After breakfast at our Gander accommodation (we booked at the Quality Inn on points) we decided to head North for Twillingate. We had no actual stops in mind, just sightseeing and maybe stopping for a trail or two. Janie and I have had more than enough big highway driving this summer, so we opted to get off the beaten path and to spend our time weaving through the hills, forests and tiny communities along Hwy 330 and 340.
Hiking has been a theme for this trip (we’re at over 20,000 steps per day). Once again, we retreated for a short hike at Summerford Hiking Trail – a folksie community roadside path along our commute. You sure can tell it’s loved 💕. Reminds me of the Chapel Gully Trail at home. Lots of flowers, decoration, picnic spots and well kept infrastructure that we’d rate as easy/moderate (only because of steps and accessibility). Like most of the trails here, it lead to a look-off (this one elevated) that gave great 360° views of the area. A short, sweet little stroll.
By 10:30 AM we were in Twillingate, a rugged, barren Island that is central to the communities in this region (Police / Fire / Medical / Grocery). It’s beautiful with colourful homes and fishing vessels, but I’d think bleak in the winter months. We took the opportunity to visit the Long Point Lighthouse, and enjoy part of the trail system there. Loved the names (Nanny’s Hole, Sleepy Cove, Lower Head Trail) and spent about an hour on this moderate level trail system. Heavy duty coastal views here, and I could kick myself in the ass for not bringing binoculars!
After our hike, a little break (for washroom & coffee) seemed necessary. Seats were found at the Crow’s Nest Cafe… holy Java and sweets! Nice stop… just the type of coffee shop I’d hoped we could find this morning. Had to share a pic of the chocolate chip cookie and latte ☕️ Janie scooped for me 😉!
We took a short drive through the town, then picked up Hwy 340 south for the Trans Canada near Grand Falls / Windsor. Clear sailing until a picnic stop at South Brook Lookout, where we opened the cooler, hijacked a picnic table and enjoyed the river. Really pretty perfect little spot that got us off the road for 1/2 hr and recharged for the last stretch.
Trip Lexicon: Baggie; In Newfoundland a special term for a packed lunch or picnic
Tonight’s accommodation was the By the Sea Inn & Cafe, in tiny King’s Point. Our room ticked all the boxes and we landed a supper reservation! We were a bit anxious, as part of the space (the kitchenette) was communal and could have potentially been a shared situation (I don’t think we realized that). However, no neighbors booked in 👍 and we had the run of the building’s top floor. Also took a nice stroll around town to get a better sense of the layout and particulars (whale’s tail street signs & custom garbage cans). We had a light supper, but sampled the Quidi Vidi Day Boil and nommed snacks before hitting the bunk! Good day & fair wind!
Found Twillingate on the map…. you are covering some interesting places….
Trying to get a little off the beaten path Eileen for sure. Last night was in a tiny community called King’s Point. Thursday is our last full day for this trip… Ferry home Friday if all goes well 👍.