When I hear the words “16km strenuous hike up an 806m steep rock gully” it makes me feel incapacitated already. The mere thought of it makes my knee throb with what little cartilage I have left after two arthroscopic surgeries over the years. But, true to form I pack my day pack and set off on the 6-8 hour hike up Gros Morne Mountain in Gros Morne National Park, Newfoundland.
For geologists this park is known as the “Galapagos of Geology” as it has evidence of plate tectonics. Tablelands that are made of rock that come from deep within the earth’s crust. Usually these materials are only found at unfathomable ocean depths, thus making Gros Morne a world recognized “supernatural playground”.
Playtime.....the girl at the hostel certainly wasn’t lying when she said it wasn’t easy. I did however encounter my first Moose though! Now that is a cool animal! She was just chilling out grazing peacefully, probably watching and laughing at me attempt the climb up the unstable rocky hillside, knowing full well she could bound up there with ease on her long lanky legs.
The weather certainly added for some discussion too. It was threatening us with rain the entire time but managed to hold off at least until we had reached the peak. Unfortunately though, I missed out on the best view as the fog rolled on in followed by spats of rain, just to make the path more slippery and muddy. We also had some sun lend a hand and wind to keep us cool.
All in all, a truly fantastic hike and we managed to complete it in 5hrs 10 mins including breaks for pictures and moose viewing along the way. There is always something peaceful about hiking in nature.
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