Day 10 saw us heading back for the TCH and making our way towards Port aux Basques. We pulled out of Rocky Harbour at about 9:30 AM headed for Deer Lake. We really enjoyed our time puttering about Gros Morne and the communities within... It's a real jewel as far as National Parks go!

The Newfoundland Insectarium is located just outside of Deer Lake. We had been to insect exhibits in NYC and Philly and really enjoyed them. Didn't expect to see one in Newfoundland though... as I think of the "Mosquito" as a possible main attraction. Surprise! Awesome little museum. The butterfly sampling rivaled any other we've seen. Further, the guide we stumbled upon was excellent and so helpful, especially with the "Honey Bee" and "Leaf Cutter Ant" exhibits. We had a great visit and were amused when we saw commercials for this attraction while on the ferry home!

For sustenance, we stopped for dinner at the Big Stop in Deer Lake. We had somehow thought there was a Big Stop on the road to St. Anthony, but settled for it nicely on Wednesday. We usually stop at the Big Stop in Salisbury, NB on our way home from the US, so the mug up in Deer Lake felt appropriate. It was also about half way through the day's driving, so it broke up the travel nicely.

We arrived at Barachois Pond Provincial Park at around 2:30 and, after registering and selecting a suitable campsite, we set up camp for Wednesday evening. Nice location, with a campsite dropped down from the road, a fire pit/picnic table, and an overlook on Barachois Pond. We set up the tent and Janie and Peter headed out for supplies. I mucked around the site setting up a fire to go with the couple of stacks of fire wood Janie had purchased. Monica and I had a Crazy Eights marathon (we won 5 games each, then quit amicably without a winner). Before supper, Janie and the kids went for a "cool" dip in the lake while I sparked up the campfire and got some food ready to warm over an open fire. We had a classic outdoor supper of roasted wieners and sausages, topped off with S'mores for dessert. Monica was buzzing at the end of that sugar rush!!!

Later in the evening Janie and I scoped out the hiking trail in the park, with a promise to revisit in the morning. After cards and refreshments, we settled in for an early 9:30 PM retire. Great sleep!