Dreamscapes Travel & Lifestyle

DREAMSCAPES WINTER/SPRING 2022 34 A Warm Welcome "Is there anything else I can get you, my love?" our restaurant server asked us in that lilting Newfoundland accent in the bustling maritime hub of Corner Brook. Part of what makes Newfoundland so special is the unwavering hospitality of Newfoundlanders who warmly welcome those who "come from away," as they say. With each conversation, calm washed over me and any anxiety about travelling in unknown parts during these challenging times disappeared. It wasn't until the following morning as we left Corner Brook for our one-of-a-kind road trip that we noticed the mountains sloping down to the long arm of the Bay of Islands. We were on our way to Gros Morne National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famously photogenic for its moody mountains and teetering terrain. With every off-road twist and turn, it was easy to see why this is a mecca for hikers and adventurers. Neither Mom nor I felt up for any- thing gruelling, so we stuck to lookouts and easy strolls with great views. Walking on the Earth's Mantle In one area of the park known as Tablelands, we traipsed on a part of the earth normally hidden but tectonic shifting has pushed up the surface, revealing a stark contrast in this harsh environment. On one side of the valley, there's a lush green landscape while on the other a few scrappy plants and pine trees struggle to survive on the slopes of the barren plateau. The cold wind added to the eerie atmosphere, which forced us to shorten our exploration. Thankfully, we did find warmth in a bowl of chowder and another warm welcome in the nearby town of Trout River. Chasing the Light and Finding Serenity // STORY AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY VANESSA DEWSON Newfoundland F A M I L Y For our long overdue mother-daughter trip we were supposed to visit the island of Crete. My mom and I had gotten a taste of the Greek Isles while on an earlier cruise pre-COVID but we decided this time around to play it safe and visit another island closer to home. Rather than whitewashed buildings, a rainbow of colourful houses peppered the rocky shoreline of Port aux Basques, where the ferry dropped us off in Newfoundland as the sun was setting. And just like that, we were hooked.

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