Too Good Arm Hiking Trail

FeaturedToo Good Arm Hiking Trail

Just 25 kms from Twillingate is another little gem. Exit Route 346 onto Route 340, drive 12 kms down this road and you will find yourself in Too Good Arm. Another small Newfoundland outport with a unique name, but this one has a newly upgraded/built hiking trail.

According to MHA Derek Bennett, the trail was recently upgraded through a Community Employment Enhancement Program (CEEP). I believe this is a great use of government funds, providing work which in turn encourages people to explore, exercise, enjoy nature and overall maintain a healthy lifestyle.

The hiking sticks at the beginning of the trail are a lovely addition and I would suggest using one. Of course…….return it on the way out.

The trail is not long, we clocked 3.33 kms return. It does seem longer because there are so many coves to walk to and if you explore further you will add to your hiking distance. Today was an absolutely gorgeous day in this almost snow-less January. The shrubs and lichen looked more like fall than mid winter.

Too Good Arm Hiking Trail

Our way of walking on the Earth has a great influence on animals and plants. Yet we act as if our daily lives have nothing to do with the condition of the world. We are like sleepwalkers, not knowing what we are doing or where we are heading. The future of all life, including our own, depends on our mindful steps. We have to hear the bells of mindfulness that are sounding all across our planet. We have to start learning how to live in a way so that a future will be possible for our children and our grandchildren. Our own life has to be our message.

Thich Nhat Hanh

Walking in nature is a most awesome way to practice mindfulness……..hmm, perhaps we were talking too much today.:)

Triangle Pond 🙂

A rock outcrop, a hedge, a fallen tree, anything that turns us our of our way, is an excellent thing on a walk.

In Praise of Walking…Thomas A. Clark

Hiking………….one of my favourite things to do.

Featured

White’s Wharf……a landmark in the Cove……

……………………………..a tale, not a trail or a trek.

The wharf and stage were built by my father and uncles in Comfort Cove, approximately 80 years ago and while it has had much reconstruction over the years, it still stands.

Many family boats have docked here over the years and its splitting table has been used for cleaning many, many cod fish. It has also hosted many Chip-Chip games—-I am still not sure if this was a game invented by my brother…. but it sure was fun! Years later I taught my two daughters, my four grandchildren, nieces and great-nephews how to play. The wharf was also where my daughters and grandchildren would spend countless hours catching connors. My father spent time with our daughters on this wharf, a luxury of time he did not have when I was little. He did, however, bring my attention to the tenacious bluebell (harebell) which grew in the cliff by the wharf. I still marvel at the sheer determination of this beautifully coloured flower.

Cleaning cod fish.

Siblings, cousins, aunts, uncles, children , grandchildren and friends from away, all visit the wharf on occasion. The wharf and stage have also been used as the backdrop for many family wedding photos, the latest being that of my father’s great granddaughter.

White’s Wharf

After the death of my father and uncles, my cousin and two brothers have given much to the wharf’s upkeep, through both hard physical labour and financially. The extended White family, friends and neighbours are very thankful.

Happy Hour.

We moved back to the Cove approximately 6 years ago and this Happy Hour was actually held on a warm June day on the wharf……..the Cove was still full of bits of ice. I was joined by two other Whites on this particular occasion, and it was idyllic. My father probably wouldn’t approve of the Happy Hour.:)

The wharf is/was the launching point of many boating trips by all members of the White family.

Thankfully my four grandchildren love trips in the boat. My youngest grandson frequently likes to sit and contemplate during boat rides.

A recent high tide!

The wharf had a major upgrade this year and thankfully these recent high tides caused no damage.

A lovely Christmas 2019 scene across from our wharf.

Winter Scene.

Last year with my husband’s help ( well, he did most of the work:)), we decided to make the wharf a little festive during the Christmas season and this year we lit it up again. I hope this becomes an annual tradition.

Christmas in the Cove.

In this world of upheaval, change, angst, despair, hope and joy, the White family has experienced it all…….. the one constant ………… my father’s wharf.

A toast on White’s Wharf

……and from whatever country in the world you are reading this blog, my Christmas wish to you is that you keep your Christmas simple and make some fun. Merry Christmas/Happy Holidays from Treks, Trails & Tales.

Maple Ridge Trail, Triton NL

FeaturedMaple Ridge Trail, Triton NL

Come with me and we will explore Maple Ridge Trail…… but first let’s take a stroll around Triton and view the town’s bus shelters….yes, you read that correctly.

I always promote reading and really, really like this one

Amazing.

…and yes we all need to give thanks to our firefighters.

Put a window in this one, some sort of door for inclement weather, give me a stack of books and I am not coming out to catch the bus. 🙂

They are all works of art, such talent.

http://www.townoftriton.ca

It’s time to hike the trail. It’s rated moderate-extreme not because of the length of the trail but because of the number of steps.

I have two doctors, my left leg and my right.

G. M. Trevelyan

Nice to get your bearings and see where you are!

I`ve hiked enough coastal trails to know that when I see steps going down, it usually means I am going to be climbing up very soon.

A beautiful fall day in Triton, Newfoundland.

It was definitely worth the climb.

Go and explore!

Comfort Cove…..October’s Party

FeaturedComfort Cove…..October’s Party

We are celebrating our fall season in Newfoundland, Canada and October has been a glorious month to date. Comfort Cove, located on the island’s northeast coast, is dressed in my favorite colours. My hike today meandered onto Bight Road and my senses were on full alert.

Nature is not a place to visit, it is home.

Forest Photography, Wise Nature Saying

October’s Party

by George Cooper

October gave a party;

The leaves by hundreds came

The Chestnuts, Oaks and Maples,

And leaves of every name.

The Sunshine spread a carpet,

And everything was grand,

Miss Weather led the dancing,

Professor Wind the band.

The Chestnuts came in yellow,

The Oaks in crimson dressed,

The lovely Misses Maple

In scarlet looked their best;

All balanced to their partners,

And gaily fluttered by;

The sight was like a rainbow

New fallen from the sky.

Then, in the rustic hollow,

At hide-and-seek they played,

The party closed at sundown,

And everybody stayed,

Professor Wind played louder;

They flew along the ground;

And then the party ended

In jolly “hands around.”

Cheerful Charlie is visiting from Nova Scotia

………………..and stops by for a visit with Gerald, a man we all miss on Bight Road.

…………..and then I make my way gnome to my little forest.

White’s Wharf……a landmark in the Cove……

……………………………..a tale, not a trail or a trek. The wharf and stage were built by my father and uncles in Comfort Cove, approximately 80 years ago and while it has had much reconstruction over the years, it still stands. Many family boats have docked here over the years and its splitting table has been used … Continue reading White’s Wharf……a landmark in the Cove…… →

by carolfromthecove

Rose Blanche Lighthouse

FeaturedRose Blanche Lighthouse

Rose Blanche is located on the southwest shore of Newfoundland on route 470, approximately 45 km from Port Aux Basques. Allow extra time for traveling this route, for although the road is in good condition, it winds along the coast with many turns and twists.

The lighthouse was built with stone from a local granite quarry.

The Lighthouse is accessed by an easy walking, circular, gravel trail that showcases spectacular views of both the ocean and the harbour. Midway around the trail is the historic Rose Blanche Lighthouse, originally built in 1871 and restored in 1999. Rose Blanche Lighthouse Inc. has dedicated this restored lighthouse to all those mariners who sail our shores and the lights and their keepers that bring them home.

http://roseblanchelighthouse.ca

A short beautiful walk brings you face to face with so much history…………….Robert Louis Stevenson connections, wow!

The building was likely designed by either Oake or J.T. Neville, with D & Stevenson, lighthouse engineers from Edinburgh, Scotland advising, designing and supplying the original lighting apparatus. The company, named after the father and uncle of Robert Louis Stevenson, designed a number of lighthouses in the UK and Newfoundland, including the one at Ferryland.

heritage.nf.ca

Love these stones.

During the 70 years in which the lighthouse operated, it had 6 light keepers…..John A. Roberts, John Cook, Bruce Cook, Philip Hatcher, James Skinner and it seems as if Philip Hatcher did a second term and was the last keeper to work here. Oh, to have interviewed them! They must have experienced some ferocious storms.

We have a light upon our house, and it gives hope to all who sail upon the stormy seas. Do ya know what it means to have a light burning atop your home? It is safety, a place of refuge, seen by all that as a signal that ye stand for something greater than this world, greater than us all.

James Michael Pratt, The Lighthouse Keeper

There are always new places to explore in Newfoundland!

    Isle aux Morts

    FeaturedIsle aux Morts

    Situated on the rugged shoreline of Newfoundland’s South West Coast, Isle aux Morts is a perfect destination for visitors looking for breathtaking scenery. Hills carpeted in reds, greens and gold of Newfoundland’s mossy terrain surround the “Island of the Dead”, a fitting name considering the hundreds of ships and lives that have been lost off the Isle aux Morts Coast.

    isleauxmorts.ca Town of Isle aux Morts

    We had a lovely lunch at the entrance of Isle aux Morts, overlooking the Boat Cove Trail. Because of time constraints, we were unable to walk the Harvey Trail but so look forward to returning to this area.

    We did the short trail down to Boat Cove Pond making note of the flora along the way. Asters, Canada Burnet (bottle brush) and pitcher plants, to name a few.

    Imagine! An interesting story.

    Boat Cove Pond, Isle aux Morts

    In 1828 the Harvey family, with the aid of their Newfoundland dog, “Hairyman”, rescued 163 people from the sinking brig “Despatch”, shipwrecked on the rocks off Isle aux Morts. They made another daring rescue in 1838, saving 25 crew members from the Glasgow ship, the “Rankin”. The present day Coast Guard Ship, “Ann Harvey”, is named in memory of the daughter of George Harvey who, while she was only 17 years old, assisted in these heroic deeds.

    isleauxmorts.ca Town of Isle aux Morts

    Get both physical and mental exercise…….visit the town of Isle aux Morts.

    Isle aux Morts

    Rose Blanche Lighthouse

    Rose Blanche is located on the southwest shore of Newfoundland on route 470, approximately 45 km from Port Aux Basques. Allow extra time for traveling this route, for although the road is in good condition, it winds along the coast with many turns and twists. The Lighthouse is accessed by an easy walking, circular, gravel … Continue reading Rose Blanche Lighthouse →

    by carolfromthecove

    Goodyear’s Cove Trails

    FeaturedGoodyear’s Cove Trails

    Goodyear’s Cove is a great little campground located just outside of South Brook, NL and has a few short trails to keep you active. The park has been in operation now for approximately 55 years and has had many upgrades.

    We were very fortunate in having the mayor of South Brook register us for our campground. Don is a delightful, interesting man who has overcome many life challenges and still has an amazing sense of humour.

    Come with me, the view from the top is worth the climb.

    Climbing uphill, the horizon grows wider;

    In Praise of Walking Thomas A. Clark

    ….descending, the hills gather round.

    In Praise of Walking Thomas A. Clark

    Another short but peaceful trail goes around the pond. A lovely early morning walk.

    Walking is good for solving problems…it’s like the feet are little psychiatrists.

    Terri Guillemets

    Exploring Rencontre East

    FeaturedExploring Rencontre East

    Rencontre East is located in Fortune Bay on the South Coast of Newfoundland and is accessible by ferry……. just foot traffic, no vehicles. The trip is approximately 1 hr 45 mins one way and offers amazing views of the coast. We also saw many different seabirds, whales and several schools of dolphins.

    Views from the Terra Nova.
    ……and they really do!

    The current population of this most interesting place is 120 with 22 school children. One student graduated this year and won a prestigious scholarship!

    Welcoming committee.
    Just in case you doubt that they don’t…….they thought they would say it again.

    This is a community that is surviving and appears to be doing well because of aquaculture, people who come to explore in the summer (there are three B & Bs here owned by the same couple who offer a variety of outdoor adventures), and because some work away ….weeks on/weeks off. There are two general stores, a post office and a small health clinic which I find impressive …..many of these small communities are not as fortunate.

    As we began our walk, another welcoming committee greeted us.
    A community garden and greenhouses.
    Painted coal buckets, humour and Rod Stewart’s boat??
    We had our picnic lunch (no restaurant, so we packed our own) overlooking this beautiful cove. This grey house with blue trim is one of the B & Bs. Chart House, Rencontre East located in its very own little cove.

    https://southcoastvacation.ca

    …and of course we did the trail around the pond, unfortunately we didn’t get to do the trail to the lake. A return visit with a longer stay is on my bucket list….have to stay at the Chart House and do some more exploring.

    This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is 20200811_133014-768x1024-768x1024-2-e1597795790792.jpg

    Go….explore Newfoundland and Labrador.

    The most lonely places are the most lovely.

    In Praise of Walking Thomas A. Clark

    Gun Hill Trail, Trinity NL

    FeaturedGun Hill Trail, Trinity NL

    Having done a portion of the Gun Hill Trail previously, we opted to do the Lower Gun Hill Trail. This trail goes through the woods around the base of the hill and also leads to the ocean and back to beautiful Trinity. An easy trail with a little incline.

    The trail begins behind the Royal Bank and finishes behind Rising Tide Theater. At the beginning of the trail is this beautiful heritage home and gardens.

    Beginning of trail

    Foxgloves and beauty everywhere.
    Along Gun Hill Trail

    The trail passes an old graveyard………………..

    …..and so I went exploring.

    After doing some research, I found the answers.

    http://www.newfoundlandshipwrecks.com

    Lion  

    Vessel Registry    Owner
    Registration No.
    Official No.
    Vessel Name
    Place Constructed
    Year Constructed
    No. of Decks
    No. of Masts
    Type of Vessel

    Length (ft)
    Width (ft)
    Depth (ft)
    Gross Tonnage
    Net Tonnage
    Year Registered
    Official Closure Year
    Place of Closure
    Actual Closure Date


    Walter Grieve & Co
    S866106
    052320
    Lion
    Greenspond, Bonavista Bay
    1866
    2
    2
    Steam/Sail

    140
    28
    16
    393
    292
    1866
    1882
    Trinity Bay, NL
    1882    		The S.S. Lion was another vessel whose loss at sea had a devastating impact on Trinity and the surrounding small communities as they lost some of their most prominent citizens when this vessel went down in the Baccalieu Tickle on January 6, 1882. Included amongst them was The LionCaptain Patrick Fowlow of the nearby community of Trinity East, a well skilled Captain, Rev. Hugh Foster and his wife who were coming to take up duties in the Parish of Trinity, as well as Charles Power, a well established merchant. The images and documents that you will see and read concerning the mysterious loss of this vessel will make you wonder about what actually happened on that fateful night, what happened to the wreckage and the bodies of those on board, as only that of Mrs. Cross was found floating onshore. Listen to Mrs. Florence Barbour give an account of her grandmother’s sixth sense prediction about the Lion being lost and see if you can figure out what happened to the Lion that night.  
    Images   AudioDocuments
    Click the link above and discover more information on the SS Lion


    Loving my Columbia hiking boots from Blue Ridge. Check out the store with the link below.
    http://www.theoutdoorsupplystore.com

    Go, explore our beautiful province.

    It does not matter how slowly you go as long as you do not stop.

    Country Living

    photos C & L Fudge

    Chamber Cove Trail…..learning about one of the worst disasters in United States Naval history.

    FeaturedChamber Cove Trail…..learning about one of the worst disasters in United States Naval history.

    This is a short trail, approximately 4 km return. After walking the dirt path/road that leads to the Cove, the scenery is spectacular.

    On February 18, 1942 an horrific naval disaster occurred on

    Newfoundland’s south coast.


    https://www.mun.ca/mha/polluxtruxtun/index.php

    Click the link above and read this horrific and heroic story.

    The Truxtun was trapped in Chamber Cove and the Pollux about one and a half miles west at Lawn Point. The Truxtun was carrying 156 men and the Pollux 233. For hours, these men fought to survive in the driving sleet, howling wind, and bitter cold of the North Atlantic.

    The Story – Dead Reckoning: The Pollux-Truxtun Disaster