Arriving on The Rock
Originally, we had planned to go on the ferry on June 1. But at the same time we checked into our hotel in Sydney, there was a pack of tourists checking in as well, because their ferry crossing had been cancelled (high winds). And that's why I decided to leave early to leave ourselves a cushion. I was in a panic at the thought that there was a possibility that our June 1 crossing could be cancelled. Would have thrown my itinerary completely out the window.
The bell was clanging as we sailed into the harbor. Loved that.
There is just enough space to bring in our luggage but we can only open one piece at a time.
We're not the only guests here and whiled a way some time speaking with another couple who are on their way to Bonavista..... and what's funny here, is that they booked the same BnB that we will be going to in Bonavista. Unfortunately, not at the same time. This is quite the coincidence, because there are actually many places offering accommodations in that town .
So, we moved our reservation one day ahead. It was an easy 20 minute drive to the ferry this morning.
The ferry is a BIG boat.
Seems the size of a small cruise ship except that it includes 5 levels of car and truck parking. A total of 297 passengers because LOTS of trucks, the lifeline for getting goods to nfld.
Although it wasn't particularly cold and the skies were a brilliant blue, it was difficult to stay outdoors because of the wind. Once we really got going, there was no way to hold the camera steady enough to take a picture..
We snatched comfy seats in the lounge at the front of the ship, on the 6th deck, staring out at nothing on the sea except white caps. Unfortunately, had a couple of yahoos sitting near by, speaking more loudly than was needed for their immediate circle . Heard all about how covid was released as a weapon of war, how Trudeau stole 30 million dollars, and yadda, yadda, yadda . A lot of people picked themselves up and moved but I wasn't going to give up our coveted window seats . Now I know why people book cabins for even the daytime crossings.
More than a few rogue waves splashed our window and caught our attention and woke people up from time to time. And of course, we had lunch and dinner on board. Thought I was having a Thai vegetable stir fry with noodles. I suppose that was an accurate description but overcooked frozen vegetables on spaghetti noodles, looked ok, but nothing to write home about, except that I am . ....sorry .. and providing a pic!
The crossing took about 6.5 hrs. As the ferry was docking, was able to go out and get a few pics.
And our BnB was just a 5 minute drive from the ferry. In fact, if you go out on the house deck, you're looking at the ferry (and snow on the hills beyond).
Originally, I had booked a hotel for Port aux Basques, but once I decided to cross over a day earlier, was unable to book the same hotel, or any other hotel, because all booked up. So I cancelled the original reservation, and found this BnB. To be honest, when I looked at the online pics, I was a little concerned; but now that we're here, this place is a gem. Shiny and sparkling and gleaming. The bedroom is the size of a large walk in closet, but cute.
Tomorrow's forecast looks gloomy and rainy, but we'll see. In any case, glad to be here.
