Today was a travel day. The morning started in a fog metaphorically and literally. Up early, got coffee, packed, loaded the car, last minute check and out the driveway into the first drops of rain. We took the circuitous route crossing the river again and through a sleeping residential neighborhood, left and right, left and right and emptied out onto a roadway filled with morning commuters.
Isn’t the scenery lovely?
The first few miles leaving St. John's were hectic with the morning commute in full swing, but fortunately we were heading away form the commotion and soon we were cruising along with the cruise control set, listening to our audio book, drinking nice hot coffee that Carol had prepared. Our Yeti cups keep thing hot. We were back on the TransCanadian Highway once again retracing our route back to Port aux Basque.
Airplanes in the yard!
Todays destination is the town of Gander of 911 fame. It's where the planes landed, but I think I mentioned this before. The plan was to visit the Aviation Museum, eat at Rosie's and maybe get a hike in. About an hour or so into the trip the rain and the fog began to lift. The sun came out and we were once again riding along in a beautiful day with beautiful scenery. We stopped a couple of times for a bio break and a walk for Harper but it was relatively uneventful. Then, quite suddenly, just ahead, a moose just strutted across the four lanes of the TransCanada Highway. And then he was gone. Carol screamed with excitement "A Moose!". There was no time for cameras. We have seen so many yellow signs saying beware and this is the first one we had seen on the roadways. No accidents happened, the moose timed his crossing well. The excitement lingered and chatted more about moose.
Gander’s claim to fame - a nice tribute to the town, taking care of those stranded folks on 911
We arrived back in Gander in the early afternoon, stopping at the Aviation Museum which is right on the highway, almost across from the hotel we had reserved a room in. It is a small museum. Around the grounds are a few old aircraft, in an advancing state of neglect. The admission to the museum was $7, the same as 'The Rooms' we visited yesterday. They had some aircraft stuff, but the museum was a single large room and it appears to have been more of a display of a collection rather than a museum. Don't get me wrong I'm glad we stopped and paid the admission, some of the stuff was a bit interesting. Some of the stuff was less so. Most of the model aircraft on display can be purchased in any hobby shop, I was hoping for some custom built models. On a high note, Harper was allowed in, and we all know how much she enjoys aircraft.
Harper loves this stuff
From here we found a Walmart to pick up some essentials and then on to Rosie's for lunch. Rosie's had come highly recommended in several guidebooks and a few people we have spoken with all said we should eat there. Rosie's did not disappoint. Rosie makes good solid home cooking. Carol's plate of spaghetti seemed enough for a large family, great portions for the money, and friendly people too.
What a meal!
While we ate we were checking maps for a trail to hike or a park or something, as you can't waste any good sunshine. We found a park not too far away. As we were driving past Walmart on our way to the park, Carol realized she had forgotten dog food for Harper. Just up ahead on the right was a pet shop. We stopped there instead. Harper loves to shop at the pet stores, and is always welcomed there. Of course everyone wanted to give her treats and lots of attention. Some little girl literally squealed as she petted her. Harper got down to business when we entered the doggie toy aisle. She picked out a small toy with a great squeaker. She carried it to the counter. Just outside the pet shop was a food truck (pictured here) - a seafood truck. Check out the sign - cod tongues and seal flippers, damn! I'm glad I didn't see that before I ate.
Cod Tongues and Seal Flippers, Mmmmmmmmm . . . .
Some people have strange tastes. We found the park - Cobbs Pond Rotary Park, and there was a trail around the park. It is a two and a half mile trail that is mostly boardwalk, circling the pond. There were cattails and mallards, nothing exotic, but hey, we saw a moose today. It was a nice walk on a warm sunny day.
Easy walking around the pond
Afterwards we made our way here to the hotel. We are making it an early night, more travel tomorrow. I should also let you know that yesterday I beat Carol in cribbage, putting me ahead by one game. Tonight she royally kicked my butt, we are tied again.
Below are a few more pictures from the day. Click to enlarge.
