Green Point Coastal Trail, Gros Morne National Park
Posted: November 19, 2013 Filed under: Newfoundland, Plant Life, Water | Tags: beach, beauty, coastal trail, Green Point, Gros Morne Park, Gulf of St. Lawrence, hike, nature, Newfoundland, ocean, thunderstorm, tuckamore Leave a comment
Coastal Trail in Gros Morne Park, August 2013
Our first attempt to go on the boat tour of the freshwater fiord in Gros Morne did not go as scheduled because of torrents of rain and lightning. However, once the weather cleared, we went on a hike on the Coastal Trail near Green Point, south of the fiord. This cobbled beach trail is flat and runs right along the coast off the Gulf of St. Lawrence. We saw marshy ponds and passed tuckamore forests. Tuckamore is the Newfoundland word for stunted spruce and balsam fir trees that grow by the coast and in mountainous areas.
Tuckamore along the Coastal Trail, Newfoundland, August 2013
On the Coastal Trail, August 2013
We did not take the full 6 km return hike, because we could see more thunderstorms brewing in the distance and travelling toward us. Since we were on totally open ground, we felt it was safest to turn around. We were among several other hikers, all of us doing the return hike in record time. This trail has stayed with me for its haunting atmosphere. I found it of great beauty.
Thunderstorms approaching–Coastal Trail, August 2013
Newfoundland Places Temporary Moratorium on Fracking
Posted: November 9, 2013 Filed under: Newfoundland, Water | Tags: Canada, coastal trail, environment, fracking, Gros Morne, Gros Morne National Park, Gros Morne Park, health, moratorium, Newfoundland, Newfoundland government, ocean, UNESCO, world heritage site 1 CommentLast summer, before going to Newfoundland, we heard that fracking was being proposed off of Newfoundland’s west coast, near Gros Morne National Park. The photo in this post is from a trail in the park a bit north of the proposed fracking site.
Because of the chemicals, sand and large amounts of water used in fracking, we wondered how residents of Newfoundland felt about this. When we were in the province, we heard opposition to the plan from B & B hosts and people sitting near us in restaurants having lively discussions about the dangers and risks of fracking. While in the Gros Morne area, we also came upon a petition opposing the plan. And I’d already heard that UNESCO had voiced serious concerns because fracking near Gros Morne, a World Heritage Site, could put the site at risk.
Coastal Trail, Gros Morne Park, Newfoundland, August 2013
Then, earlier this week I was glad to hear that the Newfoundland government had placed a moratorium on fracking in the province until it was satisfied that it would be safe for the environment and the health of people. The government plans to hold a review and consult with residents. This sounds like a good first step. I’ll be following this in the news to see further developments.
of humans and nature 
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