Sunday morning we were on deck early and made our way across Bonne Bay via highways 430 & 431. Our initial stop was the Gros Morne Discovery Centre, just outside of Woody Point. The centre acts as both an interpretation space as well as an information source for park visitors. You can also find details here in regards to Gros Morne's UNESCO World Heritage Site designation. We took in the exhibits and I gathered info on the preferred trail for the morning, the Tablelands.

Just kms from the Discovery Centre rests the head of the Tablelands Trail - a 4 km return hike up a gentle incline into a mountain valley. This valley is unique due to its almost desert like characteristics, both in color and lack of vegetation. A brook does, however, run through the heart of this stone valley. We had an excellent trek up, and sat alone at the end of the trail being well ahead of the guided tour. We got some great shots of this that have been included in the Gallery.

After our hike we visited the communities of Trout River and Woody Point. We had thought we might luck into timing for one of the zodiac tours of Trout River Pond (we hadn't reserved) but I think we may have just missed a sailing, as the area was totally quiet when we arrived. These communities, like Norris Point and Rocky Harbour, are entirely surrounded by the National Park. It's an interesting experiment, and must require a continuous dialogue and specific management agreements to have these entities co-exist. Before departing from the south side of Bonne Bay, we stopped and savored a quiet lunch break and picnic at MacKenzie's Brook Picnic Site in the park. No one to be found there in high season but the Lumsdens!!! Almost spooky...

After the return drive around the loop, we came to rest back in Berry Hill Campground at 2:00 PM looking for some much deserved rest and relaxation! In no small terms, Pete and I had a big old kink with the tent windows open and a warm breeze flowing through, while the girls sat in the shade in the yard enjoying a gorgeous afternoon. Later, Janie dropped into the Trading Post in Rocky Harbour for some fixin's that could be cooked for supper... something quick and easy!!!

Evening saw us cook up a big scoff on the BBQ, light a fire in the chiminea and homemade s'mores before bed. We enjoyed listening to the campground conversations occurring around us, negotiating with the Whiskey Jacks, and planning for our last days of vacation. Gotta say that we really appreciated the oTENTik and the amenities that came with it. We'd definitely recommend it for "less ardent" campers like ourselves!!!

I guess lights out fell around 9:30 PM after a game of "Cheat" (won quite handily by Dad I might add) and half a dozen rounds of crazy eights. Gros Morne was definitely a highlight in regards to our trip to Newfoundland.