Newfoundland

Rose Blanche Lighthouse, Newfoundland

Hints of autumn had been evident in small ways over the previous weeks - cooler breezes, fall rains and a shifting of colours in the landscape. However, it was on the drive to the Rose Blanche lighthouse that we noticed how autumn colours dressed the hills and valleys, bright pops of orange and red against yellow and blue.

The Rose Blanche lighthouse was originally built in 1871 and restored in 1999. The day was gorgeous as we toured the granite lighthouse and surrounding rocky coastline. The sun shone brilliantly, reflecting off the water like diamond sparkles, the sky and ocean differing shades of blue.

Cape Anguille Lighthouse, Newfoundland

The lighthouse at Cape Anguille is a beauty. Tall and white with a red cap on top, it has eight sides and reaches 58 feet high. It is an operational lighthouse, flashing a white light every five seconds. Not really noticeable during the daytime on the beach, the area surrounding the lighthouse is a great place for watching waves crash to the shore. It feels remote but there are villages nearby.

There are several buildings within sight, including the restored light-keeper’s home, which currently functions as an inn. Who wouldn’t love to make this home base while exploring the region?

Codroy Valley, Newfoundland

Located in the southwest corner of Newfoundland, the Codroy Valley is made up of 15 villages, the Codroy River and the Long Range Mountains. It’s gorgeous. We soaked in the warmth of late autumn sunshine and explored this glacier valley. A hike to the top of the mountains was cut short when we ran across warm animal droppings. Yes, we were a little freaked out. It wasn’t the first time on this trip, nor would it be the last.

Corner Brook and Grand Codroy Camping, Newfoundland

From Bonavista on the east coast of Newfoundland, we scooted across the province to the west coast towards the ferry to Nova Scotia in Channel Port-Aux-Basques. Not in any hurry, as our ferry wasn’t for many days, we first made a quick stop in Corner Brook, with its distinct lumber mill aroma, and then continued on to the Grand Codroy Valley. We made Grand Codroy Camping our home base for a few days as we explored the beautiful region, with its vast landscapes of mountains and lakes and ocean beaches. The campground had a inspirational forest walk, with sign posts dotted around with motivational quotes, that we thoroughly enjoyed. The scents of the forest made one of the girls exclaim that it smelled like ‘a hundred Christmases altogether’.

Chap’s Garage - a must see for memorabilia fans