Happy Valley-Goose Bay

We are on our way to civilization with groceries stores, gas stations, Speedy Autoglass/Tire Repair, and a campground with full hook-ups. How small things makes us so happy. With the exception of 36 miles, it was paved all the way to Goose Bay. The road that was gravel was great almost like being paved.

Nice and smooth gravel road

Susan is looking forward to seeing Goose Bay. This could have been her birthplace. The story goes, her father was in the military and was posted to Happy Valley-Goose Bay Military Base. Her mother said "no damn way I'm going to know mans land". Susan was born in Hamilton, Ontario so her mother must of won that battle.

The day went by very fast with ABBA playing on the radio or should I say CD, no radio stations up here. We were singing, then Susan spots something on the road. It has to be a moose running down the road.

Look way up the road...It has to be a moose

So we hurry up the road, camera at the ready, my first moose in Labrador, can't wait. Surprise what the hell its a roller bladder. We are 20 miles from Goose Bay and he's no spring chicken. Good on him. Hey mister watch out for bears and moose! 

The guy must have a death wish

We arrived at the campground and everyone was in a joyous mode. The next day I took my tire in to Speedy to get fixed. You got to love the north. I dropped it off and the guy said it would be ready at supper time. It's now 8:15 am and I'm thinking it's only a tire fix not brain surgery. So I must have had a look on my face because he indicated they had a few jobs ahead of mine. Okay, I'll buy that and away I go.

Susan I decide to check out the community of North West River which is a short distance from the campground. Established as a trading post in 1743, the town is the oldest community in central Labrador. An interpretation centre tells the story of the Innu, Inuit, Metis, and first settlers.

The Inukshuk is a well known symbol of the Arctic however it was traditionally used by the Inuit as a land marker. Today you see these markers made by individuals to indicate they have set foot in a particular place.

The Inukshuk

The steam tent was both a way to communicate with Animal Masters and to heal aches and pains. A hunter would sing and his words would be transported on the steam vapors.

A steam tent

One of only two seal skin kayaks in existence

The next place we visited was the 1923 Hudson's Bay Company Museum. This once fur trading post is where trappers brought their furs to exchange for goods.

Fully restored building

Back in the day trappers had to check their miles and miles of trap lines therefore they would be gone for days. They built trapper's tilts approximately one day apart from each other. These cabins were built using only an axe. They were small to retain heat.

A trapper's tilt

As we continued our tour of this little but informative town we found out that the bridge we crossed over was new. Prior to that they used a cable car to get across the river.

New bridge in background

At the waterfront an engraved Trapper's Monument stands in Lester Burry Memorial Park. This was the departure point where all trappers began their months-long treks into the back country to gather furs.

North West River Trappers
Monument

Having seen all the sights I want to see for one day, it's time to go pick up my tire. Hopefully it's fixed, I'm a little early but I know it's suppertime somewhere. Fast forward...all done. Yeah, I'm a happy camper again.