Ferrying to Newfoundland

Lined up for the ferry

 

Our ferry was to leave at 11:45 am, and they recommended being there 2 hours ahead. We left the campground at 9 and were lined up in the ferry lot by 9:20. Lots of other traffic there, big trailers, big motorhomes with dinghies, transport trucks galore. Up to 18C, sunny and humid.

 

We loaded on to the ship on the far right.

 

Driving in via the nose ramp

A fine day for a boat ride

The ship was easily large enough for the Helipad

The ferry ride was quite smooth today. We were on the sundeck for the first hour or so until we got too warm, then moved inside. Lots of sitting rooms of various types. They had several TVs going inside, as well as a snack bar, and a sit-down diner section. Today's meal was roast pork or chicken, for $12.95. Sure smelled good, but we ate our sandwiches instead (don't you feel sorry for us?). It turned foggy for the last hour, but cleared up as we reached land. 

The ferry is backing in to the dock here, at Port Aux Basques

Once on land at Port Aux Basques we stopped at the tourist info center. Mistake! We got trapped there by a herd of huge motorhomes and 5th wheels. We did get out eventually though, and were camped at J.T. Cheeseman provincial park by 6:20, for a couple of nights. We had a warm welcome from the local black flies! Cool and damp feeling, 12C. We actually drove just 18 km today, from Arm of Gold to Cheeseman parks.

Looking back at Port Aux Basques and the ferry landing

The provincial parks here are a fantastic deal, especially for seniors. After our 40% discount, camping was $9.25 per night for a site with no hookups. We had an electric site at Cheeseman, $14.95. In addition you need an entry pass. We seniors could buy a seasonal pass for parks entry, just $13 for the year.