In order to get from the Rock back to mainland we had to catch yet another ferry. This time we were going from St. Barbe, Newfoundland to Blanc Sablon, QC—which is the best area to have a port along that coastline.
We had to get up ridiculously early as we were 1.5 hrs from St. Barbe, NL. Since our ferry was leaving at 8AM, we had to be there at 7am so that we could be loaded and ready to go on time.
The ferry was on its way right on the dot, and we went up to the cafeteria to have some breakfast. All of the big ferries that we have been on do not allow passengers to stay in their vehicle, so we have to pack up what we want, and head up the the cabins. The ferry ride from St. Barbe across the Labrador Strait was only 1.5 hours, so we made it to mainland around 9:30am ready for a full day of driving… (well Alexander was driving.)
The coast of Labrador looked similar to that of the other maritime provinces we have been through. The one thing I did notice, and was pointed out to be in a documentary at the L’anse Aux Meadows site was the sandy beaches that Labrador has. These incredible beaches were only noticed for a short time frame as we weaved our way through the small community as we got off the ferry, and as the string of ferry dwellers began to drive up the coast and into Labrador.
Well on our way, most of the other traffic had spread out, or already headed towards where they needed to go. We turned a corner and saw the paved road go down a hill into a small coastal community and also saw a gravel road which took us left. Hoping that wasn’t the “continue on the Trans Labrador Highway” that we needed we kept on the pavement for a few metres.
It didn’t take us long to realize that gravel road was in fact our new travelling partner all…the …way…to….ugh….Quebec?!
It wasn’t bad—I have in fact spent many of my driving years on a gravel road. My nerves started to loose it about hmm…5 hours into the gravel road. No matter how hard we tried to avoid the holes, wash board and bumps it just couldn’t be done. Jerusalem was a small car, already low to the ground—add in our entire life belongings and our two umm…big back sides and you have an even lower car. This doesn’t handle very well on a very, very rough gravel road.
Gah?!? Gravel…all the way to Quebec?!?!?!
We stopped for gas once or twice and admired the boreal forest and tundra that took over all of Labrador. It was a beautiful place to see, with open land in some areas and thick boreal forests in other places. Labrador, I’m guessing, could be a thriving tourist spot if it wasn’t for such poor travelling areas.
When we stopped, though it was few and far between, we were struck by the beauty of the landscape. There are many rivers and lots of vegetation. All types of plants that thrive in the tundra conditions.
It was quite a sight to see.
We stopped in Goose Bay, Labrador for the night, and surprise, surprise, it was raining again!!
Maybe tomorrow will be better?!
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