Bonavista

So we headed off to this place because we heard it had beauty and history all around. Well, we immediatly knew we would make this a base for 6 days as we found great hiking trails, more friendly Newfies, and great scenery again. Bonavista is a fishing village today where John Cabot first made landfall in North America in 1497. We saw a replica of his ship, the Matthew- a 60 foot, three masted ship that none of us would sail across a lake in, much less the Northern Atlantic. We did however spend an enjoyable evening "down in the hole" listening to traditional Newfie music played by a couple of local guys. We were served fish cakes, homemade bread with patridgeberry jam, and gingerale (they can't serve the real stuff). Nice way to end our Labor Day weekend.

Another great sunset in Newfoundland! This is the view from the back of our place just outside Bonavista. Because it's late in the tourist season, we had the whole place to ourselves for 6 wonderful days. The owners were very helpful in sharing stories about the area and where to go for food and scenery.

This was our first hike, from a little fishing village called Elliston. The trail goes over a ridge to a wonderful promontory. No other hikers, so we just sat at this spot for an hour or so, had lunch, watched the kitiwakes sail around as well as watching some sea otters on the rocks below.

Also from the Elliston Trail (it actually goes to Spiller's Cove, another small fishing village). Search as we might for whales, we saw none this day, but a couple of days later we saw some (very far away) by the Bonavista Lighthouse.

This is the Bonavista Peninsula Lighthouse and it's right by the spot that John Cabot landed in 1497 while looking for the Northwest Passage. He didn't find that, but he did find the world's most productive fishing grounds (where there is now a moritorium because of overfishing).

Here is one of the first nice views along the Skerwink Trail, over by East Trinity. This trail makes our all time favorites list .. it was about a 6 mile loop, had some stiff ups and downs, and great views. The trail from here went up along the side of this cliff to the point.

Two more views along the Skerwink Trail. From here we wound our way back down to a beautiful beach overlooking the town of Trinity across the bay. Another great stop before heading back to the truck.

This old church is in Trinity (notice the graveyard, most churches have it right by the sanctuary). This little town is being made into a tourist destination and is being recreated in it's original look and feel. Too bad, because it'll become just another gift shop haven. The appeal is that it still looks quaint and original, but that won't last!

But here is a town that's not "discovered". It's called King's Cove, is still a sleepy fishing village, and had a nice trail that we hiked (also by a church similar to the one at Trinity)

Yep, it's a tough life hiking through the forests, stumbling over rocks and downed trees, reading trail maps and hoping you don't take a wrong turn or fall off a cliff into the surf. Bonavista turned out to be a pleasant surprise as our last major stop before heading back to the ferry and Nova Scotia.