Day 14: Blue Beach, NL to Port Aux Basques Ferry

My first thought upon waking up was "Good, I haven't been washed out to sea". I quickly packed as usual and hit the road after a granola bar. I'd find breakfast later...that and the rotgut Wisers Whisky wasn't setting well with me.

On down the dirt road back to pavement.

I rode up along the north side of Cape St. George and looped back through the small bridge/causeway connecting it to the main-island. From here I set out for Stephenville. I had a small breakfast at McDonalds and checked my email. They were remodeling so the place had no heat. Not exactly ideal. This was across the street though.

Stephenville was once a very busy US Military Base.
Link

I love old military bases so I rode around and took some pictures.

As I left Stephenville, I noticed a number of small but strong storms in my path southward. I stopped here for a bit and watched it pass beyone the highway while the wind whipped whitecaps on the bay.

Continuing south along the Trans-Canada, I chose to turn off on a random side road toward small communities named after people like Robinson's, McKay's and Jeffrey's

Just boring farm land, grey clouds, some surf and a dead end gravel driveway. Back to the Trans Canada.

These septic system containers were painted up with happy children's characters. I think they're all full of shit. :rofl

The view from the Codroy Valley heading south. The steep and imposing mountain cliffs are beautiful in this grey chilling day.

So beautiful I decide to go explore them. I made it this far up a narrow powerline trail until I lost forward momentum and couldn't go any further.

YOu can see the road going up the center here. I will come back on a dirtbike some day :deal

I made it to Port Aux Basques and had a cup of Tim Hortons while checking the ferry schedule. They had moved it forward two hours so it was a good thing I stopped to check. I had a couple hours to kill till my evening departure. I decided to ride the road as far south east as possible until it ended.

This cool diesel sidekick pulled in

This is the small harbor of Rose Blanche nestled among the rugged coast with white rocky cliffs.

I reluctantly shelled out $5 to take a walk and self guided tour of the lighthouse.

A face a mother could only love.

While touring the light, the wind and rain storm I had been waiting for finally hit. I hung out for about 10 minutes while the worst of it passed then made a brisk walk for the bike and my stich. I didn't want to get wet in my wool sweater if I could help it. Stich'ed up and back on the road, I made it a point to stop at this picturesque pond. They dot the landscape of the southern coast and are stepped forming a series of rich tannic ponds surrounded by moss and fir trees.

Harbour Le Cou is nestled away from the fierce sea behind Rose Blanche. It's brightly colored buildings are likely a welcome greeting for returning fisherman and residents. Unfortunately since the collapse of the Cod fishery in 1992, there are likely many fewer fisherman calling it home. One narrow street winds amongst the sturdy fishing homes.

I spotted a random road continuing north. It is the only road in this direction. It took me quite some time to find it but I did.

I figure if quads could get aruond the gate, I had a fair shot. Did and done!

The rocky, wet and rutted road travels through lush valleys of fir, rock and moss with a powerful river rushing below it. THis power station and water treatment facility must supply the towns below.

I had to be very careful on the slippery algae covered bridge. It also had a long drop down to the water in between the tracks:eek1

I made it up to a very steep part and finally saw a "NO TRESPASSING SIGN" Yeah time to turn around before I crash, get arrested and deal with that nonsense.

By the time I return to the main road, it is pouring hard and my gloves are already soaked inside from standing on pegs/water running down cuff.

How fitting! I am riding directly into a thunderstorm, lightning flashing all around me, few trees and wide and exposed on a rocky landscape. Death Island indeed!

Yeah it was wet...

Damn! Truckers have all the fun! :lol3

My leather gloves stained my hand a bit
v

The storm passed after I wasted an hour in Tim Hortons.

Cops at the donut shop? Also a quad in the parking lot. Yup, I'm up north!
v

I finally pulled up to the ferry and was first in line for the motorbikes.

I had a few hours to kill and passed the time with photos, making soup, chatting with fellow passengers and eventually meeting all the other bikers on the voyage. These folks were from Australia on R1150R's

She was from Smithers, BC

My newfound biker friends treated me to some beers in the lounge while we waited an additional 3 hours to leave port.

We had a good time swapping storied then around midnight went out separate ways to try and catch some zzz's. Unfortuantely the dark and once quiet berth I had placed my jacket in was directly above the engine room! I attempted to sleep in the chairs for an hour, then an hour on the floor before I grabbed my belongings and walked up a few decks to the children's playroom where it was quiet and nobody was around.

I slept great!