Seizin' Changes II

Fall awakening

Fall leaves... us loving nature

Autumn @ Bowring Park

Drive to the Isles - on the way to Twillingate

Just a couple of great looking towns on the Drive to the Isles. It was my first time driving there, and so well worth the day trip. Actually, the scenery and communities were so interesting and beautiful, that I would really want to spend a month on this little peninsula alone. One would need it to just explore and climb some hills for shots of the towns, land and seascapes, the geography, vegetation and community attractions. That's not even mentioning tourist attractions like whale and iceberg watching, and strolling the streets of historic Twillingate.

On this trip there, where normally it would take maybe 1.5 hours from Gander, it took over four hours, simply because of photo stops along the way. New never-before visited places can often cause that, especially on a rather bright day, which enhances the view of what nature has to offer.

There are many communities along this route, and to really get a full appreciation of each one would require much more time, or many return trips to the area. Below are a few places and scenes along the route.


From Gander to Twillingate is about 115 km.


There are many views like this along the way.

This is a more detailed map of the "Road to the Isles".


The community of Fairbanks

A view near Cottleview causeway


Beautiful Boyd's Cove




Twillingate seems to be rather "touristy" with lots to see and do, including museums, crafts shops, diners, and boat tours. I did not have enough time to fully explore the streets but will next visit. The view from some restaurants is fantastic.

Here is a view from one restaurant along Twillingate's busy streets.


The town of Twillingate


Reflecting on the days trip at Fairbanks again.

Coloring on a Winter's Day

a wave frozen in time
a hardy bunch
still hanging in there on Jan. 20
this signals the end of a good day

Surfing Beaches

This pristine, fine sand beach is one of many around Newfoundland and Labrador's magnificent coastline. Driving along scenic coastal vistas, especially if the area is new to you, is a fantastic experience. You have to stop driving, get out, walk on a newly seen beach and appreciate the peaceful beauty that, well surrounds us.

In Vancouver, it is so spectacular with the Coastal Mountains in the city background, that you may feel like you're living in a postcard, or you can't believe you're living there. In Newfoundland and Labrador one also feels pride about the natural beauty and variety of the landscapes. In fact, on this trip, the idea of having a home overlooking this, or other beaches sprang to mind. So many places to hike, explore, admire and relax.

This has to be good for the health. After a day of beaching, you won't be complaining.

Click here for other blog posts of Newfoundland and Labrador scenes.

Season the Moment

Fall is a tricky season. It is so because it precedes the long cold, dreaded winter, but, and this is debatable, it is the best season. It goes too fast, while winter, too slow. It's perfect for walking outside, not too hot or cold. It's spectacular to see. It's ironic, in that while leaves die, they bloom alive like a slow motion forest fire-works. It's great to be alive to witness it.

On the beaten track in Central Newfoundland. It's hard not to stop to capture nature's brilliance.

Fall in Gambo

The Greatest Cape

Is Cape St. Mary's.

Even without the 1000s of birds, the place would still be interesting to visit, hike and photograph. It's located at the Southwestern tip of Avalon Peninsula.
The most scenic way to get there is by turning off the TCH at the Placentia road intersection (click on the map below for a larger view).The Cape Shore drive is along Route 100. That drive on a clear day is spectacular.

For about 50 or more km, just on the way to the Cape, you will feel inclined to stop and just look

at the many million dollar views. Your trip becomes more pleasurable with scenes of beaches, barasways, rolling hills, pasture lands, meadows, and quaint communities. Oh yeah, watch out for moose at all times.

It's a good idea to phone ahead to the Cape St. Mary's visitor information centre (709-277-1666) to see if the coast is clear, that is, fog free - quite often it is foggy there.

Regarding weather conditions, if it's wet or very windy, be extra cautious hiking the hilltops. As you can see, get too close to the edge, and your sightseeing will have ended permanently.

There is about a 1.4 km walk from the information centre to the bird sanctuary.

This is a peaceful, beautiful, and an amazing part of the province.
To get a relaxing taste of mother nature, the great escape is indeed , Cape St. Mary's.

(In this picture, the Northern Gannet, one of six types of birds that nest here. For more information on the bird sanctuary, click here).

These Icebergs May be from the Ice Age

Scattered around this craggy coastline are small mountains of floating white gold, an old and cold treasure to behold. And there were many beholders out yesterday, and no doubt today, and they will be holdin' cameras to capture with cutting edge, digital age technology, ice age beauty. Below are a few more angles of these giant gems taken by this ice-bergeler.

(left) This is just the tip of the iceberg... more to follow.


This is really a small berg bit, but it still looks large next to the boat.


This berg has 50,000 km on it, is 12,000 years old, and is on the cutting edge of iceberg style.


Another angle of the same berg. The ocean heaves created swirlpools between both sides of the ice.


Cape Spear spiced up with a bit of July green.



* Update - Just to let readers know that the above shots were taken with a zoom lens, and the photo was cropped. Do not venture near the edge of cliffs, as it is easy to trip, or wind can cause you to lose your balance and fall.

Beautiful Newfoundland

For Maple Leafs Fans

Thankfully fall is a nice time of year, and leaf color change lingers for weeks. Here are some maple leafs, in various colors of transformation.

Isn't it a Wonder

Our province is spectacular all along its 28,000 kilometres of coastline. That includes the coast of Labrador, major and minor islands. Especially on windy clear days, it stands out as one of natures wonders. If NL's coastline was not among the over half a million entries to the Seven Wonders of Canada contest, it is still one of the most beautiful natural features of the country.

For visitors who are not familiar with Newfoundland and Labrador, the picture above represents much of the provinces coastline, however, sandy beaches, cliffs, and gentle grassy slopes also adorn the island of Newfoundland and the Labrador coast. (that shot is Middle Cove, just outside St. John's and near the town of Torbay)

Here are some other places not often seen, but worth the look, and visit. More here.