Slept in... But excited to be headed for Gros Morne National Park. We gathered ourselves quickly and after a pit stop at Timmy's we were on TCH due west. After a friendly stop (a la accordion player) for provisions (ie water, grub and wine) in Deer Lake we continued westward. Weather forecast not favourable, calling for showers and thunder showers, but we had a smooth trip across the Province.

Our first stop in Gros Morne was to picnic (actually leftover pizza) at a look off beside Bonne Bay, conveniently located on the highway in... Rte 430. Then off to the Gros Morne Visitor Information Centre for details in regards to hiking trails and boat tours. The staff there was very helpful. Then it was a quick trip around the local area to get our bearings, including the communities of Norris Point and Rocky Harbour. Gorgeous scenery, as the mountains reach into the sea. There must have been some interesting discussions between multiple levels of government and community when this area was first designated a National Park Reserve in 1973.

Just past Rocky Harbour is Berry Hill Campground. The young lady at check-in/registration was very helpful, setting us up with directions, national park passes and even a bundle of firewood. Our choice of accommodation (which we reserved well in advance) was Parks Canada's new diversified accommodation, referred to as an "oTENTik". I had watched "online" several weeks, awaiting availability of these sites, and reserved as soon as they were released. This was an awesome find... and with thundershowers imminent we found ourselves in an absolutely dry, oversized tent with bunks and mattress, table and chairs, space heater, light and outdoor BBQ and fire pit. We loved the space and were happy to be spending two nights there.

After setting up, which was mostly unrolling sleeping bags, we set out for our first big hike. Baker's Brook Falls Trail is a 10 km return hike through gentle to moderate terrain. This would give the new Morrell's a good stretching. Despite the "Bear in Area" trail head sign, we quickly began the journey through boreal forest, marshland and rolling wilderness terrain. The expected rain started as a trickle early into the trek. About an hour in we arrived at Baker's Brook Falls, a beautiful waterfall that drains water out of the hilly terrain. Much of the heavy showers began while at our destination, halfway through the hike. It was actually more refreshing than disruptive... the worst being wet feet. The hour back went well and we were happy with the accomplishment and the fact we weren't accosted by bear or moose!

For supper, we BBQ'd wieners and spent the balance of the daylight hours in our oTENTik listening to the rain, shuffling cards, sipping wine and sampling jujubes. We enjoyed the evening in the oTENTik... As it rained hard and often overnight. So glad we weren't tenting as it would have been a very wet one!