a cross
reference to the ferry schedule http://www.marine-atlantic.ca/ I THINK
you're landing in Port: Port aux Basques (rather than Argentia which
is a longer ferry ride but closer to St. John's).
If at all possible don't repeat the mistake I made and cross the
province twice on the same trip. Pay for the longer ferry and depart
from Argentia for your trip home.I did the Port: Port aux Basques
route twice and it was just too much driving. I made due with a bunk
on the Port: Port aux Basques trip but you may want to splurge for a
cabin if you depart Argentia instead.
As for what to see, I really liked Gross Morne National park, but the
fees are much higher than the provinicail parks. Provincial parks were
$13 Canadian last year plus a $1 entrance fee (or you could but a
season permit for $5). I found the facilities could be a bit sparse,
some did not have showers which I"m used to at local Ontario parks.
Anyway there is a ton of "stealth camping" to be found so I don't know
if I would bothe with the parks every night. The one exception was
Dildo Run (stop giggling that is really the name - well at least I
think it is the park I am talking about is near Twillinggate), the
terrain is amazing, many of the campsites are right on the water. Its
a short drive to the lighthouse and there are lots of spots to stop
for cheap lobster.
On your way to Dildo Run you'll pass through Gander. Thousands of
airline passengers were stranded here for a week during 9/11. There is
a small tribute to them in the Gander Avation museum. The museum and
the display are pretty tiny but I still thought it was worth seeing.
Pick up the book "The Day the World Came to Town" which chronicals the
human side of this story - you won"t be disapointed.
Before we hit either Gander or Dildo Run our route took us all the way
up the western penninsula to St. Anthony (the public library has
Internet BTW) because it had the only Iceburg left in the season (I
think you"re too late for Iceburgs). The whale watching was great too,
but as I understand it you can whale watch along the Avalon penisula
as well so don"t go to St. Anthony's on such a short trip.
Press on to St,. John's if you can you need to spend at least one
night there. Go to George Street for a "Screeching In" cerimony to
make you an honorary Newfoundlander. While in St. John's we stealth
camped at Cape Spear (which is another must see in St. John's). You"ll
also want to see Signal Hill where Marconi made the first
transatlantic wireless transmission (its very close to the geocentre
which I might pass on in hindsight - unless you REALLY like rocks).
There is also a fort at the mouth of the harbnor that I thought was
really interesting.
The one thing I regret NOT DOING was to visit a resettled comunity. It
is a two day trip but honestly even if I had only 5 or 6 days I would
try to make time for it if I went back. Thier website is
http://www.woodyi.com/ Some quotes:
"Why is Woody Island Resort different? It is different because it
offers so many exciting attractions all at one destination. Situated
on Woody Island in Placentia Bay, this quiet outport community, which
once boasted a population of 400, is one of hundreds of fishing
villages from which people were relocated under the government
resettlement program. Today it is home to mainly summer visitors.
Woody Island Resort offers spectacular scenery, comfortable
accommodations, excellent service, delicious homestyle Newfoundland
food, live entertainment, and a wide variety of activities."
Woody Island Resort
14 Westminster Drive
Mount Pearl, Newfoundland
Canada, A1N 4N1
Phone: 364-3701
Fax: (709) 745-4937
Toll Free: 1-800-504-1066
E-mail: woodyi@woodyi.com
In closing, Newfoundland is unlike the rest of North America. Its also
ver rugged and sparsely populated. Be very aware of your fuel
situation, you can't just pull off the TCH (Trans Canada Highway) at
one of the dots you see on your map and expect to get gas. Some of
those dots are just a small collection of homes without any
facilities. Make sure you plan your fuel stops accordingly. Have fun.
Chris
On 8/24/05, paullist@guzyk.com <paullist@guzyk.com> wrote:
> Hi everyone, my wife and I are finishing up our cross Canada trip in
> Newfoundland and Nova Scotia. We're actually on the ferry to Newfoundland
> right now...and yes, they have free Internet on their ferry's.
>
> Anyway, any Newfies or previous visitors out there who can give us some
> advice as to what to see, where to camp etc? We only have about 5 or 6
> days but want to have a memorable time here.
>
> If you see a burgundy Westy with California plates, give us a toot!
>
> Paul and Dot
> 87 Westy Subie 2.2
>
> --------------------------------------------------------------------
> mail2web - Check your email from the web at
> http://mail2web.com/ .
>
