On the Road Again

As I mentioned a few days ago, yesterday I hit the road, heading to Gros Morne for a four-day course given by the Gros Morne Institute for Sustainable Tourism.  This was my first road trip in awhile. My last one was a doozy – driving with the Berry (Laurelyn) south to Florida, west to California, up the coast to British Columbia, then back across the country. So comparatively, yesterday’s trip was a piece of cake, and travellers to Newfoundland should know that while the threat of moose is to be taken seriously, driving our stretch of the TCH is pretty easy and offers some great views.

I love being on the road, with my thoughts running as varied as the scenery. Driving along, sipping coffee, listening to music and sometimes just the sounds of the road – what a great way to spend the day! And since I am now a bonafied blogger, I took some shots along the way. I’m always excited when the mountains first start to peak up when driving west in Newfoundland.

My chariot awaits!

If you’ve done any driving in Newfoundland, chances are you’re familiar with this big guy!

Long way to go!

Where it all began (my birthplace).

See? Wide open road – I told you it’s a great place to drive!

And there’s that view.

Welcome to Gros Morne (and yes, I did pull over to take all these pics!).

662km later, I reach my destination. Looking forward to an informative few days with a great group of people!

I Float

This picture was taken in St. Pierre and Miquelon, French islands off the coast of southern Newfoundland. My first trip there was only a few years ago (I’ve been back several times), and I couldn’t believe I had been missing out (on all the croissants and red wine!) all these years. It truly is a beautiful place with a great European feel. Anyone with extended time touring the province might want to consider making the extra trip. It takes about an hour on the ferry to get there from Fortune, Newfoundland, which is about a 4 hour drive from our cottages, or you can take an airplane from St. John’s.

Here I am on my first visit, on a day trip to the Ile aux Marins. The tour guide said the translation of “Fluctuat Nec Mergitur” was “I float; I do not sink.” This felt like this could have been my personal motto, so I posed for the shot. Wikipedia has since informed me this phrase is the motto of Paris, and that the direct translation is “He who rises with the wave is not swallowed with it.” Both are profound, and, I hope, a reflection on how I have tried to live my life.

Church Day: Twillingate’s St. Peter’s Anglican Church

Newfoundland is a road-trippers’ paradise, with countless little towns dotting our bays, all with their own unique history and beautiful landscapes, and, most often, their own churches. And since I have been lucky enough to have visited virtually every corner of this island throughout my life, I thought a Sunday series of church photos showcasing different communities might be interesting (and, make for a light blogging day on the Sabbath for me!).

So I’m starting with St. Peter’s Anglican Church in Twillingate. And nearby, here are some graveyard shots that I think are an excellent example of how Newfoundlanders have quite literally carved our lives into the rocky cliffs. Stunning!