What a day! We spent the whole day at Gros Morne National Park, one of the most exciting natural places on Newfoundland Island. Our guests and staff were offered different options. One party hiked to a high hill along a path across the boreal forest. There were impressive views of Bonne Bay, a true fjord reminiscent of the Ice Ages. The path made its way across the forest of conifers and maple trees, dense stands of at least four species of ferns, and a multitude of herbs and bushes with flowers and berries. Some of us were very fortunate to observe songbirds, among which there were pine grosbeaks and crossbills. Once on the top of a hill, the boggy area revealed thousands of hidden pitcher plants, which are carnivorous, with their flowers on tall stalks to prevent pollinators from being confused with prey insects. Another party enjoyed a different hike that took guests and Natural History staff to perhaps the highest attraction of the Gros Morne: the foothills of the serpentine barrens, which are beautiful, ancient rocks that represent the Earth’s mantle. Again, everybody enjoyed the magnificent scenery of landscapes, carnivorous plants (pitchers and butterworts), and information from our staff and local guides. In the afternoon, we enjoyed time to explore a local marine research centre and a historic lighthouse by ourselves or with guides. The day was sunny and warm with a delightful breeze from the Gulf of St. Lawrence.
9/19/2024
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National Geographic Explorer
L’Anse aux Meadows
Today “Viking fever” overtook us all as we explored the UNESCO World Heritage Site of L’Anse aux Meadows, the only site indicating pre-Columbian contact between Europe and the Americas. Dating to circa 1000, L’Anse aux Meadows features not only the archaeological site discovered in the 1960s, but also a modern museum and a set of reconstructed Viking longhouses. We warmed up in front of the toasty fires, tried on some cloaks and helmets (without horns for historical accuracy), and played a Viking lawn game. At our next stop, the Norstead reconstructed Viking village, we continued the adventure, practicing our axe-throwing, trading with the local Viking guides for knitwear, and having our fortunes told with runes. At lunch we split into three groups, some returning to National Geographic Explorer, others sampling a variety of seafood in a multi-course meal, and the rest participating in a Viking feast and reenactment. We were invited to present our grievances for the judgement of the court, and Ethnomusicologist Jacob Edgar was found guilty of disturbing the peace and sentenced to touching his toes, to the delight of all (except him, perhaps)! Back on board, we enjoyed a selection of local sausages as National Geographic Explorer departed the gorgeous harbor of St. Anthony.