My next stop was Carenville, more importantly, a visit with my friend Cheri and her family. It was such a relief to see the bright red door of their house - I found it! Cheri and I attended college together in Nova Scotia. We didn't really become friends until a couple of years later, when my husband and I visited her in Newfoundland. She's bright and bubbly, is a wonderful photographer, and she's enthusiastic, which makes her a joy to spend time with. Once again, another kindhearted child gave up her room for me. I owe a huge thank you to Cheri and Sheldon's little girl, I so enjoyed sleeping in her princess pink room (it made me feel very special). The first evening, we spent catching up and relaxing. I appreciated some down time after all the traveling I'd done the past few days.
Cheri planned some wonderful excursions and our first was to Sherwink Trail. We met her mom, Sue, and then continued to the head of 5.3 km trail. The weather looked a little dubious but the rain actually held off until we completed the scenic hike. I warned Cheri at the beginning, when I saw the first set of steps, that I wasn't going to push too hard because I didn't want to need rescuing by an air ambulance! Her energetic mom, probably walked three times the distance I did, as she repeatedly forged ahead and doubled back to find us. Honestly, the sights along this trail are breathtaking so I'm going to let the photos speak for themselves.
Just as the parking lot came into sight, the rain started. We hastily jumped in the car and proceeded to a local coffee shop (Two Whales Coffee Shop,) to warm up, connect with the rest of the family, and have a hot drink and a snack.
One of my favourite places in that area is Trinity, so we called there on the way back to Sue's home. The little community is full of artisan shops, historic buildings, and, during the summer months, many cultural activities take place. By now the rain was torrential, so we dashed to the closest store. I picked up a few gifts to take home before we continued to Aunt Sarah's Chocolate Shop, a must when visiting Trinity. Cheri purchased treats for all of us, including some for my family in Alberta. She spoils us.
Our last stop of the day was Sue's beautiful home by the lake. She had planned a traditional Newfoundland supper. Her home is filled to the brim with love, laughter, and warmth. It felt marvelous to sink into a comfy chair, watch Cheri's daughter laugh and play with both Josie (the dog), and her Grandfather (Ray), while Sue created homemade fishcakes with all the trimmings.
On the Dinner Menu: Fish Cakes, Baked Beans, Touton, Peas, Pickles, and Pickled Beets. Dessert: Blueberry Cake with Caramel Sauce (the blueberries were hand-picked).
What a superb day it had been, from that first "stairway to heaven", to the weather cooperating so we could appreciate the hike, to the brief stop at the chocolate shop in Trinity, and finally to Sue and Ray's home for a fabulous Newfoundland dinner. I felt very blessed. What was the plan for the next day? Find out in my next post. There are so many amazing attractions in Newfoundland.
Bonus: "Polaroid" Prints
On the trail -
Steps up...steps down.
Selfie with Cheri.
Hold on a minute, gotta take a picture of that.
The "Three Moss Mustache Amigos".
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