A trip around the island is expedition sailing at it 's best. It 's the 15th largest island in the world. It 's larger than Cuba, and nearly 5 times larger than the big island of Hawaii. It spans five degrees of latitude, from just about 47 to just about 52 degrees north. Canadian writer Farley Mowatt describes it best: "Newfoundland is of the sea. A mighty granite stopper thrust into the mouth of the Gulf of St. Lawrence, its coasts present more than 5,000 miles of rocky headlands, bays, capes, and fjords to the sweep of the Atlantic. " And while the people are indeed memorable, there are not many of them. The island is wonderfully undeveloped and many of the outposts have just a few hundred people struggling to make a living. When Quetzal pulls along one of the strong government wharves, she and her crew are treated royally. And I know in my soul that this is the time to explore Newfoundland, times are changing. The island is prospering again, offshore oil has replaced Cod and the oil that greases the economy. Adventure travel is taking route. Ten years from now Newfoundland will be known as a prime adventure travel destination, you can feel it in the air. Back to my theme, about time, now is the time to explore Newfoundland. Our expedition will have two, 16-day legs. This is long enough to really get a feel for the land, the people and seas that define the Rock. |