After five very enjoyable days at sea we arrived this morning in our first port of call, Corner Brook. After a leisurely breakfast we decided to attend the morning trivia session before visiting the town. Whether it was the lack of teams, (there being only around twenty this morning compared to about 100 on other days) or just our superior brain power that gave us the win this morning I’ll leave you to judge. But a win is a win no matter what.
Corner Brook is a small town of around 20,000 population that has grown up alongside the Humber River. The forested slopes of the mountains along the coast have given rise to the largest industry, that of paper making. A large mill dominates the harbour with steam billowing out across the water.
The town, or more correctly city, is about a 10-15 minute walk from where the ship docked so after passing through a number of small stalls set up by locals on the quayside we made our way to City Hall. Here was the start of the Corner Brook Stream Trail which we had planned to walk. This took us on a wooded path around a large pond.
The trees have just about started to show their autumnal colours but hopefully we will see better examples as our trip progresses. The land on which trail stands is owned by the paper mill who have opened it up for everyone to enjoy.
At the top end a series of rapids feed the lake.
It was a lovely walk and it felt so good to stretch our legs after the days on the ship.
As we made our way back into the centre we saw a welcoming sight ahead and my thoughts went to coffee and doughnuts….
…..Unfortunately it was packed, standing room only with a queue that stretched around the shop. Not today Tim but we will catch up with you later in the trip.
Corner Brook seems to enjoy having cruise ships visiting and with two large vessels in today they put on some great celebrations. A market selling local crafts lined the streets around the City Hall and while we perused the goods on sale a local band entertained us.
The band played a number of classic blues standards and were excellent. I was informed by a local that the guitarist on the left is the best in the whole of Newfoundland, I’m not sure how many guitarists there are in Newfoundland but he was good.
In the City Hall was a small museum with many local artefacts and exhibitions about the history of the settlement and the surroundings. We like small museums as generally there is enough to keep you interested without getting bored.
Altogether a lovely small town, an excellent first stop on this epic voyage.
Another day at sea tomorrow before our next stop at Saguenay.
We didn’t manage a Tim Horton stop at all our trip. I was planning some poutine but sadly didn’t get to it. Hope you have better luck. Congrats on the win.