June 4 (Day 31) to June 7 (Day 34) – Gros Morne National Park

We motored south along the Gulf of St. Lawrence to a small village with a big reputation – Cow Head.  The coast is lined with small villages of fishermen and others who settled in conclaves based on family ties and common interests and needs.  Cod fisherman needed each other’s help leading to larger villages while lobster and crab fishermen were more independent.  Cow Head features a fine music venue and a dinner theater attracting folks from miles around.  We settled in our first night with two fine local female singers who focused on songs of the Province and the sea – classic!  The second evening we attended the dress rehearsal of Mary’s Wedding, a two-actor play written by an Alberta playwright and although billed as a dress rehearsal they didn’t miss a line even when changing their own stage props.  It was impressive.

While staying a couple of nights at a wonderful eight site RV park overlooking the bay, we motored to one of Canada’s premier national parks (Gros Morne NP) for a 3 Km hike to connect with a boat tour of Western Brook Pond.  The land-locked fjord is a heavily glaciated valley with towering cliffs and countless waterfalls.  I was reminded of the first park I worked in, Yosemite NP in so many ways.  Glaciers do that!  

We followed the boat tour day with a big move (30 miles) to Rocky Harbor for a heavily recommended evening of entertainment.  We heard only one complaint - that you’ll leave with a painful stomach because of so much laughter!   We were not disappointed as we took in dinner and “Anchors Aweigh”, at a local pub.  Our stomachs dutifully hurt!!!!  Anchors Aweigh is a musical group of five locals – a tour boat captain, a high school music teacher, two tour boat deck hand/interpreters, and a marine services businessman making wonderful music of the area, park and sea.  Check out a sample of their show at https://youtu.be/ZCouZiogZLk.

Lots of moose 'signs', but no sightings in this park
except for the droppings Chaco and Jesse found :)
Caribou sightings were common

Now we’ve toured Gros Morne for two more days and will hit the road in the morning toward the Atlantic coast in search of more icebergs and whales.  Gros Morne has beautiful geologic features that were used by geologists to develop and test tectonic plate theories. We finished the day taking a loop hike with the “girls” where they sniffed tons of moose poop, tried to eat some, and waded through mud up

to their bellies forcing a major cleaning before letting them back in the truck.  All they had to say for themselves was, “what’s the problem”?   

rare blue lobster at Bonne Bay Marine
Station Aquarium

Highlights of Gros Morne National Park, western coast of Newfoundland - spectacular!

Gros Morne National Park