Our original plan was to visit St. John's , Newfoundland but we heard many great reports about Deer Lake so we changed our plans and headed for CYDF. It was a beautiful day in Atlantic Canada as we took off. We travelled along the Nova Scotia coastline, across the tip of Prince Edward Island on over the water to the island of Newfoundland . Two hours seems like a short flight but we covered over 400 scenic miles enroute to our destination.
Although Deer Lake is a remote town, on the isolated North West coast of the island, it has become a popular tourist destination. We got parked and tied down at Nalair, a nice FBO at the modern airport.
We had no reservations and had to call many bed and breakfast places before we found one with vacancy – Watkins B & B had a room for one night only. That was the good news…..bad news was there were no rental cars within 200 miles of the place. The five agencies at the airport were all OVERBOOKED and dreading the late flights coming in with confirmed customers and no cars!!!!!!
with Bob & Linda at Watkins B & B, Deer Lake .
The Nalair staff gave us a lift to Watkins B & B. Linda and Bob, the owners, were fabulous. Lots of fun and helpful. They toured us around the area and later let us use their van ourselves for 2 days. Linda was able to get us one night with her friend Mary at Lucas House for one of the nights she was unable to accommodate us. If you ever go to Deer Lake , Newfoundland you will not be disappointed if you stay at Watkins B & B (709-635-3723 or Toll free 877-935-3723) or Lucas House (sorry I don't have a phone #). Great food, hospitality and reasonable rates – just make sure you have a rental car secured before you arrive…….
Picturesque coastal scenes…….
Deer Lake rivals the Okanagan Valley in British Columbia for sheer beauty. Smaller mountains with crystal clear lakes and rivers - Salmon fishing and sightseeing.
We were preparing to leave Deer Lake for Goose Bay , two days away from departure for Greenland , when we got the shock of our lives. Our US insurance agent had not arranged the insurance coverage we required. The international policy he just emailed to us, did not cover physical damage or loss of the airplane at all….just public liability!!!!
I initially thought it was a clerical error. We had received confirmation from the agent months ago that they had proudly arranged this “difficult to get” world coverage; never a mention that it did not meet our requirements and exposed us, as owners of a brand new airplane, to total uninsured loss. How could they even consider silently issuing a policy like this!!! It was even more shocking that they would have let us fly off without even mentioning their failure to get total coverage as we had specified.
So we had to start shopping for insurance again. In the meantime we decided to remain on the east coast ready to continue eastbound if insurance could be found in time. If not, years of dreaming and planning would be over……at least for now.
We headed for St. John's – the capital of Newfoundland – on the south east coast of the island. It was a classic IFR flight and ILS approach - breaking out at 300' through clouds and fog. Like magic there were the approach and runway lights straight ahead. Welcome sight……….
Once again, what a pleasure to fly the Ovation 3 and those advanced systems when you really need them in IFR conditions. ( Note – St John's Aeroshell – nice service but $2.15 liter for avgas – by far the most we have paid in Canada . Atlantic Canada avgas prices have ranged from $1.35 at Debert, $1.87 at Deer Lake and $2.15 at St. John's )
Touring was also fantastic in this region of incredible natural beauty. Of course this is largely a Maritime area. The coastline is dotted with fishing villages, lighthouses, harbors, inns and all sorts of marine activities.
As we drove the coast bound for Cape Race (sight of the famous lighthouse and receiving station of the Titanic's distress signals) we encountered tremendous fog. We pushed on over the hilly, gravel roads determined to see this historic facility. As we climbed a hill, out of the fog came the silhouette of a large animal. A huge male Moose…….we had searched for bull Moose in Alaska and the Yukon but did not sight any. Now - looking for a lighthouse, in the middle of a fog bank - we encounter this magnificent animal!!!!!
We also did our first Whale watching experience and were lucky enough to find several Humpback Whales feeding just offshore. We followed them for 30 minutes as they dove and surfaced; never breaking the ocean surface completely but still giving us a great show.
First bull Moose sighting… spectacular animal
Whale diving ……….
We have many photographs in the Gallery of Newfoundland so rather than talking about it – better for you to take a look at the Gallery.
But in case you don't have time here are a few preview shots:
Debert, Deer Lake & St. John's Newfoundland
Picturesque coastal scenes……. 
