Gros Morne National Park

As we continued ever north to make our scheduled ferry trip to Labrador, we stopped briefly in Gros Morne National park.  This massive park is best known for its geological history. The Long Range mountains were formed over a billion years ago.  What makes this area unique is the  strange rock formations that were formed by the pressure of the plate tectonics.  In fact, it was here that geologists were able to prove the plate tectonics theory.  The tablelands mountain is a striking example of this with its flat top material having come from deep inside the earth. 

First  we visited Lobster Cove Head Light, where one family lived in the lighthouse and tended it for over a 100 years.  The lighthouse itself was undergoing a refit, but the guide brought the place to life for us.  The scenic views of the surrounding area alone made the visit worthwhile.

Then a quick stop in the town of Rocky Harbor for lunch.

Finally, we  took a boat ride to observe these tectonic  plates and the long history they represent. Millions of years ago, many of these plates were pushed to the surface in a nearly vertical position. Those who study these plates have learned a great deal about the history of the  earth in this park.   We were also able to enjoy the scenic beauty of the park and surrounding villages from the water.

Twillingate, Newfoundland

Getting back to our Canada trip, we travelled from Gander to the Twillingate Islands and the town of Twillingate in Notre Dame Bay.  This once prosperous fishing community now largely exists on tourism after the cod moratorium made fishing uneconomical. 

 One of the things that  makes Twillingate a tourist spot is the scenic harbor views.

Then there is the quaint Twillingate Museum that is the former home of the church pastors.

I particularly enjoyed visiting St Peter's Anglican church founded in 1845.  Talking with the two young ladies who opened the church for us, I learned that the current congregation consists of about 30 regular attendees.  It is well maintained on the inside and  much of the history of the town can be gleamed from walking the church grave yard.

Just on the edge of town is Long Point Lighthouse, one of the most photographed in Newfoundland. There is a small exhibit in what was the lighthouse keepers quarters.  For me, the lighthouse was not near as interesting as the wonderful views of the Atlantic Ocean from a height of 300 feet above sea level in the bay that is called the Iceberg Capital of Newfoundland. Ironically, we did not see any icebergs here.

Our last stop on this tour was The Boyd's Cove  Beothuk site. Excavations in the late 1900's confirmed the existence of a seasonal Beothuk village that existed between 1650 and 1720.  Unfortunately for these hunter/gatherers, this coincided with the arrivals of the first Europeans to the area.  The natives chose to try and avoid contact with the Europeans but they were competing for the same resources. Over  time they were pushed out of the area and suffered from lack of food resources.  They essentially starved to death and they were thought to be extinct as a people by the 1820's