There is a nice museum at L’Anse Aux Meadows National Historic Site.
A “How They Got Here” map was helpful
There is a nice ‘path’ with islands to sail across to Iceland.
Very brave sailing the open Atlantic in a ship like this model
Heading west from Greenland, the sailors would hit what is now the east coast of Labrador, then sail south keeping the coast in view until they sighted Belle Isle which led them straight ahead to L’Anse aux Meadows
This was our “campsite” while at St. Anthony. Our little 26′ RV is parked at the end facing forward. The majority of people on the tour had much larger “Big Rigs”. This was one of the least enjoyable surprises of the Adventure Caravan’s tour. We expected to be staying in more park-like settings, not parking lots. Most of the places we stayed were similar to this. Sometimes gravel, sometimes grass but basically a field with parking spaces, not campsites. Adventure Caravan’s made all the arrangements and honestly we would not have gone to Newfoundland without the planning and organization of Adventure Caravan’s – but be aware that everything is designed around accommodating the Big Rigs. If you have something smaller and more nimble there are nicer places to camp. Not pictured here are two camper vans, a truck-bed camper, a couple class C’s including Jennie’s View, and a few truck-trailer units that were part of our group.
Ketchup Flavored Potato Chips: I did not know such a thing existed. After tasting them I still wonder, why? I tried to like them. Canadians seem to love them as they are everywhere. Maybe an acquired taste but this is one I hope stays in Canada.
Norstead is a reconstruction of a Viking settlement; from around 1,000 AD. Norstead is located near L’Anse aux Meadows (link to Wikipedia if you are interested in the Norse/Viking history of this area). There is so much interesting history about this area; here are two quick ones: 1. The area referred to as “Vinland” in ancient writings was assumed until 1960 to be much further south around Massachusetts until a local farmer on the northern tip of Newfoundland led archeologists to an old “Indian Village” 2. Butternut tree nuts were discovered in excavations. Grape vines and butternut trees grow in similar climate conditions. It seems that 1,000 years ago the climate in this area supported both and helps explain the Vinland reference.
This recreation of a Viking boat (called a Knarr) was sailed in a reenactment from Iceland to L’Anse aux Meadows with 9 person crew in 1998.
Board Games of early settlers
On a dare from Jennie, I sat in the Viking Chieftain’s throne with helmet and sword. Very Chieftain’ish ‘eh
Viking Church at Norstead
Church Interior
Scenes of the coast in area of Norstead and L’Anse aux Meadow
Everywhere there is a mat of Partridgeberry/Lingonberry over soft/squishy peat moss. There are some paths to walk on but where they run out it is wonderful to hike in the soft vegetation.
DADart Photography 