Reflection and conclusion on my motorcycle trip to Newfoundland
I wasn’t sure what to expect on this trip before going there. People told me how beautiful it is. One person said “it’s a rock.” I had seen the pictures of the coastline fishing houses on a foggy day. Someone mentioned that Gros Morne Park should be quite something to ride in. I just know that I wanted to see the island for myself, and I was curious about the Viking settlement.
I was pleasantly surprised that the names of most of the places are still available in French, even though the population is anglophone. It guess it goes to show they respected the history and culture of the place. At both national historic sites on the island, they also respected the history of the indigenous presence there too.
Writing everyday about my experience, having to find the right words to describe the place, the people, and my feelings, actually enhanced my enjoyment of it. Imagining taking my readers along on the journey touched me, and motivated me even more; reading your feedback and comments really warmed my heart. I made video calls to both my parents almost every day on the trip, both to keep in touch, and to let them know I’m ok. Of course, I omitted many more experiences from the blog, to keep it succinct, and to emphasize the more important events. ask me about those, the next time we’re together.
I’m grateful I was well-prepared for the trip, however, I forgot my weatherproof riding gloves, wet leather isn’t exactly pleasant. Aside from that, I had everything I needed for the road and for camping. The bike will need new tires, for sure, and the zippers on my saddlebags gave up by the end. The seat is quite comfortable, but I’ll definitely look into a more comfortable one before my next road trip. My butt is fine now, by the way.
Oh, and I did get screeched in, by the way: I’m an honorary Newfoundlander.
I want to thank the people who helped me on this trip: Judy, Tara, Shauna, Cpt. Thorvald Hrudsson, Gabriel l’acadien, Ragnar the Smith, Elka Undottir, Steve, David, Connie, Amy & Dan, Liona, Lea, as well as Mom & Dad, and the many other people who had a part in my journey.
Total riding distance: 5,715km
I wish this makes you want to explore Newfoundland & Labrador!
I had a goal in mind while riding: to answer the question “What is Newfoundland?” I only visited the Western part of it, so here are my thoughts after visiting this side of it.
Newfoudland is:
Purple willowherb (fireweed), yellow goldenrod and white bristly yarrow,
Green tabletop mountains with twisty roads,
With beautiful parks,
Home to ancient explorers and nomadic tribes,
Vikings! By Odin the All-Father!
With cod and halibut abound,
As well as whales and icebergs;
It’s brooks and ponds and capes and harbours,
It’s rocky coastlines and fishing communities,
Houses of white, green, blue, red and purple,
With French names,
And red and white, wood and stone lighthouses,
Seafood restaurants and fish & chips and chowder and Screech,
Land of ATVs and pickup trucks,
But above all, it’s the kind, curious, generous, heart-warming and welcoming, wonderful people.
I love this rock.
