Newfoundland and labrador - Miscellaneous

We went to Canada a few times - first time to Vancouver on our way to Alaska, and 2nd time at  Banff, and Jasper National Park and Calgary, Alberta, and the 3rd time the eastern most province of Canada, Newfoundland and Labrador visiting Gros Morne and Tera Nova National Parks.

Despite the fact that visiting Canada does not feel like going abroad, there are some interesting differences between Newfoundland and Texas:

1) Street signs are placed 100 yard before an intersection - no sign at the intersection! I missed turns a few time because of this.

2) Trash basket instead of trash can. We observed that there were big baskets (wooden boxes) in front of every house in a small town we passed by. We wonder what they were and eventually figured out that they were trash "can"

3) Newfoundland people has strong accent - most people's ancestors were from Southern Scotland  - per my boat tour guide.

Newfoundland was rainy and/or cloudy 3/4 of time. It rained so much - the main high way through the park collapsed at several locations due to rain during our visit there. 

Many gas stations are still on honor code - fill the tank first pay later - like what we were 20 years ago in USA. Our kayaking group mates - two Canadians  - were very proud of this and teased us on that we had to pay first before filling the tank.

Gros Morne Discover Center

Collapsed high way due to rain

pay attention to the base of power line post - basket of rocks is used to stabilize the post in strong wind

It is still fill tank first pay later

The newfoundland is so large - north point to south point is over 1000km! Travel by air is preferred. Due to low population density, one has to take tiny airplanes for air travel there.

Small regional airplane

Nicholas had to lower his head in order to walk on the airplane

Due to the frequent rainy/cloudy days, red seems to be favorite colors there. The ubiquitous red chairs are prominently placed in Gros Morne. We saw red-roof cabins there more frequently than any other place we visited.

Red chair at Gros Morne 

Red roof cabin by the baty

National park's van

a red roof cabin near a light house

The resort cabins are  prefabricated matchbox! But the inside was decent, especially the cabin we stayed at Tera Nova. It was cozy. It rained a lot when we were at Tera Nova. The cozy cabin was a good place to have "home-cooked" dinner, take a hot shower and read books!

Inside of a "resort" cabin at Gros Morne

Cabin at Tera Nova

Bed room felt rustic

interesting signs on the wall

reading a book in a cold rainy night

Restaurants at Newfoundland we visited were typically small with OK food. But we got what we paid for. We went to a expensive restaurant  - have to wait and the food was good but the serving portion was small. 

decoration in a restaurant 

A restaurant inside Tera Nova 

Fisherman showing off his lobster

Rocky harbor is the center for tourists visiting Gros Monre National Park, it looks pretty ordinary most of the time. But on this sunny evening, it looked gorgeous and poetic under the setting Sun. 

Sunset at Rocky Harbor

Street light at Rocky Harbor, Gros Morne