I recognize many of the areas we pass from our last visit 6 yrs ago.
Still cool but no rain!! Seeing a pattern here, dry in the mornings, even a few rays of sun! Then it gets cloudy and showers roll in after lunch.
We have been doing less mileage yesterday (240 km) & now today, & next few days to coordinate around the wet weather & make our overnight ferry reservation from Port aux Basque to North Sydney, N.S.
It's been a choice of going earlier in the day when it is still less than 10C out but dry or leave bit later when it has warmed up bit more and rain moves in....
The winds remain gusty as we wait for the ferry (pic in yesterday's post) & thankfully it doesn't rain as we sit on the bikes, last in line to board.
The terminal building at Blanc Sablon is in worse shape than it was 6 yrs ago. The staff still friendly & helpful.
The trip only about 1.5 hrs long & hot food & drink on board to make it more comfortable. I found it very warm, stuffy.
We disembarked with the others as we were halfway up the boat at one side where the bikes had to be tied off (they will supply the ratchet straps if you don't have them but you have to do it yourself).
We headed south at St Barbe, the weather shifting to more cloud & showers imminent. The original plan was to head north & explore St Anthony since we skipped it last time but the weather has us heading toward where we know it will warm up, in a few days anyway.
The change in scenery was energizing. Where Labrador had sparse, tall, thin trees & lots of rock, Nfld trees are in this area are shorter, wider, almost appearing stunted. Near the shore they lean way, way back from the fierce ocean winds.
People plant sections of gardens along the highway because of the rich soil cleared from the making of the highway, from years before. These little plots are fenced in to protect them from wildlife.
Being wary of moose, deer & any other critters that might be near the road. I am also vigilant of oncoming drivers who may seem to be drifting toward me due to driver distraction (texting) or fatigue. People drive very fast along Hwy 430 & we gladly pull over to the right to let them blow by.
I found Labrador to be very stark, it's wilderness stoic - quiet, strong with a harshness that can appear out of nowhere. It demands your focus & respect in a peaceful, looming kind of presence.
The drive south was paved, full of beautiful curves and little traffic. Pat has worked out our mileage & we are getting about 550 km to a tankful (22 litres).
Had a quick bite at the same restaurant we did 6 yrs ago in Torrent River.
Approaching Daniel's Harbour, the rain began & we unloaded to our accommodation, glad to be warm overnight.
Mileage today 168 km
I posted this on Facebook today. We both have a copy of it to stick on our side box
View from the window behind our accommodation in Daniel's Harbour. The room nothing special - just the view 😃
A special mention to my cousin Martha's hubby Byron.......Byron you ignited the desire to complete this trip when we last met 6 yrs ago. You too had the dream to complete this journey, and we have mentioned a number of times how we wish you could be here too. Thank you for being a special part of our journey Byron!!
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