Day 73 Western Brook Pond 30th June 2015
By Mel
Another area of the Gros Morne National Park – Western Brook Pond – more a land locked lake with huge Fjord-like rocky walls. We were told a Fjord is salt water so technically, as this is fresh, it is not a Fjord. Not sure then what it is but it was spectacular. Another surprise – it is a part of the Appalachian mountain range.
A 1km walk in, mainly boardwalk with wild flowers, bog and birds. Apparently lots of interesting plants as plant lovers of the group were seen along the path bent in half with cameras focussed on the ground. At the end the walk opens out to a view of the boats moored at small wharf, and the steep rock faces opposite. Two red chairs on the lake.
The boat trip was a tad crowded, and showed signs of monopoly rudeness, but worth it. Example – Tony called in the morning to let them know our group numbers – as we boarded there was no discussion, no opportunity to change – 5 of us were sent to another boat, we were not concerned but not a great situation for our leader.
Along the way several waterfalls, some from a height of 3,000 feet. There path could barely be seen through the rock-face.
The rocks can speak for themselves:
the “Pond” before the boat turned around it stopped briefly at a small wharf.
A couple in identical gear with small packs got off. They were setting off on a 5(or so) day – hike heading into the end of the valley over to Gros Morne.
On the way back we broke out. After promising Tony we could complete the additional 2km walk and still make the bus we set off at a cracking pace. Chris was dubious as to my navigational skills.
Part way in, as we followed the lake in the opposite direction to where we needed to be, I too became a little stressed. The views of the fjord across the lake, and the wind-swept knotty trees.
Suddenly a sharp turn and we were heading in the right direction and with a sign showing we had plenty of time – we could relax.
Now following a river with huge single stones dropped by glaciers dotting the river side. I believe these are delightfully called “erratics”.
Not only made it back in time but caught up with a number of people from the group including one strong older woman, who at 80-plus, and overdue for hip surgery was doggedly moving on.
During one of our early morning menu choice hands-up we had asked Tony about the possibility of getting a lobster dinner for an extra charge. Tonight was to be the night – turned out to be only $12 extra each for a whole lobster instead of the usual bus-tour fare!
Never been a big lobster fan, the temptation of local and fresh encouraged me to try it. It was fantastic – fresh deliciousness. I was a little amateurish at getting to the meat but Al our driver cracked it open for me like the true pro he was.
After dinner Tony shared more about the Cod Moratorium and its dramatic impact on Newfoundland and it’s people. It began a stream of thought for me about making decisions from a distance, without local knowledge and all the facts. It seems local people and fisherman were not consulted about alternatives and the moratorium was imposed by government.
