So what do we know about Newfoundland? It was built in 1863 by Billy Newfoundland who came here for the fishes…

We know nothing. Let’s face it. It’s just here. And is quite magnificent. Ok, a little sunshine wouldn’t hurt but for whatever reason, that ain’t happenin’ this week.

We’re currently in a place called Twillingate. Known as ‘iceberg alley’ because virtually all the year you can see icebergs a’floatin’ by. Virtually all the year, just not this bit. But Twillingate is wonderful. Population (I’m guessing) of about 74 (now that poor ole Kenny finally gave up in the spring…) and it’s a tiny peninsula on the north coast, poking out in to the ocean. And on about three sides are fabulous views of rocks being bashed up by the sea. The fourth side is the forest which covers all of Newfoundland. And into which, this morning, Mel & I ventured forth. In heroic manner.

Why heroic? Because we can get lost walking to our local corner shop at home. Stick us in a forest and we have, quite literally, no chance of getting out on our own. We’ve been lost on more ‘well marked hiking trails’ than there are moose in Canada. There’s barely a country in the world we haven’t got lost in.

This morning was no different really. We followed the trail until we weren’t. That’s fine. Coastal trails are sort of ‘self defining’ as long as you avoid the water. So we eventually found the lighthouse, which is gorgeous. And as you stand there, at the edge of this part of the world, that fucking wind hits you. It’s actually like someone took out the ‘north pole’ and slapped you round the face with it. And yet in sort of masochistic way, it’s pleasurable. As all forms of exercise are essentially masochistic anyway. To anyone, like me, who’d rather be in front of Netflix with a bag of crisps and a dip. Maybe a beer.

We came back along the road. There’s only one here. Route 340. No heroics required.

Then we popped back to our B&B (in which the central heating is on) and I learned that once again Spurs had beaten Manchester City at the Etihad. My morning is complete. My life is complete. So I’m going ‘back out there’. Which is the easy bit. It returning which causes the difficulty.

Happy trekking,

A xxxx