Our random collective of four-wheel-drive enthusiasts had bonded after a week of traveling together and shared more than a few adventures, on the trail and off, which always becomes the cement that turns a motley group of people and 4WD rigs into an expedition. Vehicle parts had already been flown into Goose Bay and repairs performed in a local garage before we could embark on our southerly journey toward the coast of Newfoundland.
While in Goose Bay, the group met with a local expert on the Inuit culture, hearing about the native peoples of Labrador. We also visited a gallery and museum with Inuit artifacts and artwork and, of course, spent an afternoon four-wheeling along a technical trail. The evening was topped off with caribou stew and moose burgers. A second day was spent doing a community-service project for the local Community Youth Summer Camp.
After a rough night's journey on our ship, the M/V Sir Robert Bond, we arrived in the picturesque fishing village of Blanc Sablon, Newfoundland, and, after a day of rest and exploration, we boarded the M/V Apollo for St. Barbe. On calmer seas, we watched icebergs turn opalescent blue and whales fish and frolic. And, as we pulled into the first Viking settlement in North America, we rested our tired bodies in the replica of a Viking long house, sleeping on sheep skins laid atop wooden planks. Our guides tended a fire through the night, cooking venison and bannock bread in traditional fashion.
We were up at dawn, and another day's drive put us in the majestic Gros Morne Park. Here, local guides took us on a challenging four-wheel-drive trail, deep into the mountains of western Newfoundland. We were given ample time for more technical four-wheeling, fly fishing, or simply taking in the breathtaking views from our private lodge. The OEXBYOVEXPNA trip came to a close three days later, ferrying us from Nova Scotia to Bar Harbor, Maine. What a wonderful adventure.