Dodgin' out like tthe rain

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So we are on the "Rock" finally! Actually, we have been here for a week or so, just got back from Gros morne National Park, Leanne's dream come true, which was quite incredible really. We climbed the Gros Morne mountain and took a boat tour through the Western Brook Pond (don't get confused though, the "pond" is actually 16 miles long! that's Newfoundland for you...) where we were surrounded by huge cliffs and trickling waterfalls, some that even dissipated before they reached the ground because they were so high. Wow, It was even more spectacular than the photos make it out to be.
We have been treated rather royally since we arrived on the island too. I must confess that I was quite nervous to ride the island after speaking to a lady in cape Breton who assured us that we would die on the island! "There's nothing there but fir trees and stupid moose," she said. "And it's so cold I never wore shorts in 3 years." So we bought a grave digger garden gnome and are hoping it will keep us safe. If not, at least misery loves company! It seems to be a good conversation starter too, if nothing else.
Our first night on the island we were invited to use a bunky by a generous couple in South Branch which kept us warm and dry overnight. Really appreciated because the northern latitude is noticeable at night, at least I think so, Leanne, the furnace, might have another opinion however. then in Cornerbrook we were staked out by a good friend of our father's, Steve Barlett, who insisted that we come stay the night at his parent's place and eat there delicious food and use there warm beds and showers. Twist my arm. They took us on a scenic tour of the fishing villages on the coast of Baie d'Isles too which was very picturesque. Thanks for everything Bartlett's!
Then we headed off for Gros Morne Park and met a Deer Lake native to come hike with us. It was great to have a guide, thanks PJ. We took in an authentic Newfoundland Band at a hotel in the Park and didn't stop laughing once all night! Then we were invited by a fisherman to sleep in the bunker of his boat, a first for us, even though it was on land for repairs, still was cool! We even were given complimentary breakfast at the Fisherman's Landing restaurant when the owner heard our story. Good ol' Newfie friendliness.
That brings us up to date. Oh, I guess I should backtrack and mention that we are only a group of 2 now. Dan was inspired by our Seattle friends and decided to try to ride his bike all the way back home to Chicago so we had a parting/birthday party for him in Picou and parted ways in New Glasgow where he turned south towards halifax and Yarmouth to catch the ferry to Maine. Best of luck to him on his ambitious quest. He has long days ahead of him if he hopes to make it to Chicago by the end of August.
that's all for us, more to come in a week when we reach St John's and the end of our trip!
I'll add the best photos then, sorry. have to get back on the raod now!
hasta la vista
(anyone know how to say that in Danish for Leanne?)

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