What a day! We spent the whole day at Gros Morne National Park, one of the most exciting natural places on Newfoundland Island. Our guests and staff were offered different options. One party hiked to a high hill along a path across the boreal forest. There were impressive views of Bonne Bay, a true fjord reminiscent of the Ice Ages. The path made its way across the forest of conifers and maple trees, dense stands of at least four species of ferns, and a multitude of herbs and bushes with flowers and berries. Some of us were very fortunate to observe songbirds, among which there were pine grosbeaks and crossbills. Once on the top of a hill, the boggy area revealed thousands of hidden pitcher plants, which are carnivorous, with their flowers on tall stalks to prevent pollinators from being confused with prey insects. Another party enjoyed a different hike that took guests and Natural History staff to perhaps the highest attraction of the Gros Morne: the foothills of the serpentine barrens, which are beautiful, ancient rocks that represent the Earth’s mantle. Again, everybody enjoyed the magnificent scenery of landscapes, carnivorous plants (pitchers and butterworts), and information from our staff and local guides. In the afternoon, we enjoyed time to explore a local marine research centre and a historic lighthouse by ourselves or with guides. The day was sunny and warm with a delightful breeze from the Gulf of St. Lawrence.
9/18/2024
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Red Bay, Labrador, Canada
Today I hugged a human dressed as a lighthouse. It was a spectacular day. Even from the Zodiac as we approached the small Labrador community of Red Bay, people were smiling, people were waving, and the “lighthouse” was dancing. You could feel the love and joy of this tiny, close-knit community. The people we met today were, of course, not the first people to settle on this land. This area is acknowledged as a UNESCO World Heritage Site predominantly due to its incredible underwater preservation of Basque whaling shipwrecks and the settlement dating back to the sixteenth century. This history was illuminated for us by a lovely team of Parks Canada interpreters as we strolled around Saddle Island amongst the vibrant low-lying fall foliage and incredible ocean vistas. The afternoon was a choose-your-own-adventure of various hikes or free time in town. The day was a highlight for many as the weather and the views above the water were phenomenal. Below the water, Hailey Shchepanik, one of our incredible dive pair, was able to revisit a historic shipwreck she had worked to preserve years earlier.