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Newfoundland: Day 3

We had to think strategically about what we could attempt in Gros Morne, while still leaving ourselves enough time to drive up to L'Anse aux Meadows before nightfall. Our final plan started with an early breakfast and checkout, exploring the Tablelands and Western Brook Pond, then heading north.

Breakfast was surprisingly good - there were breads, scones, cinnamon rolls, various fruits, homemade yogurt, jams, bacon, eggs, and hash browns. Plenty of food for hungry travellers, looking to fuel up for the day! One great part of the meal was that it was served to everyone at the bed and breakfast, at the same time, so we all got to meet each other and swap stories. We ended up sharing a table with a couple from Vancouver Island, who were on a 3-week vacation entirely in Newfoundland. The more we talk to people, both tourists and locals, the more we realize there is to see here in both Newfoundland and Labrador.

Once we had checked out from the Anchor Down, we drove back along the 430 to the southern part of Gros Morne. Driving past the Tablelands, we noticed the mountain landscape change from forest green to an almost golden, desert-like colour. The small town of Trout River was picturesque, and we learned a bit about their history with blue whales.

We skipped the trails around Trout River Pond and zipped back to the Tablelands trailhead for our first hike of the day, which started off in the windy rain. It was definitely strange walking on the ultramafic rock, which is what our Earth's mantle consists of. The terrain felt very much like rocks and gravel, just the appearance was strange because it was devoid of any plant life. The juxtaposition between the barren mountains and the lush forests was a sight to behold, and I'm glad we were able to see it - especially after the skies started clearing.

By the time we got back to Rocky Harbour, it was already lunchtime. We stopped at Java Jacks, and grabbed a quick bite to eat (nothing memorable) before continuing on to Western Brook Pond. The trail is very wide leading up to the tour boat terminal, which takes you into the fjords. Unfortunately, we didn't have enough time to go on the 2-hour boat tour, but we did stop at the terminal to learn more about the fjord created by glaciers during the most recent ice age. 

The rest of the day was spent driving up further and further north along the Gulf of St. Lawrence. As we passed town after town, they all started looking very similar, with cookie cutter houses (shaped as kids might draw houses, with triangular roofs and a few windows her and there) located along the water with fishing boats and small docks. Eventually, we arrived in St. Anthony and drove all the way to the end of Fishing Point Road to have dinner at the Lightkeepers Seafood Restaurant. Located at Haul Up Cove, the views from the restaurant were brilliant, though we didn't get to see any icebergs. The food was delicious - we both had seafood which was clearly fresh, and ended the meal with bakeapple parfait, which highlighted the unique taste of cloudberries.

It was pretty dark by the time we got to our B&B, just outside the L'Anse aux Meadows historical site. Luckily we didn't come across any moose, and were able to settle into our comfy home for the night.

Tomorrow will be dedicated to exploring the ancient viking settlement and driving back through Gros Morne.

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