From: CRANT@sun1.cos.ns.ca (John Crant)
Subject: Gros Morne Adventure Guides
Keywords: Backcountry, Wilderness, Hiking, Camping
Organization: College of Geographic Sciences
Date: Wed, 18 Nov 1992 14:19:09 GMT

I had one of the best vacations of my life this summer and I just thought I 
would share it with you other outdoor enthusiasts.  I spent two weeks in the 
hiking paradise of Western Newfoundland, Gros Morne National Park.  Prior to 
going, I contacted Bob Hicks and Sue Rendell, Owners of "Gros Morne 
Adventure Guides."  They sent me a brochure of thier tours, rates, etc.  
On my arrival in Rocky Harbour Newfoundland, I located their shop 
quite easily and they were happy to greet me and help me plan my 
vacation.  I found they had top of the line ocean kayaking equipment
(and are both seasoned kayakers and hireable as guides), Camping Equipment
(All MEC rentable or provided with expertly guided backcountry camping 
excursions), Mountain bikes for rent, trail foods, and more.  Simply a 
first class wilderness adventure company.  I was Impressed.

During the two weeks I was there, I sea kayaked for three days and simply 
fell in love with the sport.  I'll be investing in a sea kayak very soon.  
I also spent three days with Bob and Scott (One of thier hired guides) 
hiking the table mountains in the backcountry of Gros Morne National Park.  
We started with a boat trip up the spectacular Western Brook Pond Fjord.  
From there we hiked to the top of the gully at the head of the Fjord where 
I eenjoyed the full panoramic view out the fjord.  I wish I had a color 
scanner so I could include some of my photographs for you.  We then Hiked 
over hill and vale of peat and subarctic terrain with more vistas and 
experience than one can effectively absorb in three days.  Thank heavens I 
have pictures.  The First night we camped on a snow drift (August 7)  
During the days we hiked in the hot 25oC sunshine.  What an extreme 
environment.  Saw more Moose than I know I'll ever see again in my life.  
Hiked through herd of about 100 or so Caribou, Some of them within 5 
meters of us, wary, but curious enough to come relatively close.  The 
flora, the fauna, bring your Peterson's guides is all I can tell you. The 
variety is amazing.

I also linked up with the guides for a hiking excursion over the 
tablelands; a significant geological formation of which there are only 
seven similar in the world.  Basically a "burp" of mantle rock that ended 
up on the surface of the earth.  The formation stands in stark contrast to 
the surrounding environment as it is orange in color and lacking in any 
significant vegetation based on its chemical composition.  Again, quite 
spectacular.

I wish I could take each of you there and show you this land I've 
discovered. However, this is the best I can do.  I know I'm going back.  
Bob and Sue have become my friends and I am considering Hiring them for a 
winter telemark excursion in the park backcountry.  I've never telemarked 
before and Sue is an accomplished skiier and a member of the Canadian Ski 
Patrol at Marble Mountain Ski Facility (Another Impressive Facility just 
outside of Corner Brook).

On the day I was leaving, I spoke with a couple from NYC who had also 
booked on the Tablelands hike.  They said that they had done the tibet 
thing and a number of other wilderness things but they had never 
experienced such absolute solitude and unspoiled wilderness.  Then I 
realized how right they were.  Whenever I went off the beaten path in the 
park (ie. with the guides)  We were always alone.  It was like the 
wilderness was ours and we were a lifetime away from civilization.  For a 
man who spends 90% of his day in front of this glass, plastic and silicon 
box, that experience was invaluable.

I don't have Bob and Sue's address and phone number at the moment but I will 
post it at a later date.  If you would like any further information please 
feel free to mail me at any time.