I’m not sure what I was expecting. Not sure what I thought I would feel or even what I wanted out of it but the fact that I made it this far and now essentially have to turn around has left me feeling a little off. Honestly I was feeling a little blue the last few days anyway but figured I’d get over it once I hit the East of the East.
It’s not like the adventure is over, I still have to make it home and have no set agenda as per the way here. Basically it comes down to making the money last.
As I was leaving to come on this trip a friend gave me a book written by Stuart Wilde. I’d never read any of his stuff but have read other books regarding spirituality, energy, positivity and “the universe” etc before. I just opened this book and am halfway through it tonight. Good timing too as it made a lot of sense and I feel much better about a lot of things, including the rest of this trip and my goals upon my return to “regular” everyday life. What makes me smile is the fact that since I have everything to do with it, my regular everyday life is going to get pretty sweet in the next couple of years. I don’t have much to complain about and a lot to be thankful for so really it’s not a long journey. I simply have to keep my “ego” in check and lose the fear, the fear of actually doing what I’m doing now so I can keep doing it. Yes, you heard it here first, this trip wasn’t exactly “easy” for me to just get up and do. It still isn’t.
For now though I am back in the right headspace. Tomorrow will be another great day for photos as I explore Bonavista Newfoundland Then I will again be slowly on my way closer to people that mean the world to me. Until I get there, I will be lost in my element, appreciating what is absorbed through these orbs in my skull.
Lighthouse at Cape Spear
I woke up on the wrong side of the sleeping bag today. Not sure what set me off but I was in a funk all day. I left Corner Brook which was a feat in itself. Who designed their road system, a chimp with a crayon? I’ve seen maps that made more sense in a bowl of spaghetti. Anyway, enough about that. I drove up the 450 all the way to Lark Harbour. Got a few shots in Little Port and Frenchman’s Cove, some during a storm of sideways sleet-hail.
I drove through Corner Brook and went on to Gander. Got there just as it was dark and decided I was too restless to sit around. I also checked my bank account and panicked. I figure if all else fails I want to see the furthest Eastern point of Canada so I drove straight to St. John’s. Besides, the roads were dry and aside from some wind gusts the weather was nice, could see the stars the whole way here. Now this way I know approximately what I need as far as gas money to get back to Port-aux Basque. After Cape Spear tomorrow I can try and gauge a few shorter North or South detours as I make my way back towards the ferry. Money sucks.
Tomorrow is supposed to be nicer weather. A little colder but I’d rather bundle up and get some good sky for my shots than be warmer and shoot in a snow storm with gray skies.
Anyway, tomorrow is going to be a landmark day for me and this trip. I’m sure I’ll be in a better mood.
To really show how impromptu this whole trip was here’s something I didn’t consider until recently.
Newfoundland is an island, (really I did already know this). What I didn’t even think to consider when leaving home is that there would be costs for ferries. I’ve taken two so far. One was a free short 10 minute trip in Quebec and another was $46.00 from Baie-Comeau, Quebec to Matane Quebec as I was anxious to get to the Gaspe Peninsula and Perce Rock.
Now after that one I started looking into the ferry to Newfoundland as it won’t be a cross Canada trip if I can’t get there. The problem is the combined vehicle and driver price for a one way trip is $110.25. Whoa, that’s $220.50 there and back. I know it’s dumb on my part but I didn’t think it would be this much. What I also didn’t know is that it can take from 4.5 to 6 hours. Not a big deal as I’m not in a hurry but the price is a bit of an issue.
I’ll be seeing what I can do as I really was looking forward to standing as East as one can get in North America and to be able to say that I DID completely cross Canada. Not to mention that people have been telling me about the photo opportunities there. I may just have to bite the bullet and fore go Tim Hortons for awhile.
I woke up to rain as expected. I got bored instantly and started driving along the route I need to take to get to the Hopewell Rocks. Off and on I was on the shore of the Bay of Fundy as I made my way East. I found some cool rainy day shots of a old wooden covered bridge circa 1927, a fishing boat docked to a rickety old wharf at low tide, the red ocean caves outside of St. Martin ending up in Sussex for the night.
Tomorrow I make the rest of the drive to the Hopewell rocks. I’m not sure what to expect as everything I’ve read about them states that they’re closed for the season. How does one close a shoreline beach? If anything I’ll find a way down and walk along the beach to them. I have a tide schedule and know that low tide is around 3pm so dammit I’m gonna be there. I also know that the weather is “supposed” to be better with sun and clouds. Keeping my fingers crossed on both counts.
It’s funny, as I drive through the little towns and hamlets I see everyone getting ready for Christmas. Right now for me it’s the last thing on my mind and I sometimes feel like an alien watching another planet from a distance. It’s a slight bit lonely but also a bit refreshing. The ability to flee any form of shopping mayhem or avoid certain areas while their open for business is in itself quite liberating. As people join the line into the mall parking lot I’m leaving to go find the next quiet beach where I watch the waves come crashing in with the tide. Life is good.
Of course, this will change a bit when I arrive at my sister’s place in a couple of weeks. By then I’ll need a break and will cherish the comfort and company of family. I’m looking forward to that.
So for tonight I’ve met up with my Walmart night light and will most likely dial up a movie on the laptop, have a snack and get some sleep. Until tomorrow.
W
Okay not really relaxed. I went through a few photos from the first couple of days of my trip. I added more to the car gallery and a few more to the others. After monopolizing a table in the tiny Parry Sound Starbucks for a few hours I passed on laundry and got out of town while it was still light. Venturing East I stumbled onto a nice little town called Rosseau. Because it was getting dark I pulled over for the night, dialed up a movie on the laptop and chilled. A rocking Saturday night for me.
While I had the truck running for a bit a little orange fox walked right through the beams of the running lights like I wasn’t even there. Pretty neat.
So no shots taken today but still a good day. Was inspiring to go through some of the ones I’ve taken and remind myself what I’ve actually captured.
