June 26, 2015 - Newfoundland

[HATE2W8]

Off we go.  The trip began on Friday, June 26th, with 8 Corvettes from GMCC:  Roger & Angie Bourgeois, Victor & Diane LeBlanc, Ola & Annette Goguen, Jake Clements, Don & Debbie MacAulay, Bertrand Drapeau & Annette Savoie, Trueman & Marilyn Copp, Bob & Carolyn Steeves.  A beautiful day.  A little cool at 16.  Travelling was smooth.  A lunch break at Mother Webb's in Antigonish.  Here we were joined by the PEI group:  Errol & Dionne Callbeck, Andrew & Angela Arsenault, Terry & Carla Roblee.  Our first overnight was North Sydney.  The next morning we were joined by Charles Gould & Janelle Theriault, Steve & Marilyn Whalen.  We had a fantastic dinner that evening at Robena's Family Restaurant.

June 27th, Saturday. 
The crossing on the MV Blue Puttees was a very smooth crossing.  It took approx 6 hours and we were soon in Port-Aux-Basques at our hotel. We were starting to attract attention.  We were able to secure a boardroom for a fun dice game of Left-Right-Centre. 

June 28th, Sunday.  At the Hotel Port-aux-Basques is where we were joined the next morning by Ivan Hines.  The hotel accommodated an early opening for breakfast, so we were able to gain on the departure time.   A bright, sunny day made the scenery that much more enjoyable, if that is possible.  Our next stop, Earle's Newfoundland Mug at Rocky Harbour.  Next a stop at the Lobster Cove Head lighthouse for some very educational information from a Provincial Naturalist.  Ask us about what can be done with a dandelion, etc.  Off for a 2.5 km walk in Gros Morne National Park to our first boat tour.  This took us into Western Brook Pond.  Only pictures can describe this beautiful location.... and even with current digital photography, it doesn't do it justice.  Moose you say?  Yup got a photo !  Once we returned on the 2.5 km walk, we headed in the direction of Deer Lake. Our dinner was at the Hotel Deer Lake Restaurant, but our accommodations were at the Driftwood Inn.    We had a late dinner this evening, but it was worth the wait. 

June 29th, Monday.  Early rise for our departure from Deer Lake to Bishop's Falls.  Seven Corvettes from the Newfoundland Corvette Club meet up with us here.  What a fantastic group of people.  They welcomed us with open arms.  Roger Bourgeois gets to share the limelight with Michelle Best when NTV does an interview about the excursion.  We've made the news in a good way.   Then we head to Twilingate for our boat cruise to view the spectacular icebergs.  What an experience:  got to hear the ice crack; got to touch a piece; got to share Iceberg beer with friends.  Once we arrive at the hotel, our Newfoundland friends insist on us being "screetch'd in".  You'll have to ask us in person about this 'cause I certainly can't do it justice in print.  What a fun time.  More than one went to bed with a sore stomach from laughing.... and maybe the bologna, fish & rum didn't help.

June 30th, Tuesday.  Off to Corner Brook we go.  Another great weather day !  After lunch and spending a little time Broadway Street shopping. 

The group split before heading home.  Bob & Carolyn, Trueman & Marilyn, Charles & Janelle and Jake head on an extended vacation to take in Bonnavista and St John's.  While the rest head back to Port-aux-Basques for a relaxing evening before the morning crossing. 

A group of 5 vettes decided to cross on the 6:30 a.m. sailing, which meant you had to be on deck by 4:30... way too early for some.  (and as it turned out, that sailing was delayed by 2 hours, yuck!!).  So the remaining 3 vettes crossed at 11:45 and got an opportunity to see sea-life.  A large pod of porpoises, with a few whales mixed in (or very LARGE porpoises).   Another very smooth sail indeed.

It was a trip of a lifetime.  Yes, we should have planned for maybe an extra day or two, but since it was the first time in Newfoundland for some, it was a great introduction to what they have to offer.   Another trip for our club is a must.  Perhaps to tour other parts of the Island.  We made some new friends, ate some interesting food, and a couple may have even picked up a local expression or two.