After the stunning landscape and many ravines encountered along the Grand Codroy Way everything changed. First off it was the beginning of my solo adventure. Cory left me at the Starlite trail parking which is where we also left the wilderness. From there up until Stephenville Crossing would be marked with long stretches of railroad bed. This was the beginning of my journey following the T’Railway shared with the Trans Canada Trail and the IATNL. Change of pace and scenery.
After the train stopped running in Newfoundland the railroad was converted into a multi-user trail and spans from Port aux Basques all the way across the island to St.John’s. Barely no elevation gain or loss are encountered on the trail as trains had to follow this route. Which makes it easy to walk, although the loose rocks tired my legs faster than up into the mountains where the ground is way softer.
I would be lying if I said that there are many viewpoints along the T’Railway stretch that I covered (Tompkins to Stephenville Crossing). It meanders along low lying ground and mainly through bogs. However I did get to cross many stunning rivers such as Fischell’s, Grand Codroy and Barachois to name a few. It also led me behind communities where moose and birds where abundant.
Most of my campsites along the T’Railway where absolutely stunning from the first one in South Branch, to the one by Codroy Pond or Fischell’s river. The last one turned out to be right in Stephenville Crossing on the beach, nice view but too bad there was so much garbage.
I met many lovely people along the T’Railway which was also shared with various ATV/ Side by side users. My animal charmer Chuck offered me a comfy bed and breakfast and assisted me when I had my dry bag stolen which contained all my food, cooking pot, mug, toothbrush and hygiene belongings. Dave, the SAR helicopter pilot gave me many survival tools as well as a hand flare. Not to mention a phone number in case I need assistance in the woods, which I hope not to need. Although a helicopter ride would be a thrill. In St. Georges 3 friendly ladies sat me in the back of Chubb’s Convenience store, filled my water bottle and fed me cake and hot coffee.
Reaching the old Black Bank Provincial Park was quite rewarding as I stared out to sea while wandering through a sandy beach and dunes. Too bad there was no fresh water supply because I would have loved to spend the night there. On the other hand it led me to Karl’s in Stephenville Crossing, a tasty little eatery.
Overall the T’Railway had its ups and down. I’m glad to be back on hiking trails.
Indian Range Trail to follow
Alex
Live Wildly Intrepid!
Carpe Diem
