Our original plan was to take the 12-hour crossing from North Sydney, NS to Argentia, NF and ride into St. John's, but the skipper ran it aground last week and all crossings were diverted to the far end of the island, 900 kms from the capital at Port Aux Basques. From there, because of time constraints (a rally in Cape Spear Aug. 11 and a book reading on the 12th), we have to drive the 900 on the next day. C'est la vie on the road. That morning then we drive a short hop over to North Sydney and due to my early bird wife, we are in the lineup with time on our hands. The ferry is a German-made boat, as somebody said, the BMW of ferries. The workmanship is rich and there's plenty of staff at the ready. In one corner an entertainer strums out some island favourites. On another floor a movie is starting. We have a 4-bunk cabin and some shower, read or snooze. At 2 PM we line up for a buffet dinner, and marvel at the value.
We're not off the ferry until 5:30 PM which leaves us within an easy distance to our quarters at Codroy Valley Campground. We set up a blazing campfire and a picnic table under a tree, when the rains hit. All the campers scurry for shelter, the fires fizzle out and the parties move indoors. We enjoy a jovial evening and BBQ ribs under the awning of the Starship until we realize we are having way too much fun for a bunch that has to arise early and drive the length of Newfoundland the next day.
