Day 08 – Twillingate to Port Blandford

This morning we head out of Gander heading north on RT 330.  When we cross Gander Bay at Clark’s Head we can see some boats in the water that are attached to rope lines similar to a clothes line on a pulley.  Bring the boat in or out as you need. 

As we pass by the different coves of Gander Bay the sun decides to peek out the clouds and fog.  Leaving RT 330 we now are heading north on RT 340 and begin crossing to some of the smaller islands.  Crossing a causeway several boats wait at anchor by this rickety looking dock.   

Passing several fish shacks this one seemed particularly interesting resting on the rocks on top of some cribbing next to a dilapidated dock. 

During our trip, we have passed a number of churches and this one is no different except that it is on the water’s edge.  The waters of the bay were really calm and we have a good reflection.   

Just before we arrive at Twillingate we stop at a tourist stop named Prime Berth.  Here the owner has created a display that gives us a good look into the life of a Newfoundland cod fisherman. 

The old fish shack where the cod was prepared and salted for sale.  The three manikins in the background represent the three people that would slice and clean the fish.  This fish shack was the owner’s father’s fish house and it was towed on the water to this location. 

A fish filleting and cleaning demonstration showed us how the fish were cut.  The cod's liver was cut out and we were shown how cod liver oil was collected along with the tongue, heart and cheeks.  

The proprietor of Prime Berth told us how he found a dead Sei Whale and brought it to an outlying island to decompose and have the bones dry up.  Later he collected all of the bones and put together the whale bones for a full skeleton for display. 

From a higher viewpoint we can see some of the buildings at the museum along with the boat used for whale and iceberg watching. 

There were flowers around the museum, including these laurels. 

I’m always looking for that unusual picture that I did not contrive.  These bottles, rocks, and shells were already situated by the window just begging me to take their picture.  So I did! 

Inside one of the museum buildings was this wanted sign.  I thought it was so funny I had to put it into the blog.  In case you cannot read it the sign reads “Twillingate Newfoundland: ‘Wanted’ A good women, must be able to clean, cook seal, dig worms, and clean fish.  Must have boat and motor.  Please send picture of boat and motor.”  LOL!!!

We are nearly finished touring the Prime Berth fishing museum and I head up to the bridge to get a fuller picture of the museum buildings.  The whale skeleton on the left, old fish shack on the right by the water and in the center building with a group is being shown how to fillet a cod fish.  A good visit. 

Just before getting onto the motor coach, I had to take a picture of the roses that were around the upper building and souvenir shop.   

Carmen found a plaque in the shop that said it all and thought I should get one.  I don’t think so! 

Just before getting on the coach, I get a picture of Carmen next to the jaw bone of a Fin whale with the roses in the background.   

Nearing Twillingate the sun begins to peak out of the clouds and I get this picture of the coast and dock.  There are a number of small islands here that adjoin the Twillingate island. 

Having passed through Twillingate we arrive at Long Point Lighthouse at Crow Head.  The fog and clouds have cleared off and we have a great view of the lighthouse and surrounding area. 

I thought this part of the building with the lighthouse was interesting; the building was built to contour the land, in this case downhill, but the window was installed level.  Got to love the different architecture we have seen. 

Looking down the coast from the lighthouse you can see how calm the water is this morning.  The clouds have disappeared and the fog has lifted and we have a fantastic clear view for miles. 

Once again I am stopped in my tracks by a flower.  As usually happens I take pictures of the flora and fauna.  Since we have not seen many animals I’ll show the flowers instead or in this case a single flower with several buds.

Moving to one of the few lookouts around the lighthouse we were able to see this iceberg in the distance.  It was pretty far away and I’m not sure how big it is, but it looks the size of a house. 

Looking below the lookout where we are standing we can see several fishing dory.  This one has one of the occupants pulling a cod fish out of the water. Anyone ready for a fish fry for dinner? 

Below the lookout cliff we are standing on we can see the rugged land outcropping.  Along the rocks are walking paths and what appears to be a golf flag, maybe for Frisbee golf.  I sure hope the wind doesn’t take the frisbee too far out of the way and into the water. 

Here is a fantastic group of the flowers captured by Carmen.  

 

Seen through the trees we get our last view of Long Point Lighthouse before leaving the area. 

Back on the coach we are passing once again through Twillingate and pass by a number of docks with both lobster and crab traps, sitting idle now that the fishing season is completed. 

While on our drive back towards Gander and the Canadian Trans-Continental Highway we see this amphibious air tanker, I think it is either a CL-215 or a CL-415, used to fight forest fires.  Not sure if it was in the process of fighting a fire or just moving from one place to another. 

Working our way to our next stop, Terra Nova National Park, we pass scenery of the surrounding lands that seem typical of this area.  Many fir trees with some birch mixed in and mountains in the background.  From this location we can see quite a distance.

Nearing our stop at the Terra Nova visitor center we see another pond, at least this time we have some sunshine and have reflections of the trees. 

At the Terra Nova visitor’s center they have a touch tank where you can see up close many of the variety of fish and crustaceans in and around the waters of Newfoundland.  Here we can see starfish, crabs, mussels, sea cucumber and scallops. 

There also was this extremely tiny fish in the tank that is only about 1/4 inch (or 6.5mm), very small.  The attendant mentioned the name of the fish, but I did not write it down and promptly forgot the fish’s name.   

Outside the visitor center, a number of kayaks are by the water ready for use.   

Passing through more of the fir forest, the trees here are slim and seem to be short as if we were in a higher altitude. 

One of the typical rivers we have passed and this one is very near Port Blandford our stop for the night. 

Here is the view from our Terra Nova Resort room as we get ready for dinner.  Tomorrow we will visit the Bonavista peninsula and return for another night here at the Terra Nova Resort.