I’ve been home from Ireland for a few weeks now & the post vacation blues seem to have taken over. As mentioned in my earlier posts I came down with what seems like an everlasting cold or as I like to call it, the Aussie Plague. This is the start of my fifth week since becoming sick & I'm almost 100%. I started running about a week and a half ago when I felt like I had enough lung capacity to breathe well enough. It was getting to me, I felt my moods spiraling downward and my motivation to do anything just wasn't there. I know fitness & running isn't a part of everyone’s life but it sure is a big part of mine. I like to think that It helps keep me sane, not to mention healthy, and really it’s just gives me another reason to be able to spoil myself with all the treats I love.
One of the things I felt was slipping away was my desire to explore, try something new and get lost somewhere here on the East Coast. In the last two weeks I have been doing a little exploring to help get my groove back & of course I'm going to tell you all about it!
One of the things I felt was slipping away was my desire to explore, try something new and get lost somewhere here on the East Coast. In the last two weeks I have been doing a little exploring to help get my groove back & of course I'm going to tell you all about it!
Last week I headed out to Witless Bay to have lunch at the Irish Loop Coffee House. This quaint little spot is located ocean side in Witless Bay just on the main road. The building is bright yellow and is on the left hand side of the road heading into Witless Bay. They have a lovely wrap around deck which is perfect for hot summer days when eating inside just seems wrong. It also offers a lovely view of the ocean and the town. And you never know your luck, you may see a whale or two!
Another great thing about this coffee house is that it is located conveniently close to the East Coast Trail, so if you’re in it for a long haul and need something to eat, drink OR a place to stay. The Irish Loop Coffee house has whatever you need. They also offer rooms in the summertime for relatively cheap which are great for hikers who may have been rained out, need a hot shower (they offer a shower only service as well ) or would just like a good night’s rest in an actual bed. The coffee house has a great menu, all day breakfast AND some of the BEST deserts (Freshly Baked Every Day). Everything is homemade & the tea is always hot. At each table they also have decks of cards that you can use if you choose to do so or you can gaze out through some of the large windows that side with the ocean.
If you are ever on the Southern Shore, thinking about driving the Irish Loop, or spending a few nights on the East Coast Trail, take a few extra minutes to stop into the Coffee House, You won't be disappointed or at least your belly won't be!
Another great thing about this coffee house is that it is located conveniently close to the East Coast Trail, so if you’re in it for a long haul and need something to eat, drink OR a place to stay. The Irish Loop Coffee house has whatever you need. They also offer rooms in the summertime for relatively cheap which are great for hikers who may have been rained out, need a hot shower (they offer a shower only service as well ) or would just like a good night’s rest in an actual bed. The coffee house has a great menu, all day breakfast AND some of the BEST deserts (Freshly Baked Every Day). Everything is homemade & the tea is always hot. At each table they also have decks of cards that you can use if you choose to do so or you can gaze out through some of the large windows that side with the ocean.
If you are ever on the Southern Shore, thinking about driving the Irish Loop, or spending a few nights on the East Coast Trail, take a few extra minutes to stop into the Coffee House, You won't be disappointed or at least your belly won't be!
For more information on the Irish Loop Coffee House & for directions on how to get there, Please Visit;
http://www.irishloopcoffeehouse.com/index.html
http://www.irishloopcoffeehouse.com/index.html
So this past weekend a few friends of mine & myself decided that this weekend was the perfect time to get up at the crack of dawn (literally) and head into St. Johns to see the sunrise. As well all know the weather here in Newfoundland is hit or miss so we were taking our chances. The weather hadn't been great the past few days but was supposed to take a turn around and look a little more like summer on Sunday. So we set our alarms for 4AM, geared up, coffee in hand and headed to Signal Hill. We had originally talked about going to Cape Spear to watch the sun come up but we were a little short for time. I, myself have done the sunrise at Signal Hill a few times and would love to get out to Cape Spear. Cape Spear is the most easterly point in all of North America, has great whale watching and access to the East Coast Trail. I will say that I have been to a Signal Hill sunrise and it has been foggy at Cape Spear so it always helps to check the weather before heading out. The Signal Hill sunrise is great because of its access right to the city & you get a fabulous view of the Narrow's & Fort Amherst. If you're lucky enough you might get to catch a glimpse of a whale or see a cruise ship enter the Harbour.
This weekend I also took a little cruise around the Cape Shore. The drive is absolutely beautiful on a gorgeous sunny day & in my opinion better than the Irish Loop Drive (in some respects). I started the loop just past Witbourne where you turn off the TCH to head to Argentia to get the Nova Scotia Ferry. It is totally up to oneself which direction they want to go in, I chose this one because I enjoy coming up Salmonier Line on the journey back to C.B.S. There is also the option of turning off in the town of Whitbourne and driving through coming out in Colinet and doing part of the loop that way. This is the less desirable of the three in my opinion. The most scenic route is either through Salmonier Line or down through Placentia. Along the way some of the places that one must stop at are, starting in Placentia there are two restaurants or should I say a Cafe & a Pub worth stopping at. One is called Philip's Cafe, located on 170 Jerseyside Hill just off the main drag in Placentia. The other is The Three Sisters Pub & Restaurant located on 2 Orcan Drive. Both places are very visible from the main road through Placentia.
Moving on... The beach In Ship Cove is absolutely beautiful. It is partly sandy at times and if you are lucky you will get to share it with some cows owned by a local farmer. They are the only other residents of the town outside of the one home & a business located in the valley! On our way to St. Brides we stopped here for a little visit to get out and enjoy the sunshine before we hit the cloudy & drizzly weather in Branch.
Moving on... The beach In Ship Cove is absolutely beautiful. It is partly sandy at times and if you are lucky you will get to share it with some cows owned by a local farmer. They are the only other residents of the town outside of the one home & a business located in the valley! On our way to St. Brides we stopped here for a little visit to get out and enjoy the sunshine before we hit the cloudy & drizzly weather in Branch.
St Brides is home to the ecological reserve known as Cape St Marys. It is home to over 24,000 Northern Gannets, 20,000 Black Legged Kittiwakes, 20,000 Common Murres, & 2,000 Thick Billed Murres during breeding season. In addition to that many other species of sea bird nest there such as Razorbills, Guillemots, Northern Fulmar & Double Crested and the Great Cormorant. There is a 1 Km footpath that leads out to the island which these birds nest on known as Bird Rock. Along your trek out to the cliffs where you can see these birds you may notice these purple flowers that are plentiful called "Iris" or the sheep grazing just off to the sides of the path.
A fun fact- the cape is home to just over 200 days of fog a year so checking the weather before heading out to the ecological reserve is a must. I should note that I did not take the photo above or below on my most recent trip to St Brides.
The visitor centre and the ecological reserve is open of course when it is foggy but you are less likely to see the birds depending not he thickness of the fog. Walking out to Bird Rock can also be dangerous when the weather is not cooperating- besides you want to see all the sheep too don't you???
There is an interpretation centre located at the start of the 1 km hike out to Bird Rock. It has washroom, a small gift shop and a great interpretation area. It is also fully staffed and any of the staff there are great to ask questions to- very knowledgeable, and they love what they do.
The visitor centre and the ecological reserve is open of course when it is foggy but you are less likely to see the birds depending not he thickness of the fog. Walking out to Bird Rock can also be dangerous when the weather is not cooperating- besides you want to see all the sheep too don't you???
There is an interpretation centre located at the start of the 1 km hike out to Bird Rock. It has washroom, a small gift shop and a great interpretation area. It is also fully staffed and any of the staff there are great to ask questions to- very knowledgeable, and they love what they do.
The ecological reserve is also a great place to stop and have a picnic or you could take a pit stop at Point Lance Beach with your lunch and if you felt so inclined you could also go for a swim. Point Lance is a small town Located approximately 11Kms off the main highway, and I have to say watch out for the pot holes. The road is atrocious, which should be no surprise to us Newfoundlanders but for someone who is from out of town, your vehicle will thank you later. If you are looking for the turn off for Point Lance and you have arrived in the town of Branch, you've gone too far. I will say, CHECK THE WEATHER. This is very important when taking this drive. In saying that, I’ve been to Cape St. Mary's and it has been beautiful and sunny and in Point Lance half the beach has been covered in fog (As you can see in the photo above). So really it’s hit or miss, gotta love Newfoundland weather.
If you are looking for somewhere to spend the night, Bird Island Resort Oceanside Motel in St Brides in an option, along with Cape Way Efficiency Units and Motel- also located in St. Brides. In Branch there are a few more options, The Cliff House at Red Point & the Driftwood Cottage.
The last stop for me or what I consider to be a big attraction is the Rocky River Fishway in Colinet. Here the Atlantic Salmon, depending on the time of year of course scale the salmon ladder to get to the pools located upstream. Here there is also access to walking trails, a gift shop with local crafts & a picnic area. If you have that extra 15-20 minutes in your schedule it is a great spot to stop and take in the scenery or just to stretch your legs. If you plan on visiting the fishway in the very near future be aware that it is currently undergoing some construction- However don't let that stop you!
If you are looking for somewhere to spend the night, Bird Island Resort Oceanside Motel in St Brides in an option, along with Cape Way Efficiency Units and Motel- also located in St. Brides. In Branch there are a few more options, The Cliff House at Red Point & the Driftwood Cottage.
The last stop for me or what I consider to be a big attraction is the Rocky River Fishway in Colinet. Here the Atlantic Salmon, depending on the time of year of course scale the salmon ladder to get to the pools located upstream. Here there is also access to walking trails, a gift shop with local crafts & a picnic area. If you have that extra 15-20 minutes in your schedule it is a great spot to stop and take in the scenery or just to stretch your legs. If you plan on visiting the fishway in the very near future be aware that it is currently undergoing some construction- However don't let that stop you!
I guess the underlying message here is; if you’re feeling under the weather, feel like you've lost motivation to get off the couch. Grab a buddy and get in your car and just drive. Go somewhere you haven't been before, drive the Cape shore, The Irish Loop, go for a hike, anything. The hardest part is just getting going- you'll feel better once you do it. Do something you love, or at least this has always helped me!!
Until my next adventure,
-E
Until my next adventure,
-E