Long Range Traverse: Group 2

Photos from Day 1 on the trail

Day 1 was met with excitement and nervousness. We started off with a 3 km hike from our drop-off point along Route 1, aka the Viking Trail, to the tour boat that would take us to the trailhead at the end of Western Brook Pond. The sun was shining and the boat full of senior citizens applauded us as we stepped off the boat at the back of the fjord. The group set a quick pace in the heat until we reached the ‘fridge’. A place in the rock side where the creek flows underneath the trail cooling the air by 10 degrees. Up we continued to the waterfall where we stopped to refill our water bottles and climb the rocks. After a steep ascent up the staircase, we reached our campsite as the wind began to blow in the clouds. We quickly set up camp and the wind and the rain progressed from light to heavy. By the time the tents were secured the wind was so strong that a hot supper was unachievable and we settled in for a long wet night weathering the storm.

Photos from Day 2 on the trail

We awoke on day 2 with strong winds prevailing and light rain. Everyone in the group did so well to quickly eat a light breakfast and pack up camp. We finished our ascent out of the gorge to the top of the fjord. The clouds ran across the sky and the waterfalls burst with life from the cliffs. We entered the first bog of the trip. Wetlands that were crossed with Caribou trails and steady streams. Spirits were high as we made lunch before our first river crossing at lunch. At this point the bugs were bad but everyone was wearing a bug net to keep them at bay. As we approached our campsite by Two Rock Pond the sun broke through the clouds and we had a chance to dry our toes and our tents before supper. People swam, played cards, and ate a hot meal before going to bed.

Photos from Day 3 on the trail

Day 3 was marked with fog. All day our visibility was limited. At points, it was hard to see the people in front of you on the trail. And although bodies were sore, our group pressed forward covering lots of ground. Because of all the rain that came down on our first night, the river crossings were significantly higher. Our group was thigh deep in the river and still had a positive fun-loving attitude. Songs, riddles, and word games made the time fly. The fog also seemed to keep the bugs away which we were grateful for. We arrived and set up camp in the fog, ate supper in the fog, and told stories in the fog. But right before the sun set the fog lifted and unveiled Gros Morne mountain the fjord below. The views were breathtaking. It was as if the whole day spent in blindness made seeing so much sweeter.

Photos from Day 4 on the trail

Day 4 we enjoyed a hot breakfast overlooking the fjord. The trail out to the road snaked up and down rolling hills. We saw ptarmigans, signs of foxes, moose, and other wildlife. A steep descent lead to a lake and a hidden natural spring where we refilled our water bottles. Some of the group made the short climb up to the top of Gros Morne Mountain while others started the trail out. The last 8km of the trail were difficult. By this point, many people had blisters and sore bodies, yet everyone persevered and made it to the parking lot where a 15-passenger van was waiting for us. A short drive back to the hostel and we were reunited with Group 1. Stories were shared over supper and will continue to be reminisced about for years to come.