My final day in Newfoundland and Labrador I set aside for a visit to the Witless Bay Ecological Reserve. It is the nesting site of over half a million Puffins and even more Common Murres.

The Reserve is spread over four islands, so is only accessible by boat. I purchased a tour from O’Brien’s Boat Tours out of Bay Bulls, about half an hour south of St. John’s.

Sadly the Weather Gods decided I had benefitted enough from their good nature, and presented me with an overcast, misty day. My camera did not like the change in weather, so my still photos are not terrific.

Happily my iPhone was not at all bothered by the weather and produced some lovely little videos. The ride out to the Reserve was quite rough but once we got there we entered protected waters. The occasional white flash is rain dripping from the boat’s overhang.

I love the little murre toward the end of this video, skimming along the water. I thought s/he was planning to take off but apparently not.

In this final video, the guide is pointing out that a predatory bird had just flown into the area causing a mass (temporary) departure of birds. When this happened, the sky would be full of them.

My planned visit to Newfoundland and Labrador is now complete. I have fallen in love with the province and the unexpected things I found here:

• Newfoundland and Labrador is HUGE. I should have realized that, given the estimated driving times between stops, but I was still overwhelmed by the sheer size of this province.
• There are thousands of lakes. I tried to find how many in internet searches, but was unsuccessful. I’ll just say I seemed to drive by many, many lakes every day.
• The province is hilly. Why was that a surprise? 🧐
• Things here are expensive. A glass of wine at my hotel in St. John’s cost $16!
• This province must be the dandelion capital of Canada, if not of the world. I have come to love their perky yellow presence.
• Potholes, potholes, potholes.

Here’s a collection of my favourite signs. I hope you enjoy them too!

I am now leaving for a day in Halifax and then two in St. Pierre. See you there!