A Stroll Through Change Islands

A Stroll Through Change Islands

Change Islands is on the northeast coast of Newfoundland and Labrador and is comprised of three islands, two of which are occupied. For more information on Change Islands please visit this link.

 

This fence caught my eye, as did the street signs in the shape of a fish.

 

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Beautiful old United Church. The doors were unlocked so I actually got to see the interior.

 

 

Unique buildings which all have a curved roof.  This curved roof design  was common  on Change Islands but rarely found elsewhere in Newfoundland. The yellow house was a cottage built  in the early 1900’s by Walter and Raymond Torraville.

 

I feel we are all islands – in a common sea.  Anne Morrow Lindbergh

 

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A patchwork roof….thrifty and eye pleasing.

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Driving across the tickle (Newfoundland word for ‘narrow strait’) on the Spencer Bridge, this lovely pop of colour makes a welcoming statement.

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Salt in the air in the middle of nowhere.  (Pinterest)

 

This is not a walk where you would ever be bored.

 

While there I met some interesting people who have bought summer homes on Change Islands.  They love this place and enjoy the many opportunities for painting and photography. One of the people I met is a brilliant artist  Susan Abma    Susan graciously showed us some of her paintings. Please click the link to view some of her work.

 

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You can find me where the music meets the ocean.

 

Beautiful wildflowers along the way….Butter and Eggs.

Hooded ladies’-tresses……..a first time ID for me.

Musk mallow

 

For all your shopping needs……….

 

I live in a very small house, but my windows look out on a very large world.   Confucius

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For the right understanding of a landscape,  information must come to the intelligence from all the senses.   Thomas A. Clark   In Praise of Walking

 

I hope you have enjoyed your walk through Change Islands. For information on the  ferry schedule from Farewell to Change Islands and Fogo, please call 1 888 638 5454.

 

Photos L & C Fudge

 

 

Erin Mountain Trail

Erin Mountain Trail

Barachois Pond Provincial Park is one of the largest parks in Newfoundland and is located near Stephenville Crossing. Barachois Pond Provincial Park – The Canadian Encyclopedia

Erin Mountain Trail is located within the park and I was told, it was named after the grandson of an MHA who was  involved with the development of the park in the late 1950’s.

The park was opened in 1962 and has a large variety of trees. There are spruce, fir, larch, aspen,black ash and white pine.

 

360 meters

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The trail is rated moderate/difficult and, according to the park board, is 6 km return. A guide book lists it as being 8 km, a newspaper article as being 10 and still another source, says 12 km! I didn’t have my Garmin with me, so I can’t confirm. My estimate would be 8 km.

….and off we go.

Some of the boardwalk was quite slick and slippery. It was wet and  seemed as if it were covered with some kind of tree (?) residue.

Stairs and more stairs.

Beautiful wildflowers along the way.

 

May your trails be crooked, winding, lonesome, dangerous, leading to the most amazing view. May your mountains rise into and above the clouds.  Edward Abbey

 

These little toads were everywhere along the trail and they are camouflaged so well, I almost stepped on them a couple of times. They are quite amazing. My husband tapped one gently  with his hiking stick and it tucked its head and played dead. Nature is wondrous.

The ferns were ginormous and sections of the trail were a little difficult.

No moose sightings, but they did leave a little gift.

After the hike, our feet were quite wet.

Thousands of tired, nerve-shaken, over-civilized people are beginning to find that going to the mountains is going home; that wildness is a necessity.  John Muir

Hope you enjoyed the hike.

 

photos L & C Fudge