Departed Gander Bay for the short drive to Gander this morning (watching for moose and taking our time). Enjoyed a hearty brunch at the good old Albatross Hotel where unique menu offerings include toutons and molasses, poached kippers and real salt codcakes.

 

From Gander we headed east toward the renowned Bonavista Peninsula - but the rain got worse and worse, so heavy we were down below 50 kms an hour at times. Our plan was to capture images throughout the Discovery Trail and visit artisan studios en route to Trinity and from there to Bonavista - but the atrocious weather saw us alter our plans in late afternoon to seek shelter at Port Rexton (near Trinity) where we were unsuccessful booking last minute at the (typically full) Fishers Loft Inn. We did, however, manage a lovely dinner there in a wonderful setting overlooking the bay. It was the first fine dining experience in some time on the road and throughly appreciated. (The inn uses pretty much all their own garden produce and local products like fresh cod). The establishment's  commitment to local buying is not restricted to food, but includes art, furniture, crafts and literature.
Wimping out from yet another downpour in the RV for a night, we ended up in the nearby Sherwood Suites - with a welcome hot shower (with enough water pressure that we didn't have to move around to get wet as in the RV) TV and an opportunity to dry out and catch up on laundry.
Before dinner, though, we enjoyed a very pleasant chat over wine with (come from aways) John and Peggy Fisher who, with their sons Luke and Gabe and a dozen locals, run a very fine 21-room inn  cleverly constructed to blend in with the local architecture, and with a view to die for. Flush with success, the couple are now building an adjacent completely separate self-contained centre to host small conventions and business sessions. Completely wired for modern communications, this facility will be the antithesis of the old-fashioned, utterly relaxing inn -  but will share that spectacular view.
True to the forecast, the skies suddenly cleared and we were able to enjoy an evening stroll in this peaceful, aesthetically pleasing place.
Tomorrow, Bonavista.