June 21, 2014. Notre Dame Provincial Park to Twillingate

We didn't make it very far today, but the miles were all out-of-our-way, so we didn't get too far astray.

We awoke to misty skies, but at least it wasn't raining. We cooked coffee, walked around the campground, and saw a few birds, including a nesting Downy Woodpecker who was feeding large wasps to her kids. This might be the first breeding bird we've seen in Canada.

People had recommended that we take a short detour to visit a historic site, so we did. Being Canada's National Aboriginal Day, it was appropriate to visit the only known village of the Beothuk people. Interesting, industrious, and clever people, they didn't survive the colonization by European settlers. We hiked the 1/2-mile trail to the village site in the mist and drizzle. The trail was nice and they identified many of the plants along the way. At the village site, we were able to see the outlines of several structures that had been various huts and tepees. We also saw three sets of Dark-eyed Juncos feeding young, plus White-throated Sparrow, American Robins, and a male Black-throated Green Warbler. For the annual celebration, the staff of the museum had store-bought cake and "moose and brewis" (see below) for visitors to enjoy. I found the brewis tasty, but Liz was not impressed.

From there, we couldn't resist driving a bit farther astray to see what Dildo Run Provincial Park was all about. It was not what we expected but eating a late lunch there, we decided to continue out towards the end of the road just to see what was there.

Arriving in Twillingate in the fog and misty rain, we were greeted by another harbor full of ice bergs -- so many and so big that there was a traffic jam on the causeway because people were stopping on the narrow road to take photos. This place is amazing, even if a bit cold. After three nights in campgrounds, we got a room in a nice B&B and went out for dinner on the harbor. Liz ate cod, and I ate "fish and brewis" (pronounced "brews"), which is a traditional Newfoundland meal consisting of codfish, onions, and hard tack. In many Newfoundland households, this is a delicacy to be served as a main meal, and I agree that it is tasty.

Note: All distances, elevations, and other facts are approximate.
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