This is the last full day of our cruise on the National Geographic Explorer and we’re anchored at Terra Nova National Park, the easternmost national park in Canada. This morning, we had our choice of activities; Diane went on a bird walk, and I took a photo walk with our NatGeo photo expert, Dan Westergren (that’s him and Berit, one of our naturalists, in the photo at the top of the page, sharing some quality time with the dead squid that Berit found a few minutes ago).
Dan challenged us to take our time, look at the scene carefully, and be willing to “dance around the teacup” to find a photo that spoke to us instead of just shooting and running.
These two kayaks were floating by themselves, waiting for someone to come along and appreciate them.
Rose hipsRecent rainNot potable, I suspectRocks awaiting attentionDecay in progressStumpStay off the pathFungi and guestsThe Explorer awaits our return
ShorebirdThe route back to the visitor centreMosquitoes, anyone?Dogberries again, up close and personalBerit found this recently deceased squid and invited us over to look at it
We’re going to take it easy this afternoon, pack, and enjoy some music before the National Trust reception, Captain’s Farewell, and one more delicious dinner from the Explorer‘s galley. Who knows – we might even get a chance for a few more photos!
Our Viking day started with an early wakeup call and a chilly Zodiac ride to the landing stage for L’Anse aux Meadows.
Our Viking day beginsWayne the Viking (and his lovely partner) greet usLeif Eriksson also greeted us
We boarded school buses for the ride to the L’Anse aux Meadows National Historic Site and UNESCO World Heritage site, where Helge and Anne Stein Ingstad led an archeological excavation establishing that Vikings did visit and live in North America. The ruins that they found have been re-buried for preservation, but the depressions which led them to the site remain. There are also reconstructed sod huts which tell the story of how the Vikings lived here.
L’Anse aux MeadowsMeeting of Two WorldsDepressions in the ground mark the spots where the Vikings lived and workedReconstructed Viking sod hutWooden latheLoomCemetery at L’Anse aux Meadows
L’Anse aux Meadows takes its history seriously; our next stop, Norstead Viking Village, takes some liberties in the interest of entertainment (and, I guess, education).
And now for something completely different – Norstead, a “Viking Village”
The Snorri Viking Ship, a replica Viking knarr which sailed from Greenland to Newfoundland in 1997 to recreate Lief Ericsson’s journey, is the pride of the village; Grom the Viking met us in the shed which houses it and told us the story.
Grom the Viking, keeper of SnorriDeck of SnorriSnorri’s bow
After that, we walked down to the main part of the village and did some exploring; we could have visited the seer and had our fortunes told or engaged in a little axe-throwing, but those experiences will have to wait for another visit.
The sheep enclosureThe Viking village itselfVikings raised chickensA proud specimenThe village traderIn the women’s hutInside the Viking churchThe blacksmith, hard at workOutside the Viking church
We left Norstead and got back on the bus for the hour-long drive to St. Anthony, the biggest town in the area, and our lunch at Lightkeeper’s Cafe next to the Fox Point Lighthouse. Wayne the Viking was there to greet us again!
Lunch at Lightkeeper’s CafeWayne the Viking met us here, too!
The cafe specializes in fish. We had fish chowder, followed by baked salmon and halibut with a couple of fried cod tongues. After that, we were ready to walk the trails around the lighthouse and the shore to burn off a few calories!
X marks the spot!Fox Point LighthouseBirds and rocks and waterBunchberry Dogwood
LookoutsThe steps not takenMore gullsLooking back at the lighthouse from the trail
There was a gift shop across the street with exhibits about local life (including wildlife). Diane picked up a Labradorite pendant there (no photo, sorry!).
With any luck, this will be the only black bear we’ll see on this tripPolar bear – rumored to be very bad-tempered
We got to see the Explorer make its way in from the sea and into the channel going to St. Anthony.
Taylor, one of the expedition’s divers, had a rare day on dry land today.
We finished our day with a visit to Grenfell Handicrafts; unlike the handicraft stores we visited in India, they didn’t ply us with food and alcohol. Diane saw a T-shirt she liked, but it wasn’t available in her size, so we left with intact wallets.
Our Zodiac back to the ship was much smoother and shorter than the morning run, but we were still chilly enough to enjoy Amarula-laced hot chocolates when we returned.
