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Trinity and the Bonavista Peninsula: cliffs, vistas and icebergs!
On day 3, we left St-John’s early, direction Trinity, in the Bonavista peninsula. A quaint little town on the water with several local attractions.
We checked in at the Artisan Inn and immediately made our way the Two Whales restaurant which we found from an ,article in the Globe and Mail. Excellent vegetarian fare and great atmosphere!!
Then on to the highlight of the Discovery trail section: the Sherwink Trail.
What a beauty!!
As we climbed up high to the top of the peninsula, walking along the cliffs, we marvelled at the chiseled rocks along the cliffs and the numerous sea stacks emerging from the sea.
I must say it was one of the most spectacular trail I have hiked and understand absolutely why it is rated as one of the top 35 trails in North America and Europe.
at the bottom of the trail, we arrive at a rocky beach. Of course Chuck does a great skip rock throw which can not be reproduced for the camera 🙂
We then drive to the lighthouse that we could see from the trail.
It is hard for pictures to render the magnificence of the views and the incredible sounds of the sea crashing against the rocks!! The trail skirted the cliffs much closer than comfortable for Chuck and the hike was fairly stiff but the views at the top were well worth the effort!
Back to our Inn for happy hour at the beautiful lounge upstairs from the dining room where I discover the local seaweed gin and tonic with iceberg ice!! Off for dinner at the marina for more cod.
On day 4, we woke early and left for Bonavista with a stop in Elliston and it was well worth it. First we spent time learning about the sealing way of life and the great tragedy of 1914…what a tough life…
Onward to Puffin island where we walked up to the edge of the hills to be within a stone throw of the island and witnessing puffin nesting and flying…beautiful sighting.
Along the way, we spotted multiples root collars, very hobbit-like…it is the capital of the world for root cellars after all!!
But the cherry on the cake on Sunday awaited us….we continued our trip to Spillar’s Cove and Cable John Cove. After a short walk from the end of the paved road, the vista opens up to an amazing sight!! Cliffs, iceberg, caves and more…I had to sit and take it in. Absolutely beautiful!!
Next stop is the dungeon, a sea cave with a collapsed roof, very neat again…. and a good hike on a road full of potholes 🙂
We then make it to the Cape Shore Trail along the sea to the John Cabot statue to commemorate his discovery of the continent as well as the large Bonavista lighthouse which today is honking constantly for fog.
We come back to Trinity just in time to visit the black smith and the cooperage house. The blacksmith is on duty working and spends time with us to discuss his trade. Very interesting.
Back home for happy hour where we meet a lovely couple from Vancouver and enjoy a nice dinner at the Inn where we meet a very knowledgeable amateur whale photographer from England. A few spots added to our bucket list!
2 nights in St-John’s with an “s”
We begin our 2 weeks trip to Newfoundland with our landing in St-John’s landing mid afternoon. After picking up our rental car from Avis we make our way easily to our first home here, The Murray Premises Boutique Hotel.
We are pleasantly surprised with convenient free parking right in front of the hotel and a quaint reception area.
We decide to begin our hiking right away and head for the long path along the water up to signal point. Absolutely beautiful views of the city as we hike up and several stretches where Chuck finds it much too close to the edge 😂
We are also excited to see our first of many icebergs!
Our Fitbit indicates that we covered 12km that day and 18,000 steps!!
After visiting at the top a bit, we head back down via the city on a steep decline which turns out to be much harder on my knee!!
Back in the city, we head to Trapper John’s for the screeched in ceremony. We are greeted John who was a very colourful fellow with lots of stories.
We discover that this involves 4 things. We must eat something from Newfoundland which turns out to be bologna or what is known as a Newfoundland steak. We must have a shot of screech rum. Which is Jamaican rhum bottled here in Newfoundland. We must repeat a local saying about old friend being the support for our sailing forward, very lovely. Then we must kiss the king of Newfoundland which of course is a frozen cod. We perform all these steps to John’s multiple stories and receive our certificate making us honorary Newfoundlanders!
We then head to a local pub on George St for some cod and local music.
On Sunday we head south to Cape Spear, the easternmost point in North America and hike part of the eastern coast trail toward Maddox Cove.
We are treated to beautiful cliffs and more icebergs. The scenery is reminiscing of the northern Scotland we visited a few years ago. Very windy coast!
Our stop for lunch is at the Murray Landscaper Grounds cafe (farm to fork) as featured in an article in the Globe and Mail that we had read. Excellent vegan food in a nice, bright and airy dining room.
We then drive up to Stiles Coves to hike up to the beautiful cliffs and waterfall.
Well worth the drive/hike. A little bit down the road we stop at the end of the Pouch Cove trail in Flatrock to take a look at the flat rocks, the waterfall in Big River and the stunning waves crashing on those rocks. Loved it!!
We then make a stop at the Quidi Vidi brewery for a few sampler of the local beer, one of which made with iceberg water, before heading back home.
Our Fitbit today says 14 km, 20,500 steps.
Well earned dinner at Exile, the restaurant part of the Jag hotel owned by the cousin of one of Chuck’s friend. What an awesome decor and atmosphere with multiple posters of music legends.
Day 2 – on our way to Paros
We were booked on a 5pm ferry to Paros today and had made tentative plans to visit Athens some more.
Made it on this gigantic ferry. Couldn’t believe how many people came out of that ship!
Had an exquisite dinner opening with eggplant rolls and sea pies… Yum !!!
Martine's food and places 