Yesterday I took the ferry for seven hours from “The Rock” Newfoundland to Nova Scotia. It is hard to say goodbye to a month-long journey around this island.

The best and worst of Newfoundland. There are not many worst The one worst I can think of….Potholes! I have learned to drive slowly and carefully. Often I found that dirt roads were more manageable and easier than the paved roads. When I encountered signs that said Pot Holes Ahead it really meant potholes ahead. No road was immune to the pothole phenomena. Not only did I have to be concerned about potholes but often the roads dipped in odd and different ways and sometimes the sides of the road were shattered and I had to drive in the middle. In a few days, I will be taking EmmyLou to the dealer to get her oil changed. I will be asking them to check her alignment.

There are too many bests to list. But here are a few highlights.

• Gannets, I drove to a colony of these birds and spent the night at the visitor center. During the day I was able to observe and photograph these birds. In the evening I went to a concert at the visitor center featuring folk music, a storyteller, and a four-string quartet that was really three strings and a flute. It was a delightful evening. People don’t seem to mind driving in the fog to go to events.
• Launce aux Meadows on the northern end of the island. It is one of the only Viking settlements on the North American Continent. After exploring the settlement I took a hike and discovered fairy houses.

• Because I did not get enough of the Puffin Experience on the Mingan Archipelago I went to Elliston, camped on the beach, and could see and photograph more Puffins.

• A Doctor who was able to diagnose my ear pain, and prescribe medicine so I could enjoy the rest of my journey. The woman in the Pharmacy who directed me to the doctor.

• All the free camping in amazing places everywhere on the island.
• Gros Morne National Park. This place was amazing. When I was younger and not dealing with ankle issues I would have spent days hiking in this park. The views were grand, the towns picturesque, and the people friendly and helpful.
• Camping in the Municipal, Provincial, and National Parks was a great experience. The campsites were clean and private. Laundromats were in each park and warm showers were plentiful. It was fun to do the laundry as there was usually a waiting line and I got to meet others that were waiting.

• The surprises I found in the small out-of-the-way towns throughout the island. One night I camped at the Giant Squid Interpretation Center.

• The lighthouses. I have been to so many lighthouses. I keep thinking I have been to enough of them but then I read about or see a sign for another one and off I go in search of another lighthouse.
• It has been a wonderful summer and autumn along the water’s edge. I love being close to the ocean. If there is no ocean then there are lakes and rivers, streams and bogs.
• The plentiful picturesque towns tucked away in harbors all along the coast.

• The colorful houses and stages everywhere I looked. I really enjoy seeing such colorful buildings and homes.
• Lastly, everyone I met or interacted with was so nice and kind and open. I enjoyed meeting the people who lived on “The Rock”.

You may get the idea that I enjoyed my visit. I did. It was hard to leave and I believe I will return. There was so much more to see and do and experience. I enjoy the adventure of discovering the new and unique. There were more pictures to take.

Today I am thankful for a smooth sail. The staff aboard the ferry said that the water was calmer than it had been in a month. I am thankful for discovering a new place that was such a complete experience for me.

Today I am thankful.