It was a beautiful sunny and calm day to say goodbye to Newfoundland and catch the ferry to North Sydney 


But first some pictures and thoughts about my 2 days on the road getting to Port aux Basques 

I stopped in Gander again to have lunch and another visit with my friend, Marg. We met at Tim's. The infamous meeting place for town folk from the play Come From Away. And in their every day life as well. I then drove to Badger, west of Grand Falls - Windsor to a campground. 7 hours on the road. 

When’s dinner?
When's dinner?
The campground was flush with birch trees. This was my campsite. There is a nearby lake called Birchy Lake
The campground was flush with birch trees. This was my campsite. There is a nearby lake called Birchy Lake 

It was a cold night. Only 7 degrees in the morning. I packed up and we left the campground about 8:15. And 15 minutes down the road I see this white truck and trailer coming toward me flashing its  lights like mad at me (I was the only oncoming vehicle). I thought maybe they are warning me about police ahead or moose on the road. Then a waving arm and a head come out the window. Unbelievable!  It was the owner of the Van I'm driving. Her name is Summer.  Thank goodness I realized in time and waved back!  
I knew she was on The Rock too and she had told me on Friday when we were messaging that she was on the west side and she would be heading east in a few days but not when. What were the chances that we would both leave at the right time that morning to meet on that stretch of highway. I messaged her when I stopped in Deer Lake to confirm it was her and not just some random driver who liked Fern. She does get a lot of attention!  Summer said yes it was her and that she was just so excited to see me coming toward her. 
A few other stops before reaching our campsite for Sunday night. 

Near Corner Brook
Near Corner Brook
Had to get a picture of the rock cut.
Had to get a picture of the rock cut. 
The fine print refers to it being the home of Grenfell University. Bill and I learned all about Grenfell when we were in St Anthony on the Great North Peninsula last year. He was quite an amazing man. Dr Wilfred Grenfell. Another
The fine print refers to it being the home of Grenfell University. Bill and I learned all about Grenfell when we were in St Anthony on the Great North Peninsula last year. He was quite an amazing man. Dr Wilfred Grenfell. Another 

Taken from Wikipedia - it's worth knowing 

When Dr. Wilfred Grenfell first arrived on the coast of Labrador in 1892, he was astonished by what he found in the remote fisherman community; with a population of 30,000 there was not a single medical doctor. Sir Grenfell quickly committed himself to improve the medical, economic and spiritual needs of the fishermen and their families. Eventually, he would build the region's first hospital and ultimately improve the social, health and economic status of those who populated the area.

Stephenville. Quite different from the rest of Newfoundland. Not so rugged
Stephenville. Quite different from the rest of Newfoundland. Not so rugged 
I stopped at Stephenville because Marg lived there for 17 years and she said it was a beautiful and peaceful place
I stopped at Stephenville because Marg lived there for 17 years and she said it was a beautiful and peaceful place 
Cape Ray and Port aux Basques area. The beginning of the mountain range.
Cape Ray and Port aux Basques area. The beginning of the mountain range.  

Back in Cape Breton

I saw this on my way to North Sydney but was in heavy traffic so didn’t stop. On way back down it was a quiet time so decided to check it out. Bought strawberries and really good dinner rolls
I saw this on my way to North Sydney but was in heavy traffic so didn't stop. On way back down it was a quiet time so decided to check it out. Bought strawberries and really good dinner rolls 
In Whycocomagh Cape Breton about 6 pm
In Whycocomagh Cape Breton about 6 pm
New Town Cape Breton near Canso Causeway
New Town Cape Breton near Canso Causeway 
Where I stayed
Where I stayed 
Sunrise about 5:30 am
Sunrise about 5:30 am

A leisurely morning enjoying the views and then off to mainland Nova Scotia by 9:30😊

K & N