Gros Morne National Park

We made the short trek down the coast to a place called Rocky Harbour. We arrived at Gros Morne RV Park which has full hook-ups and hot showers.

Rocky Harbour is a town located about half way down the western coast of Newfoundland. The history of Rocky Harbour dates back several years with the French and English. Fishing during the summer and logging during the winter were the main industries. People would raise their own animals for food, grow their own vegetables, and preserve the local berries.

Coastline of Rocky Harbour

Overlooking the town

The first church was built in 1891 and the first school in 1898. With the modernization of the cod fishery the area became known for its boat building. With construction of the new highway Rocky Habour became less isolated. The town was incorporated in 1966 with its own water supply, sewers, paved roads, and street lights. However, it wasn’t until Gros Morne National Park was established in 1973 that the town seen an increase in employment and consequently a financial boost. With its many hiking trails and geological formations that is the draw for us.


Travelling to the Gros Morne Visitor’s Center was our first stop to get some ideas of what trails to traverse. Surrounded by steep rock walls over 2000 feet high and an inland lake that was carved by glaciers, we chose Western Brook Pond Trail. At end of the trail we are told you can take a boat ride on the lake then through the fjord.

A great hiking trail

The day didn’t look all that promising with no sun and rain on the horizon. You couldn’t see the tops of the mountains. Oh well it’s all about the adventure.

Not a good day for seeing the fjord

The trail is 6 km out and back with very gentle terrain. There is no transportation except your legs if you want to go for a boat ride.

Nicely manicured trail 

The trail has a wonderful array of wildflowers and I was able to spot several different kinds of birds. Some I know the names others I do not. If you know email me on the comments at the bottom.

Pitcher plant

???????

another ??? but beautiful

The bogs we passed through have developed and been getting larger for over 8000 years. Bog water is cold, very acidic, and has no oxygen therefore decay stops. Consequently, the surrounding bog has 4 meters of peat on it.

The bog

As we continued along the trail we passed several individuals that looked like they have never hiked in their lives. You have to hike to get to the boat. Some people are just looking for a free ride. She looks like she is having tooooo much fun.

No hitchhiking allowed

We decided not to go for the ride since it is $60 per person and you could not really see the top of the cliffs or the fjord. So we just enjoyed the nature and the trail.

Terrible day for a boat ride

A young male Downey Woodpecker

A warbler ? what kind

Ferns

Wilson's Warbler

? another I don't know warbler

After a wonderful hike Susan and I decided to check out the local seafood place. WOW what a great place with fantastic prices. You can get fresh lobster cooked or still alive which ever you prefer. We ordered 4 lobsters cooked and they were ready at 4:30 just in time for supper. Yum!

Fantastic place for fresh seafood

Our supper they were delicious

The lobster was fantastic so we decided to get some fresh cod and it did not disappoint. We went back for more. At $4.50 per pound that’s the best price yet. What a great place.