It was April 18th and sunny. I really wanted to test out my new tent thus we decided to head out into the Blow Me Down Mountains for a little camping adventure. Sleeping bag? Check. Cooking supplies? “Where are the pots?” I’m asking while running up and down the stairs looking everywhere. An hour later we had everything packed up and made some sandwiches and coffee for the road to some Blow Me Down camping and trekking.
Spring can be extremely wet so we decided to walk up Blow Me Down Nature trail for a few hundred meters before making our way up towards the cliffs. After some bush walking and marsh hopping, we made it into the boulder area overlooking the Bay of Islands. I sat still on a rock, picturing James Cook and his vessel sailing in between the myriad of islands. Pitcher plants were awakening beside me from a cold winter. I was in heaven. My favorite mountains in Newfoundland, perfect Blow Me Down camping destination.
Weaving our way through giant boulders and snow patches turned out challenging. Especially if I’d try to follow Cory. My legs and arms, being shorter than his, forced me to reconsider his route choosing. Walking along the cliffs’ edge was mesmerizing. I felt so small. After numerous picture stops and awe moments we made it to the bowl area on the East side of the Blow Me Down mountains.
This was going to be the perfect camping spot, somewhat protected from the wind, flat and with an incredible view. What more to ask for? I was like a little kid. Big grin and singing. The tent was set up in no time and Cory had already scavenged a big pile of wood to make a campfire on which we ended the evening roasting some marshmallows for some S’mores.
The night was chilly, -15 celcius forced me to hide my nose under my tuque and to curl into my down sleeping bag. But what a restful night, no cars, no barking dogs just the distant roar from a small stream.
I woke up to a thunder like sound. A huge chunk of a cornice broke off and went rolling down a 200 meter or so cliff. We watched numerous small avalanches as we drank coffee and ate oatmeal. The sun was shining and warmed us up quickly.
Little yoga stretch and it’s with reluctance that we hiked out of this magical area which also offers great back
We came back out through the so called trail. It turned out to be more of a stream with broken boardwalks. A poutine on the way home topped off the adventure. Blow Me Down mountains we shall be back.
Live Wildly Intrepid!
Carpe Diem!
Alex
