After reaching St. John's and visiting Cape Spear, the most easterly point in North America, Tom and I declared ourselves officially heading home. But, we took the scenic route!
From St. John's, we drove the Irish loop which led us south on Route 10 to St. Vincent then north on Route 90 to connect with the Trans-Canada Highway (TCH) Route 1. We took Route 1 northwest to Clarenville where we turned onto Route 230A to connect with Route 230. We followed Route 230 almost to the tip of the Bonavista Peninsula, veering off on Route 238 through Elliston to the town of Bonavista. From Bonavista we returned along the north side of the peninsula following Route 235 to Route 236 which led us back to Route 230 on the south side of the peninsula. We followed Route 230 west a short distance then took Route 239 south to Trinity and back. We then continued west on Route 230 to connect with Trans-Canada Highway (TCH) Route 1 which took us all the way to Port aux Basques near the southwest tip of Newfoundland.
A ferry took us from Port aux Basques, Newfoundland to North Sydney, Nova Scotia. From there Tom and I continued along the Trans-Canada Highway (TCH) Route 105 across Cape Breton Island. TCH Route 105 becomes TCH Route 104 after crossing from Cape Breton Island to mainland Nova Scotia.
Driving from St. Johns to Elliston
After exploring the Irish Loop in the southern part of the Avalon Peninsula, Tom and I made our way north to the Bona Vista Peninsula. We drove through dense fog as we exited the Avalon Peninsula and were relieved when it begin to dissipate as we approached Clarenville. After passing through Clarenville, headed for the Bonavista Peninsula, a bald eagle soared overhead. It was a good sign! The skies continued to clear and we enjoyed beautiful views along the southern coast of the Bonavista Peninsula. After a night of boondocking in Trinity, we continued to Elliston near the tip of the Peninsula.
You can view a few photos of our drive on the Carpe Diem Facebook page by clicking on the image below.
Driving from Elliston to Clarenville
After two nights of camping in Elliston and exploring Elliston and Bonavista, Tom and I continued our drive home along the north shore of the Bonavista Peninsula. We had originally intended to drive the entire north shore but, because we bought tickets for a show in Trinity, we cut south halfway down the peninsula. After the show we enjoyed a beautiful sunset as we made our way to Clarenville where we boondocked in the airport parking lot.
You can view a few photos of our drive on the Carpe Diem Facebook page by clicking on the image below.
Driving from Clarenville to Corner Brook
We woke to a beautiful sunrise at the Clarenville Airport and had a full day of driving ahead of us. Since we already drove Route 1 between Clarenville and Corner Brook, we didn't stop for sightseeing. We bid farewell to Gander as we whizzed passed. We continued to see many moose signs but no moose. As we drove along the Humber River, near Corner Brook, we could see the summer season in full swing with many people floating down the river on rafts. What Fun! But we were tired from a full day of driving and just wanted to park the camper for the night. We boondocked in Corner Brook and explored the city by foot.
You can view a few photos of our drive on the Carpe Diem Facebook page by clicking on the image below.
Driving from Corner Brook to Port aux Basques
Tom and I had time to kill before driving to Port aux Basques for our midnight ferry. We were tired from our busy day exploring Corner Brook so we just hung out in the camper near the Corner Brook Visitor Center resting and using their WIFI until it was time to head for the ferry. We enjoyed a beautiful drive to Port aux Basques and reached the ferry terminal just as the sun was setting.
You can view a few photos of our drive on the Carpe Diem Facebook page by clicking on the image below.
Sailing from Port aux Basques to North Sydney
This was our third ferry crossing without the luxury of a cabin and we'd finally learned the secret to securing a comfy seat in the general seatting area. What's the secret, you ask?
Nearly all the ferry passengers seem to travel with a vehicle, like us. As we enter the very terminal, each vehicle from cars to RVs to semi trucks, are assigned a lane to wait in. The wait to load can take hours so many people go into the ferry terminal to eat, shop, etc. When the ferry is ready to load, an announcement is made and people return to their vehicles so they can drive them aboard. The few passengers that are traveling without vehicles board a shuttle bus from the terminal to the ferry. They are the first people on the ferry while the others wait in long lines of vehicles to board. Thats the secret! I boarded the passenger shuttle for the ferry while Tom waited nearly an hour to drive our camper aboard. I was amoung the first 10 people to board and found two great seats in a "bulkhead" with enough room for both of us to sleep on the floor when not reclining in the comfy chairs. Not as good as one of the sold-out cabins, but the best alternative. Of course, Aly had it best with the queensize bed in our camper all to herself for the 8 hour ferry crossing!
We woke to a beautiful sunrise in North Sydney, Nova Scotia.
You can view a few photos of our ferry crossing on the Carpe Diem Facebook page by clicking on the image below.
Driving from North Sydney to Antigonish
After a rough night switching between our chairs and the floor, Tom and I didn't get far before pulling over to stretch out and rest. Roadtrips are so much better when you travel with your bed! After a short nap, we continued our drive across the Canso Causeway from Cape Breton to the mainland. We'd passed through this same area a month earier and I couldn't help but notice the sad looking lupins that were in full bloom last month.
Tom and I were still tired, even after our nap. We stopped for supplies at Walmart in Antigonish and stayed the night.
You can view a few photos of our drive on the Carpe Diem Facebook page by clicking on the image below.
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