Tablelands Hike - Village of Trout River - Gros Morne National Park, Newfoundland

Hike on the Earth's mantle

We make the 1 hour and 15 minute drive from our campsite near Rocky Harbour, around Bonne Bay and past her two fjord arms (east arm & south arm) to get to The Tablelands. It's a rare, Mars-like landscape of barren, rust coloured 'peridotite' rock found deep in the earth's mantle. 

Winter House Brook Canyon

Thrust upwards 500 million years ago two ancient continents collided. Instead of sliding under each other a chunk of the deep ocean floor and mantle was thrust upwards and stranded on top of the crust. This unique rock formation has helped scientists prove the theory of plate tectonics by showing how continents move, collide and reshape the earth. 

Flowers trying to eek out an existence

Photo in the Visitor centre of what it looks like in sun :)

It is one of the few places on earth where the mantle has been exposed. Unfortunately it is raining so the striking amber and rusty-orange tones of a sunny day are muted and it's tough to take many pictures. None-the-less, our entire hike we were walking on the Earth's mantle :) 

Fishing boats on the hard in Trout River

Next we drive down the road to the small rural, fishing town of Trout River for a look about. We were going to do the Trout River hike but it's a mushy, muddy gong of a trail so we quickly abort. 

Trout River trailhead

Moose win every time

These signs are everywhere....watch for moose and don't drive after dark is what everyone says to us. 

Glimpse of remaining snow

As we start the return drive, we get a glimpse of snow high up on The Tablelands. Trees here are forced to grow with a southward tilt as there are often prominent winds from the north. It's a harsh place to survive.

Serious road construction

It's a cool, wet day and we still have a long drive. We head back to the trailer and spend the evening getting caught up on things like reading, books and relaxing.