Bonavista Peninsula

June 27 to Jul 1: When we left Terra Nova National Park, Ursula noticed that the camping trailer was leaning to the right side. After closer inspection, we found out that the leaf spring was broken. Not a big surprise with all the potholes, but not less annoying. We had to deal with the repair.

In Claranville, we found OMB Parts where they got the leaf springs for our trailer. They were well stocked with springs and parts that served all our needs. With the parts secured, we setup our camp in the Lockstone Path Provincial Park. The location is optimal for our planned excursions to all the coves and capes on the Bonavista Peninsula.
I attempted the repair, but the U-brackets that hold the axle and spring together were torqued with a gazillion pounds. Well beyond my strength, no matter how much spinach I eat. So we were in desperate need of professional help.
The RV maintenance place promised that the service department would call back. They did after about 15 minutes. By that time, we had already made other arrangements.

The next place we called was MLM Truck & Trailer Repair in Clarenville. They confirmed that they will replace the spring if we bring the parts. MLM Truck & Trailer services big trucks. When we pulled in with the Jeep and trailer, we filled about half of a maintenance bay. The other half was quickly filled by the staff that looked at our rig. They assessed the damage and checked the parts we brought. They immediately started the repair and replaced both springs. Yet again, a bad situation was resolved with the help of very friendly people. Thank you MLM Truck & Trailer.

Follow us @NavigatorAndWheelman. Twillingate, Terra Nova and Bonavista is the fourth episode in our Labrador and Newfoundland journey.

Skerwink Trail
The forecast called for rain the next day. Before we got the trailer repaired, we decided to take advantage of the better weather today. The Skerwink Trail promised sea stacks and great views. They were right. With the cliffs disappearing in the fog, it was an otherworldly encounter. We had no rain, just drizzle from the heavy fog. The trail was well maintained, with stairs made from logs and some sections with roots and rocks. Good footwear is highly recommended. There are a few benches along the cliffs. Bring lunch to take in the scenery.

Trinity
This is a town that was made for taking pictures. If there would be a coffee shop with Espresso & Americano, we would move there. But for now, we enjoyed the many scenic spots in and around town. We took the Gun Hill Trail and continued along the cliffs. We got a nice view of the harbour and town from a distance away.

Elliston Puffin Rock
We visited the puffins twice. The first time, the puffin rock was in the fog. They are not far away and can be seen without any binoculars. The colony was very lively, constant take off and landing, back into their burrows to feed the babies, then off to get more fish. The second visit offered better viewing conditions, but many of the puffins were either gone, or hiding in their burrows.

Dungeon Provincial Park
The Dungeon Provincial Park is the site where a hole in the ground is connected by two openings to the sea. It is a spectacular sight and an unusual sound when the waves echo in the hole. Just beside the park is a Community Pasture where horses and cows roam freely. It is difficult to say what is more impressive, the dungeon or the horses with the breathtaking backdrop.

Cape Bonavista Lighthouse
The Cape Bonavista Lighthouse is possibly the coolest of them all. It may not be operational anymore, but all the original mirrors and oil burning lights are still intact. The mechanism to make the lights turn is a mechanical masterpiece.
It is also the second site where puffins can be viewed with the naked eye.

Spillars Cove and Klondike Trail
We read about Spillars Cove and had to see the spectacular shoreline. The site is in a fault zone and has some geological significance. The Chimney is a sea stack that is impossible to miss. It was late in the day and we skipped hiking the Klondike Trail.

Bonavista
Bonavista is a picturesque town and bigger than most places we visited. With a population over 3,000, it has all the services. Bonavista was established in the late 1500s and has a rich history. We didn't spend much time in town, besides visiting the Matthew Legacy and the harbour close by.

Ye Matthew Legacy
We were told that we could visit an old ship, but didn't know that it is a replica and fully seaworthy. The Matthew Legacy museum is located at the harbour. The building does not look like much, but what we found inside is more than a museum. We boarded the ship and walked on deck, touched the sails and went inside the cabins. However, before we got onto the ship, we followed the exhibit that started with "My name is Jacomo and I have a story to tell". It is truly an amazing journey in time.