Signal Hill then on the Road to Gander

We just checked into Gander after 5 hrs on the road. That's the same amount of time it took to fly from Wpg to St John's ;-)

But first we had a lively breakfast with our hostess and helper, which we almost missed, discussing the time it takes to drive to Gander, what type of growing zone St John's is and getting info on Signal Hill. Blueberry pancakes were the flavor of the day. Just as good as the company we've been so fortunate to keep here.

After packing, we spent a bit of time poking around Old St John's shops. Found myself a Pork Pie hat. The lady at the desk said it looked great on me. But I'm pretty sure she says that to everyone that tries something on because I don't think she looked up from what she was doing at the time lol.
We also found a Jonnys Java type coffee shop that prepared a couple of Kenyan pour overs for us. That was a treat.

Then it was off to Signal Hill. It overlooks St John's Harbour and from what we were told yesterday at the Cape Spear Lighthouse, this castle looking outpost would take signals from Cape Spear as ships approached, friendly or otherwise. If otherwise, steps would be taken to defend the harbour from invasion.

There were a ton of paths running up and down the steep hill the outpost is situated on, but we didn't tackle that today. 

One thing we did notice is the number of people that jog in and around the hilly St John's. Kind of put us to shame really.

Signal Hill was certainly another place we could have spent more time. But we needed to hit the road. 

One thing I've noticed is that our Garmin kept trying to get us to go down one ways the wrong way. Perhaps it's the way all the streets wind around and seem to come together in 3's. You certainly have to pay attention.

Before leaving, we looked for a place called Quidi Vidi Village. It was recommended to us by friends. It has a brewery there and we thought perhaps a place to eat. No such luck. But a lovely little inlet where we met Capt Frank. Your typical Newfoundlander very willing to help with any information you might find useful.

Finally hit the Trans Canada Highway, or the T.C.H. as it's listed on signs here. Took me a little bit to figure that out. Scenery is fantastic. If you like the Whiteshell, you'd like Newfoundland. Hills, lakes, forests in abundance. We'd often see cars pulled off to the side on the T.C.H. and thought they were having car trouble. Wrong. They were fishing in one of the many lakes the line the highway. For those of you that love to fish, this is the place for you.

We're staying at a Comfort Inn along the highway in Gander. Our hostess was right, there doesn't seem to be too much here other than some great scenery and more friendly people.

Tomorrow it's another 350 km hike to Sugar Hill Inn in Norris Point situated in Gros Morne National Park. Two nights there. Then 350 km back this way to Lewisporte for one night, 350 km to Harbour Grace staying two nights at a B&B facing the ocean, then back to St John's and home.

So, time to get some sleep...