Gros Morne National Park

July 18 to 25, 2009

Gros Morne NP is a World Heritage Site and everyone's favourite destination. There is so much to see and do in this unique location that it boggles the mind. During our short visit we climb Gros Morne Mountain, Hike the lovely Green Gardens Trail, the orchid path to Baker's Brook Falls and the sand dunes of Shallow Bay. In our spare time we explore the recently opened Discovery Centre and take part in some of their guided walks such as Tablelands – a walk on the earth's mantle . We complete the Geology lesson with a boat trip on Western Brook Pond – a spectacular fjord.

Mans impact is not overlooked as we will examine the history of the Mudge family at Broome Point and the life of a lighthouse keeper at Lobster Cove Head.

At every step we celebrate the remarkable diversity of this land, as we walk through plant communities of Costal Tuckamore, Balsam Fir, Krummhotz, Lowland Bogs, Sedge Meadows, Larch Scrub and Felsenmeer often decorated with some of the 700 flowering plants that grow in the park.

Day 1 - Arrival Day. Participants should arrive in Deer Lake before 2 PM and be transported to Rocky Harbour in the heart of Gros Morne National Park. We will stop on the way at the park Visitors Centre and watch videos that introduce the geology and flora and fauna of the park. Continue to our modern shoreline cabins and settle in.

Day 2 - An easy 10 km to beautiful Baker's Brook Falls along a path resplendent with wild orchids followed by a 5 kilometers shoreline walk to Green Point to sample a windswept coastline. On the way home we stop at Lobster Cove Head for a glimpse of life in a 19th century lighthouse. Gigg's dinner at a local restaurant.

Day 3 - We climb Gros Morne Mountain—803 meters up, a remarkable barren lands hiking experience with incredible views over the coast and Long Range Mountains. This is a hard climb up a rocky slope followed by a tough descent and may not be suitable for some participants.

Day 4 – An easy coastal hike at Cow Head, along beaches and sand dunes, a quaint fishing village, a wild headland and a tiny lighthouse. Optional swim in the sea at Shallow Bay (believe me).

Day 5 - Hike the famous Green Gardens Trail, 18 kilometers (strenuous) or optionally 9 kilometers. past tundra, rugged coastline, sea stacks and amazing wild flowers. Considered by many to be the most beautiful hike in Newfoundland.

Day 6 – Exploration Day. We start with a visit to the excellent Discovery Centre near Woody Point and join one of their interpretive walks to the Tablelands. Formed by the collision of two continents, the Tablelands are part of the earth's mantle and home to a host of unusual plants. Later we will explore Trout River and see how an isolated fishing community continues to survive.

Day 7 – Boat Trip Day . North again to one of the highlights of Gros Morne – Western Brook Pond. We walk an easy 2.5 kilometers over interesting bogs to the boat wharf. The boat trip to the head of the fjord is fantastic and enlivened by a local commentator. Afterward, we visit the Broome Point fishing museum for a presentation on traditional Newfie fishing ways. Back to Rocky Harbour for a final dinner.

Day 8 – Departure Day. Pack up and drive to Deer Lake airport Do not book flights, busses, etc. before noon on Day 8 unless you are prepared to pay for expensive taxi from Rocky Harbour

Land cost is $1398 plus 5% GST. This covers specified van transport, park fees, Western Brook Pond boat trip, the fully guided program, accommodation in modern shoreline cabins (double or triple occupancy with bath), all breakfasts, and a celebration dinner.

Although every effort will be made to adhere to the above program changes may be necessary due to unforeseen circumstances.

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