Hi all – Carl and I are enjoying a day off in Burgeo. Had done our long paddle yesterday under threat of 20 to 25 knot south winds for the next 4 days – which meant building seas bouncing off the rocky shore and cliffs. Forecast was off, as today is foggy with hardly a breath of wind. But, we were in need of a day off after yesterday’s marathon. More importantly, we needed to chat with some locals about the next stretch of coast – as the cliffs rise and the landing sites decrease. A shower and laundry facilities at the Sandbanks Provincial Park Campground were a definite bonus!
The Newfoundland hospitality – which has been part of the lore we read in planning this trip – is even more so than could be imagined. We have not met someone who is anything other than excessively helpful and friendly. From the ferry workers unloading our kayaks and moving them across the parking area to their facility boat launch (via forklift, us following in blaze orange vests), to folks in Rose Blanche who let us use the phone and washroom, to Cindy, Clyde and Joe in Grand Brit who filled us in on town history as we watched the last ferry come and go, to SueAnn at the Campground to Dorim and Martine of Burgeo Haven Bed and Breakfast, to the Seaview Lounge – where I am on the internet and Carl is having a beer and playing pool! There are others we have met on the way.
Dorim was the man we were looking for today. In addition to a B and B, he runs kayaking tours and was able to give us some additional information about the next stretch of coast line. Verifying some potential landings and camp areas, cautioning others and giving us a few more spots to consider. We also wanted to verify the ferry schedule between these coastal towns, which is our back up plan in case of bad weather. Not to mention some of the local cool things to see – such as caves and pinacles and general fantastic scenery.
All right -gotta go sort through maps and gear. Until the next time!
Nancy