We have neither seen nor eaten Cod Tongues for seven years, the last time we ventured into Labrador. It is one of the food treats we look forward to revisiting.
Let us celebrate completing the roughest part of the Trans-Labrador Highway with a three-night stay at the Whaler’s Restaurant and Cabins in Red Bay, Labrador, population 150.
Red Bay, Labrador
“Roughing it” reminds us to appreciate the small pleasures in life, like finding a laundromat in a remote town, or a room complete with running water and a flushing toilet. Guess what is on the menu tonight – Cod Tongues!
Cod Tongues for Dinner
Wander around this small community and wonder how they survive the harsh winters. Thanks for good health and mobility, as we navigate trails over rugged landscape that reminds us of the Scottish Highlands.
Images of Red Bay
Some of the 689 Steps of Tracy Hill Trail, Red Bay, Labrador
Gaze out at the Strait of Belle and breathe in the crisp, fresh air.
Lazy Afternoons in Red Bay
Shipwrecks vouch for the history of whaling in this area. Between 1530 and 1600, Basque whalers from France and Spain launched at least fifteen whaling ships with six hundred men each season, producing tons of whale oil to ship back to Europe.
Wreck of the Bernier, Red Bay, Labrador
Saddle Island, which was used during the peak whaling period, boasts the best-preserved remains of the whaling industry, not to mention a good crop of bakeapple berries.
Touring Saddle Island National Historic Site, Red Bay, Labrador
Bakeapple Berries in Red Bay, Labrador
While whaling used to rule, now, it is all about “In Cod We Trust” as the main source for tables and world shipping business. No surprise that the only open restaurant in town features Cod Fish and Chips, Cod Tongues, and Salt Cod Fish Cakes.
Gros Morne National Park, Newfoundland
Time to ferry across to “The Rock” better known as the island of Newfoundland. Camp among the fjords of Gros Morne National Park and hike its trails after rustling up some bacon and eggs for breakfast in the woods. This stuff will keep you young. Well, maybe not the bacon so much.
Camping Gros Morne National Park, Newfoundland
Dildo. It is not what you are thinking. Before the sex-toy thing, it was a term for the oar pegs in a dory, the pivot points where oars rest while rowing. We lug our camping gear down wooden stairs to set up tent alongside the bay in Dildo Run Provincial Park. The best campsite ever. Until morning, when sideways rain and 50mph winds chase us away.
Dildo Run Provincial Park, Newfoundland
Dildo Run Provincial Park, Newfoundland
We shall clean-up at an Airbnb in the town of Cow Head, before hiking in Nanny’s Hole. Then we shall hike Lower Head. Sensing a theme here with these titles, wondering about the explorer Captain Cook’s sense of humor.
Cow Head, Newfoundland
Sunset Cow Head, Newfoundland
Hiking to Nanny’s Hole, Newfoundland
Hiking to Lower Head, Newfoundland
Eventually, we ferry over to Fogo Island and stay two nights in a Salt House. The ceilings in this Salthouse are only six-feet (1.829 meters) high and we feel like giants. I get busy in the kitchen cooking cod tongues (of course) and a special treat of lobster!
Views from our Salt House, Fogo Island, Newfoundland
Lobster for Dinner
On this island, hikes amongst peat and rugged, windblown countryside refresh our love for the diverse outdoors.
Hiking Fogo Head, Newfoundland
Views from Fogo Head, Fogo Island, Newfoundland
Late Afternoon Hike, Fogo Island, Newfoundland
We ferry our way back to the “Rock” and make our way to the rocking town of St. John’s. Here, we shall live for one month in a town full of restaurants, live music, and fried cod galore!
St. John’s, Newfoundland
Thank You, Abundant Universe!
Beautiful! If you haven’t done it before the ferry to St. Pierre from Fortune is a nice trip as long as your French is passable!
Thank you, Frank! We won’t be able to make that trip, as already have plans to ferry to Nova Scotia the beginning of October. Besides, I’m lucky to say, “Good Day” in French!
Wow, Frank that looks like it would be a great trip. Just another reason to come back, again. 😊 Marilynn PS- When in this area I can’t help but remember your trip to Baffin Island. Would love to get there one day!
Views and photos are Amazing! I can’t believe you have not written a new book on all you travels around this vast beautiful country
Enjoy every moment together exploring all life has to offer. You two are the most amazing humans we have ever known. God keep you both safe and healthy 💗🙏
Wow, what wonderful compliments, Mary Jo. Thank you so so much for your encouragement! Some people simply call us “crazy” and I get that also! Take care, and you guys enjoy the sunny beaches of Florida! Hopefully, we will see you one day soon.
Ah, Mary Jo you are sweet. We are just so grateful to be able to do what we do. And it is super special when Ron’s words or my photos touch someone somehow. Thanks for the encouraging words and for traveling with us! ❤️ Marilynn
Interesting and beautiful as always!
Thank you, Jeri. We are currently really enjoying living in St. John’s!
Thanks for continuing to travel with us Jeri! Newfoundland is an interesting, diverse place. In 2007 we said we’d be back, and here we are!
I keep on thinking, as I read your posts with the gorgeous photos, I have to remember this/these places for future travel destinations. But then they pile up and there are so many places you’ve been that are so beautiful that…I don’t know where to start! Maybe retirement and a travel partner….a few years away for the former. The latter??? Happy trails and safe travels as always!
I know what you mean, Jill. I get that overwhelmed feeling when thinking about where to go as well. So, I simply follow Marilynn!
We started this blog so we could share our travels with others, but now we are really glad we do it so we can remember where we have been lol! Wishing you retirement, and a travel partner, in the very near future! Marilynn
One of the universities Indi applied to was in Newfoundland. I’ll be honest, I was pulling for her to choose that one, but for some reason she ended up picking Rome. Go figure.
Hahahaha! We workout at a huge complex at Memorial University which is state of the art, but certainly ain’t no Rome!
I can’t think of two more different places than Rome and St. John’s. Well, maybe Singapore and St. John’s lol. But I’m with you Jay. Lots to love here in Newfoundland, especially if you appreciate the great outdoors, moderate temperatures, and fiddle music. Marilynn
Bro, people think you’re crazy. I know for certain you’re crazy. It takes one to know one.
Truer words have never been spoken!