089 - East Coast Road Trip - Day 12 (Cornerbrook - Gros Morne - Cormack - 237km) - It’s Not A Fjord

 After most of the team slept late, it was a mad dash up the coast and a 3 km sprint from the carpark,

to Western Brook Pond.

Where we were the last to sign in for our 2-hour boat tour of the lake and massive rock walls.

“All aboard!”

The 700m cliffs loomed larger as we drew near.

Although carved by glacial action, it’s not officially a fjord as it is not an inlet; tectonic activity long ago heaved the coast walling it off from the Gulf of St Lawrence and allowing it to be flushed with fresh water. None of which makes it any less impressive.

 

We wound our way down the lake, dwarfed by the cliffs, 

Taking in countless waterfalls,

And a little folklore,

(The Stargazer)

(The Tin Man)

Until we arrived at the end of the line.

We briefly pondered hopping out there to give the 35 km backcountry trek a whirl, but given our lack of adequate snacks, decided to head back to take the return 3km stroll at a little more leisurely pace.

From there we headed to the resting place of the S.S. Ethie.

Which at first glance, was just rusty ship parts strewn about the shore,

But impressive by the mere fact that they’d managed to persist there for over a hundred years. Some pieces even held part of the original wooden hull.

And of course we had to promptly download the accompanying ballad!

“Wreck of the Steamship Ethie”

It's real catchy.

After that we headed to “Funland Resort” and our cute little cabin.

Which had it’s quirks,

But, also had everything we needed to regroup.

Prompted by the fact that Taz (like his mother) changes his outfit at least three times a day, along with the revelation that Ciel was planning to manage her depleted underwear supply by wearing all the dirty pairs inside-out and backwards for the remainder of the trip, Britt headed off to do a couple loads of laundry.

Meanwhile, the kids and I splurged on the exorbitant $15/person surcharge to take advantage of the pool and waterslide.

Which, though slightly dilapidated, did not disappoint.

(“Protect the arm!”)

The only place to eat within 10 km was the on-site poutinerie, which served a smattering of,

POUTINE! (Obvi!)

#WINNING!