July 12-Gros Morne National Park

We have finally arrived.  Many people have asked why Newfoundland for our trip, and the main reason was to see Gros Morne.  I have waited for today for a long time.  The morning was rainy, so I let the guys sleep in while I read and had an extra coffee.  Yes, I am an insomniac, esp. when camping.  
We got going after the skies cleared a bit, and went to the Tablelands area of the park.  The earth's mantle has been exposed here due to massive geological upheaval, so you get the chance to see 500 million year old rocks.  Honestly, it looked like we were walking on the moon.  Apparently, NASA has used the area for training purposes (according to something Rob had been told), and it makes sense.  We hiked along a 4 km trail, saw some amazing plant life, and bizarre rocks.  Devon being a budding geologist, he loved it.  For those curious, serpentine rocks, and periodyte (full of minerals-Cu, Mg, Fe, Cr, Co, Ni, Zn, etc....)  

Tablelands from a distance

Serpentine Rock

Pitcher plant-they were everywhere

These trees were often over 400 years old-slow growing with poor nutrients

After exploring the area, we stopped into the Discovery Centre, where you could easily spend 2 hours or more looking at the displays and watching a movie that discusses the park. 

Discovery centre

Discovery centre

 We had to dash as there was a talk happening at Green Point on the special features of the area.  Very interesting talk about how the area shows the clear margin between the Cambrian and Ordovician periods, in fact it is the world standard area for the period.  These and other features were why the park was created, as the geology is unique in the world.  (I sound like a travel brochure, but oh well.)  To get to the special area, we had to scale a cliff or get very wet to get around the spit of rock as the tide was in, so we all climbed, including me, with some trepidation. It was only 4 feet up, but not good for someone with a punky ankle. 

Park Ranger discussing geology

Somewhere in here is the geological margin!

 I was sore for the rest of the day, so dinner was a group effort.  We went for a swim in the park's pool to work out the kinks and showered, then back to the campsite.  (190 km today)