The
weather websites predicted rain all three full days we were on the north side
of Gros Morne National Park.
Unexpectedly the first day turned out okay – that was the day we heard all the
rangers. It rained on the second day so we mostly hunkered down in our cozy
trailer. It’s good to have a rest day and, rare for us, we could get WiFi from
our campsite! The third day didn’t look great, but since it wasn’t raining we chanced
hikes.
Bill’s
Hike
Bill
tried Gros Morne Mountain,
an iconic but strenuous 10-mile hike up 2600-ft. It’s the second tallest
mountain in Newfoundland
and on a clear day commands a great view.
The
first 2.5 miles of the trail climbs steadily through the forest to a viewing
platform. When you arrive at the viewing platform hikers are advised to assess
conditions on whether to continue on the tough section – climbing up a steep scree
slope and down a boulder-strewn path sometimes near steep drop-offs.
The
mountain was foggy, but Bill could still see hundreds of feet so thought it
safe, even if he wouldn’t get good views.
So
he continued past the viewing platform and 1/3 of the way up the scree slope
and found SNOW – melted and refrozen and slippery in the drizzle. Going up
wasn’t too bad, but going down was treacherous even with trekking poles.
Not
knowing the trail or the conditions ahead, Bill turned around and headed back
to the parking lot. Sometimes the mountain wins.
Barbara’s
Hike
Since
Bill had the car, Barbara chose a trail fairly close to our campsite – doing a
6.5-mile hike that went to Bakers
Brook Falls.
Lots of long boardwalk stretches along this easy path which went through boreal
forest, meadow and marsh.
Wildflowers
lined the path,
including
more pitcher plants.
Barbara
made it to the falls.
It
rained substantially at the end of the day. Glad we were off the trail by then
and in our comfy trailer.
