Saturday, August 23, 2014

Newfoundland and Labrador Camping Trip

Last week, Wayne and I went camping in Newfoundland and Labrador. We packed our gear and personal items in two large rolling duffel bags, a suitcase on wheels (a must), and a smaller carry-on. We flew Air Canada from Vancouver with a transfer in Toronto to St. John's, Newfoundland. It was a long flight, but the transfer made it easier.


We rented an SUV and after one night in St. John's, started north to the Malady Head campground in Terra Nova National Park. Wayne made reservations in advance, but all the parks had a few empty sites.

We set up our tent (impending rain made this the highest priority each night), then went for a hike. Everywhere you stepped there were bright red Bunchberries carpeting the forest floor.

We saw a lot of Newfoundland and Labrador in one week. Our next stop was Berry Hill campground in Gros Morne National Park. Two lane Highway 1 (TCH) is an excellent road with lots of passing lanes.

We purchased camp chairs, pillows, and an ice chest upon arrival. Because of extra baggage charges, we donated them to Value Village back in St. John's. For simplicity, our dinners were deli items and BBQ meats, no camp stove.


Each morning we packed (letting the tent dry in back) and drove to a roadside spot for breakfast. Before leaving home I put together a compact "meal kit" using thrift store utensils, plates, bowls, and cups. Including the zipper case it cost about $5.00.

Our third day brought us to the Labrador Ferry. We are used to riding ferries in BC, but they cost a whole lot more. Our passage for the car plus two senior passengers was under $30.00. The Apollo is an older ship of a style suited to rough waters.

The front opened like a huge mouth ready to swallow it's prey.

Next will be our Labrador portion of the trip. -- Margy

7 comments:

  1. What a neat trip! That ferry certainly is cheap compared to BC ferries prices. Can't wait for the next segment!

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  2. Cheapchick - I was a fun way to travel and see a lot in a short time. I thought you might get a kick out of my thrift store meal kit. I'm going to do a post about it after all the trip segments are done. - Margy

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  3. Anonymous4:20 PM

    Such a gorgeous part of our country to visit. Love the idea of a thrift meal kit, looking forward to seeing it.

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  4. Gorgeous park and wonderfull feerie. greeting from Belgium.

    http://louisette.eklablog.com/mes-autres-blogs-p842116

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  5. Our kids loved Gros Morne! Good for you for camping. I won't ever camp, I don't think. We had such fun babysitting the kids, though!

    (ツ) from Cottage Country Ontario , ON, Canada!

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  6. Wow, Margy, I'm so impressed, and also a teeny bit jealous, because I've never been to Newfoundland. In the 90s I was almost in Labrador, in a manner of speaking, when our flight to Scotland stopped in Goose Bay for something. They opened the doors, but wouldn't let us out. All the passengers crammed together at the open doors, trying to get a breath of fresh air.
    K

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  7. Jennifer - We stayed in Gros Morne twice at different campgrounds. On our last visit, we went to see the beautiful exposed ancient cliffs.

    Kay - Newfoundland is such a great place to visit. We've been twice now and I would still love to go back. There is so much to see and experience.

    Margy

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We welcome your comments and questions. - Wayne and Margy