The last day dawned already windy, as predicted. We were up early and broke camp to paddle back to Roberts Arm, into the wind. (Green line.) Mileage: 7.2 miles.
We had paddled 130 miles in 9 days, averaging 14.4 miles per day, a little more than our plan of 10 miles per day. We'd had a little rain during two nights but the rest of the time it was sunny and warm. We couldn't have asked for a better paddling vacation. We wished there'd been more time in the Bay of Exploits, but that would have to wait for another trip.
Freeman was there at the landing when we arrived. We waved and he walked over to greet us. "It's good to see you're back and safe, m'love." He watched as we began to unload, said the car had not been in his way at all, and that we'd be welcome back any time. We'd had nothing but kindness and warm welcome from all the Newfoundlanders we had met.
We had four days left to see more of the island so we headed to the west coast to go to Gros Morne National Park. We thought we'd seen the best that Newfoundland could offer, but we were mistaken. Gros Morne was astonishing.
Along the northern seacoast of Gros Morne, at Western Brook. Here the mountains recede from the sea and there is grassland and the only sandy beach we saw on our trip. Two caribou grazed on the grasses.
Wildflowers blooming on the dunes.
Norris Point at the mouth of Bonne Bay.