We Adore Labrador!

Wednesday, June 14, 2023

Hi Blog!

The last time we visited Newfoundland, we didn't have enough time for a side trip to Labrador. For this trip, we made sure to put a visit to Labrador on the itinerary. We started our adventure in St. Barbe where we caught the ferry to Blanc Sablon, Quebec. Because the ferries are affected by the rise and fall of the tide, the ramps can be very steep. There was a possibility that the motorhome could scrape bottom and, if it did, the motorhome might not be able to make the journey. We thought it best not to keep the Jeep attached. So, we drove the RV and Jeep separately.  Just in case, David wished Kathy and Dusty well and asked them to take photos if he and the Buster were turned away at the ferry dock.

Below, Dusty waits patiently with the cars and small RVs.

Buster got its own parking spot right next to the guy with the lobster boat.

We watched as the ferry pulled into the dock.

As the ferry approached, the prow lifted up and a large ramp was maneuvered into position. We watched as several big trucks struggled to make it down the ferry ramp to the dock. After the big boys left the ferry, another ramp opened INSIDE the ferry and all the little cars came up from the bowels of the boat.

Before long, it was our turn to drive onto the ferry. This is a very stressful time. The tolerances are pretty tight. We didn't think about taking photos. We were just happy we both got on the same boat!

We enjoyed our picnic lunch in the lounge and kept track of the icebergs floating by. As soon as one got close, Kathy was up out of her chair with phone in hand, ready to capture the moment.

The bergs were so close, we could almost reach out and touch them.

For some folks, this is the first time they have seen an iceberg. This little one was so excited she almost bounced out of my photo.

Dave and Buster (no relation to the BBQ joint), with Flip and Ruby on board, were the first off the ferry, and made their way directly to our campground an hour north in Red Bay, Labrador. Kathy stopped at two different visitor centers to pick up maps and brochures. With both of us driving a vehicle, there wasn't much opportunity for photo ops. However, Dave did stop long enough in St. Modeste to let some traffic pass and snapped this photo of some bergy bits with the harbour light in St. Modeste.

The Harbour View RV Park in Red Bay leaves a lot to be desired, but one thing it does supply is a great view of the Red Bay Harbour.

Red Bay is a fishing village in Labrador, notable as one of the most precious underwater archaeological sites in the Americas. Between 1530 and the early 17th century, it was a major Basque whaling area. Several whaling ships, both large galleons and small chalupas, sank there, and their discovery led to the designation of Red Bay in 2013 as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

We look forward to learning more about Red Bay and the history of the Basques in this area. However, right now we are enjoying Happy Hour watching the icebergs float by.

There is an overgrown trail that leads right down to the cove.  On her walk this afternoon, Ruby started to make her way down, but got distracted by all the new smells.

Keep your fingers crossed that the weather holds out long enough for us to hike the Tracey Hill Trail. The 689 steps offer a panoramic view of Red Bay, the historic places, the beautiful scenery, and the folklore of the area. 

Dave and I both agree that the Labrador Coast Drive is one of the most scenic drives we have ever taken. While the Alcan Highway is impressive in its length, and the Trans-Canada Highway through the high Canadian Rockies is unforgettable, the Labrador Coastal Drive has the best of both. You are not just driving at the base of the mountains; you are driving up and down them. The views are expansive, the terrain rugged and wild. At times, we felt like we were driving across the tops of the White Mountains of New Hampshire.

In the next few days, we hope to be able to share with you some of our adventures in Labrador. In the meantime, stay thirsty, my friends.