[2023 – Newfoundland, Canada –131 km – 3 days – Topsail Beach to Cape Spear]
A sign hangs on a tree, a quote from a man no longer part of this earth.
Topsail Beach was my favorite place to spend time with my family.
Someone has added, Gone but never forgotten!
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The East Coast Trail is a growing trail, its length changing virtually year to year.
It is now over three-hundred kilometres long, but I intend to walk only part of it, beginning at the traditional start point, but finishing at Canada’s most eastern point, Cape Spear.
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The trail follows the coast, a rugged coast, so there are far more hills than I anticipate, with a spectacular view from the top of each.
It’s easy to become accustomed to the views and I must remind myself that it is rare to have so many incredible vistas during a long walk.
I aim to enjoy every one of them.
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Though I make decent distance each day, it feels like I’m taking my time.
I stop frequently to sit on rocks overlooking the shore.
I spend a seemingly exorbitant amount of time simply gazing out across the Atlantic Ocean, wondering at the sheer number of shades of blue from the shore to the ocean to the sky.
The sound of crashing waves is a constant companion.
Even along the trail where the shore is hidden by the trees, I can still hear the water breaking against the rocks.
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I don’t see any through-hikers, it’s late in the season, after all.
But there are many pedestrians as I pass through St. John’s.
And at the end of the trail at Cape Spear, there are busloads of tourists exploring the grounds, the Second World War coastal defense battery, taking pictures of Canada’s oldest surviving lighthouse.
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Back in St. John’s, I celebrate the completion of my East Coast Trail walk, and the end of my 2023 Canadian cross-country adventure.
