The Huffman's Maritime adventure: June 23 (Day 46) to June 24 (Day 47): Mistaken Point and Cape St. Mary’s Ecological Reserves

As we headed south on the Avalon peninsula, we noticed a change in scenery, from tree covered mountains to barren, tundra-like landscapes. We learned these are the Hyper-oceanic barrens, a distinct ecoregion found only in the exposed headlands in eastern Newfoundland – striking vistas. We took a guided hike to see the Mistaken Point fossils, a unique site where fossils from the first stirrings of complex life on earth more than 550 million years ago were preserved in shale underneath volcanic ash, and became exposed as shifting continents pushed the ocean’s floor to the surface. These marine creatures are collectively known as Ediacaran biota, and are some of the earliest animal organisms known – more than 300 million years before dinosaurs! It was exciting to be within inches of these fascinating fossils. The site is under review for UNESCO world heritage status, and we think it is certainly worthy.

Mistaken Point fossils - after a 3 km hike including a stream crossing!

Our next stop, celebrating Michele’s birthday, was to visit Cape Mary’s Ecological Reserve where thousands of pelagic birds come to breed. 15,000 pairs of Northern Gannet along with 9000+ juveniles were nesting within a few feet of us, along with thousands of nesting Common Murre and Black-legged Kittiwake. It was fascinating to watch their behaviors and observe the ‘layering’ of nesting species – Common Murre lowest and laying eggs directly on the cliff ledges, with Kittiwake’s beside and above them on nests, and the Gannets at the top of the cliffs on their nests. They co-exist peacefully, that is until a bald eagle comes by looking for a meal! We also saw several Black Guillemot, Thick-billed Murre, Comorants, and even a few of the less common Razorbills. The sheer number of birds so close to us was truly incredible and the din was musical as they squabbled, sought their mates, stumbled through each others’s space, and talked to their chicks. We learned this is one of the largest breeding colonies of these birds in the world.

Northern Gannets, up close and personal - beautiful birds!

We’re now camped in an RV park in Argentia, Newfoundland where we’ll say goodbye to this beautiful province tomorrow afternoon and board the 16 hour ferry back to North Sydney, Nova Scotia to continue our adventure there. This province has exceeded our expectations – with unbeatable scenery, glaciers, wildlife, history, and a wonderful culture. They say that Newfoundlanders are some of the friendliest people you’ll meet, and our experience has been no exception.