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Bucketlist Bri

Bucketlist Bri

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Van Life Journal Week 6: Newfoundland!

Last Updated: October 20, 2021 · Canada, Van Life

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Hello there! What a crazy, fun-filled week! Van Rouge is still going strong. We had to charge her batteries this week and now she’s back to health.

In short, this week we celebrated Paul’s birthday in Newfoundland, went to a stargazing event, had some successes and failures, stayed at our first campground, made our first fire, and so much more!

Thanks for reading! xx

Monday, Day 36 – See You Later Nova Scotia!

So we start the week by going back to the same Starbucks in the morning. We ate lunch in the van and then hopped back inside the same Starbucks for the afternoon!

Some days are like this, working wherever we can or shutting ourselves in the same place for 10 hours. Thankfully the staff had rotated out so we didn’t look like Starbuck addicts.

We bought our ferry tickets to cross over into Newfoundland and Labrador.

That night we slept at the Port of Sydney again. In the morning we’d wake up early to work before loading Van Rouge onto the ferry!

Our first evening after arriving in Newfoundland – pronounced “New-Fin-Land”

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links that may earn me a small commission should you decide to click through and make a valid purchase (at no extra cost to you). Thanks so much for your support!

Day “Tirty-Seven”

If there’s one thing we’ve learned since spending 6 weeks in Canada, it’s that Canadians LOVE their Tim Horton’s.

Each Tim’s we visit there’s at least a mile long queue both in the drive-thru and inside. We take our chances inside since, at least, it’s warmer there.

We grab our sandwiches and our seats. Paul runs to the bathroom and an older bearded man dressed in a leather jacket (and with a thick accent) asks if I would mind if he joined me and my partner.

He sat down and we get to chatting – well, mainly he does. He’s a talker. I never caught his name, but we quickly learned that he wasn’t shy as he had a few rowdy stories to share.

Paul started to work while I held the conversation. His accent was thick with an Irish flare – his “th’s” turned into crisp “t’s”. Thirty sounded like “tirty” and three sounded like “tree.”

We load Van Rouge onto the ferry. We’re the only other camper van next to a decked-out RV.

The passenger deck upstairs felt somewhat luxurious. All the seats were recliners and there were big TV’s. On the same floor was also a gift shop, a restaurant, and a cafe.

Van Life Journal Week 6: Newfoundland! Bucketlist Bri
We could already tell how different Newfoundland felt from Nova Scotia.

We’d spend the next 6 hours largely in a row of empty recliners watching Rachel Ray and Wheel of Fortune. We got in some work the first two hours, but once the ferry left the harbor and reached the open sea, it became way too rocky and sickening to do anything other than just sit and watch telly.

We head back to the van and make our official landing on Newfoundland and Labrador.

Already the views were very Icelandish with rugged, dark earth and fields that lit up at sunset.

We make a pitstop at the Visitor’s Center to grab a few maps before attempting to stay overnight in a campground.

The grounds were closed, but there was a beach nearby. So we make the trek across a very painstakingly-holey road.

We arrive at the empty beach just in time for sunset. Somewhere along the way, I slip on the sand and lose my phone on the rocks.

Van Life Journal Week 6: Newfoundland! Bucketlist Bri
Caught up in the view, I slipped and lost my phone in the sand and rocks.

I didn’t realize my phone was missing until we had already driven the 15 minutes it took to cross the holey road.

We had to go back.

UGH! Our first night in Newfoundland was turning into an annoying run-around.

Fortunately, there sat my phone amid the rocks. I grabbed it and thanked the universe and once again we started the trip back across the road.

Finally, we were out. It was past dark.

We drove to another camping location, this time in a lot next to a sandy park.

Wed, Sept. 18th (Day 38) – Back to the ’80s

It’s Paul’s 30th birthday today.

I kept waking up during the early morning to wish him a happy birthday, but deciding it was still too dark, drifted back to sleep.

Van Life Journal Week 6: Newfoundland! Bucketlist Bri
We woke up to a rainbow for Paul’s 30th birthday. xx

Determined to wash his hair that day (having failed to find an open campground the day before), Paul went to the public washroom and washed his hair and body in the freezing cold of the concrete bathroom with icy-cold water.

I, on the other hand, was happy to stay dirty for another day until we found a real shower.

We work at Tim’s that morning, getting in a few hours of work before attempting to drive on to another location.

After lunch, we head to a town called Stephenville.

We find an open campground and pay the $30 for a night there. It meant we could charge Van Rouge’s batteries, refill our water tank and empty our gray tank, and most importantly, have a shower.

As a bonus, we had wifi and we also had a firepit.

We take a warm shower and settle into our home for the night. We were pretty much by ourselves.

As it was Paul’s birthday, we want to go out for dinner in the town. So we ask the lady at the reception where is good to eat. And she said her family always eat at the Days Inn when her dad’s in town.

We leave and start to think about it for a minute, “Wait. The Days Inn?” They eat at in the hotel lobby… restaurant?

When we toured the town, we quickly understood she wasn’t joking. There was only 1, maybe 2 restaurants in the entire town.

One was a family restaurant on the main street that was dated from the ’80s and the other option was, well, the Days Inn.

So we took our chances on the Family Restaurant.

Van Life Journal Week 6: Newfoundland! Bucketlist Bri
Cheers to 30 in our small-town ’80s restaurant hehe!

If anything made Paul feel like he was getting older that day, it was definitely due to this restaurant. We traveled back in time.

We giggle and think about the contrast of my birthday dinner in a trendy, dark bar in downtown Halifax a couple of weeks back.

The birthday night wasn’t over just yet though.

We grab a fire starter at the Dollarama – along with a fleece jacket for Yoda – and head back to the campground to light up a fire.

Eventually, we get the fire to start, but it took a while.

In the meantime, we were trying to capture the starry night above us with my camera and tripod.

As you can see, we had fun testing out the lighting!

Van Life Journal Week 6: Newfoundland! Bucketlist Bri
Both of us were dancing around with our phone lights to get this shot! @vanrouge_roadtrek
Van Life Journal Week 6: Newfoundland! Bucketlist Bri
Playing around with the lighting. @vanrouge_roadtrek
Van Life Journal Week 6: Newfoundland! Bucketlist Bri
Blurry, but I love it!

Day 39 – Brrrrr!

It was probably our coldest morning yet in the van. It got so cold even Yoda was shivering with his fleece. So I wrapped him up and held him until he stopped. It was the cutest thing ever.

We finally got our furnace to work (yay!), so soon enough we were roasting inside the van.

The sun finally comes out so I decide to walk Yoda and do some laundry.

We needed to leave by 1 pm and when the time came we skipped to the Tim’s in town to finish up our workday.

Our next location for the night would be at the tip of Cape St. George – about an hour to the coast from Stephenville.

Van Life Journal Week 6: Newfoundland! Bucketlist Bri
Hidden Falls nearby Cape St. George | Bucketlist Bri

We saw you could “wild camp” there. Just park the van and sleep without any amenities.

Road tripping the Port-au-Port Peninsula was just breathtaking, especially since it was golden hour.

Along the way, we stop at a roadside waterfall called Hidden Falls and go exploring. We catch the sunset just in time as we arrived at the edge of Cape St. George.

Van Life Journal Week 6: Newfoundland! Bucketlist Bri
Another clear night, so I take out the tripod to catch a glimpse of the Milky Way @ Cape St. George | Bucketlist Bri

Day 40 – Hikes and #ClimateStrikes

It’s Friday morning and we have no internet. So we take the opportunity to soak in our surroundings and go for a short hike.

Just beyond our camp spot sits some of the best whale-watching in the area. There are also gannets – the largest North Atlantic bird. They nose-dive into the sea to fish for mackerel and other fish which also attract the seals and whales.

We didn’t get to see any though, but we did get amazing, clear views of the entire craggy coastline.

Van Life Journal Week 6: Newfoundland! Bucketlist Bri
Our beautiful Friday morning hike. @bucketlist_bri

We drive around the peninsula before circling back to Stephenville, where we knew we could get wifi at Tim’s and work.

We stop at 3:30 pm to catch the local climate strike inspired by Greta Thunberg’s #FridaysforFuture and the Global Climate Strike worldwide event happening between September 20-27.

Van Life Journal Week 6: Newfoundland! Bucketlist Bri
A small but strong group of strikers @ Stephenville, Newfoundland #climatestrike | Bucketlist Bri
Van Life Journal Week 6: Newfoundland! Bucketlist Bri
Love this one!
Van Life Journal Week 6: Newfoundland! Bucketlist Bri
“Will you tell your grandkids you did nothing?”

Happy to leave Stephenville behind us, we carry on and drive to our next location for the night: Corner Brook.

We arrive and Corner Brook sits on the edge of the water. Already, we can see it’s a bigger town with more diversity and more character.

We drive up to the tip-top of the hill (Van Rouge barely made it) to sleep for the night.

Day 41 – Stargazing

In the morning we take a small detour to the nearby James Cook monument and park – where you can learn all about James Cook and his amazing cartography work in mapping out the landmass of Newfoundland.

His accuracy of the map compared to satellite images of Newfoundland today are astonishing.

Van Life Journal Week 6: Newfoundland! Bucketlist Bri
A visual of Newfoundland and Labrador. We are traveling around the pin located at Cape St. George

We pack up the van and head down the hill. The mission is to find a bathroom so we head to the local mall. Inside we pass a couple of Canadian telephone/internet stores. We go in and inquire at Telus.

Two hours later we’re still there, waiting to get my account set up so we can finally have internet again and work from the van.

While we were waiting, the nice man tells us all about what to see and do in Gros Morne National Park – where we were headed next. At the same time, I notice a flyer online for a stargazing event with Parks Canada later that night – Sept. 21st in Trout River.

Van Life Journal Week 6: Newfoundland! Bucketlist Bri
The views on our way to Trout River and Bonne Bay.

With new internet on our phones and full bellies from our mac and cheese lunch, we head off toward Trout River.

Heading there, we pass by the most insane landscapes – the Tablelands – where you can see earth’s mantle that surfaced when the tectonic plates crashed together.

We arrive at the meeting point for the stargazing event at Trout River Pond. While we wait we check out the area and see moose droppings, take pictures, and eat dinner.

The night ends with a clear sky and view of the Milky Way, with hot chocolate and marshmallows, laser pointers and star maps, blankets, and we even got to see Saturn’s rings through a gigantic telescope.

Van Life Journal Week 6: Newfoundland! Bucketlist Bri
After it got dark we were told not to use our white lights from phones, etc., because it ruins your night vision.

Sunday, Day 42 – Failing to Reach the Fjord

Finally, today we were heading further into the Gros Morne National Park to get the breathtaking views of the fjord.

We plan for our 3-4 hour hike and arrive at the West Brook Pond Trailhead. We see where we’re going in the distance and get excited.

Van Life Journal Week 6: Newfoundland! Bucketlist Bri
Where we wanted to go but couldn’t get to!

We eat our picnic lunch an hour later at the center where you can take a boat ride up through the fjord.

We wanted to hike there, so we head out on the Snug Harbor Trail which takes you around the bay and up 500 meters to the crust and plateau of the fjord.

But 45 minutes later, we come to a halt.

There’s a sign that reads, “Warning! You must ford this river to continue on the path.”

Van Life Journal Week 6: Newfoundland! Bucketlist Bri
We – well, Paul – at least tried!

We pop our heads around the sign and there’s a river with no bridge, just a rope to help you cross.

So Paul rolls up his pants as far as they would go and wades into the fast current. Not only is the water freezing cold, but it also gets much deeper than it looks.

Paul’s not yet mid-way when the water gushes up past his knees, wetting his britches. In order to cross, we’d have to get much wetter than we were willing to bargain for.

So our hiking plans had to be cut short that day.

In the end, I was grateful for the chance to slow down. I hadn’t realized I was already hurting from our 1-hour hike and still having to climb 3 hours more would’ve probably beaten me.

Slightly defeated, we leave and drive back to the small towns to find a place to rest our heads for the night. Sometimes the search is harder, sometimes easier. Tonight was a challenge because there were “No Overnight Camping” signs posted all over the towns.

Van Life Journal Week 6: Newfoundland! Bucketlist Bri
Being outside is just as fun as being inside when you have a furry companion! x Bucketlist Bri

We managed to find a loophole and small parking lot for just a few cars next to the water at Norris Point.

We ended up having such a fun time taking pictures and enjoying the sunset views.

I got to take Yoda out for a walk, which he loved, before hunkering down inside the van for the windy storm that surged over us all night.

We can hardly remember the beginning of the week. We got to see so much in such a short time it’s hard to remember where the days begin and where they end.

Cheers to another week living the Van Life! Stay tuned for VLJ Week 7!

More van life journals:

Van Life Journal Weeks 7-9: 4 Provinces, 3 Weeks

Van Life Journal Week 6: Newfoundland!

Van Life Journal Week 5: There & Back Again

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By: Bri · In: Canada, Van Life

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Comments

  1. Nish says

    September 24, 2019 at 11:37 pm

    Wow bish ? great writing as always ?

    Reply
    • Bri says

      September 25, 2019 at 6:04 pm

      Aww, thanks Nish!!! xxxx

      Reply

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I’m Bri, an adventurous digital nomad living abroad full-time since 2015. It is my hope to inspire you to live a life of adventure, seek out meaningful experiences, and travel slowly and mindfully!

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National Park Week has got me feelin’ a serious National Park Week has got me feelin’ a serious case of nostalgia for our 2-week Southwest USA road trip! 🏜

The NP’s we visited on this trip:

📍Arches National Park
📍Canyonlands National Park
📍Zion National Park
📍Bryce Canyon National Park
📍Grand Canyon National Park (North & South Rims)
📍Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park

+ Valley of Fire State Park, Red Rock State Park, & Monument Valley Navajo Park!

Head to my blog bucketlistbri.com for the full 2-week itinerary plus detailed guides & itineraries to each NP!*

*except for BCotG

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#nationalparkweek #utahrocks #zion #bryce #southwestusa #roadtripusa #desertvibes #archesnationalpark #moab #canyonlands #roadtripamerica #grandcanyonnationalpark
"From Santa Catarina Palopó" 💜 I saw her gigg "From Santa Catarina Palopó" 💜

I saw her giggling and chatting with a friend from across the street and, despite my shyness, waltzed over to ask if I could take her photo. 

She was simply radiating sitting there; an amateur portrait photographer's dream. Except I don't even own a portrait lens and this was only the second time ever in my life that I whisked up the courage to ask for something that feels so... intimate. 

But without hesitation, she gazed into my lens and pierced my heart. It was like being drawn to a joyous light that I just couldn't resist. So I dared to ask. 

As soon as she said yes, I hurriedly clicked a few shots; rushing so as to not waste her time. After showing her portraits to her, she gave me a big nod and said softly, "de Santa Catarina Palopó" with immense pride.

I think her sweet smile & kind eyes speak for themselves... ✨ 

You can read more about the indigenous Kaqchikel Maya and the colorfully painted town of Santa Catarina Palopó, Guatemala on my blog @bucketlistbri 💜
10 years together 💛😱 It’s not our annive 10 years together 💛😱 

It’s not our anniversary (it was technically last month, depending on who you ask) and we're not even celebrating Valentine's Day today, but...

I just wanted to remind the internet that I have a pretty badass partner (& not to mention the best cat dad) who puts up with both my silly madness and my need to live around the world in pursuit of adventure. 

If I have any advice for love and long-term relationships, it's this:

Keep choosing each other;
again, and again, and again,
over everything else, no matter what you go through. 

❤️❤️❤️

Can you guess which one of us first "friend-requested" the other all those years ago? 😉

#internationalcouple #ourlove #travelcouplegoals #10yearstogether #digitalnomadcouple #adventuretogether
On every adventure, I’ve thought of you. I am On every adventure, I’ve thought of you. 

I am the granddaughter of a guiding light, a woman so lovely and gentle and spiritual and strong that she attracted to her all walks of life. 

I was the butterfly enamored by her glow. The ship lost at sea that found safety at her shores. 

On every adventure, I’ll think of you. On every adventure, you’ll be with me. 

🦋 ✨
Add this hike to your Caribbean bucket list! ☀️ 

Guadeloupe is rich in breathtaking, diverse landscapes — La Pointe des Châteaux is no exception! Magnificent rocky pillars jut out of the ocean & create a magnificent view that’s best experienced at sunrise from atop Morne Pavillon, the hill marked by the large cross on its summit.

TIPS FOR VISITING:

🚗 Like everywhere in Gwada, you'll need a rental! Parking is free.
☀️ Sunrise and sunset are around 6am and 6pm
🥾 The hike itself only takes 15-20 minutes and is easy!
🦀 Watch for wildlife and other critters (this is a protected heritage site!)
🌊 Plenty of beaches are nearby, including a nude beach and a private beach with cool wave splashing action called "La Douche" (meaning shower 🚿) 

Read more about this epic spot + other must-see places in Guadeloupe on the blog @bucketlistbri 🌴

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#guadeloupeislands #caribbeanisland #pointedeschateaux #wanderlusttravel #caribbeanlife #caribbeanvibes #gwada #hikingtheworld #islandphotography #travelaesthetic
I'M READY FOR YA, 2022 ✌️ HERE'S WHY: ✍️ I'M READY FOR YA, 2022 ✌️ HERE'S WHY:

✍️ 2022 is going to be the year I become a published author. 

💛  It's the year I celebrate 10 years of love & adventure with my best friend. 

💻  It's the year I register my LLC and level up my business. 

🌎  It's the year I hit my bucket list of "slow living in 10 countries" as a nomad and the year I travel and discover even more destinations. 

And some folks will think (do think), "overnight success." But the reality is (as my sweet friend @redwhiteadventures reminded me), it's been about putting one foot in front of the other -- just like on a hike up a mountain (or in this case, to the cliffsides overlooking the Caribbean and Atlantic!). 

2022 is going to be the view from the top!! (Sure, I may get there, and see another summit I want to climb. But I'm so ready for the challenge(s), the journey, & the adventure!) ⛰ 

What are you excited about in 2022?! 

📍Hell's Gate / Porte d'Enfer, Guadeloupe (click the link in my bio to read about this hike!)
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