Discovery Trail

After a grand breakfast at Harbourview B&B we say a sad farewell to our fellow guests and our hosts (these are the kind of people who not only hug you when you leave but also watch and wave until you’re out of sight). We haven’t far to travel today which gives us time to visit the Ryan Premises National Historical site, the full-scale replica of John Cabot’s ship the Matthew, and a number of historic buildings in downtown Bonavista.
Then we’re off to Cape Bonavista to see the twin entrance sea cave called The Dungeon and the Cape Bonavista Lighthouse. Barry is feeling so mellow, must be the beautiful day, that he consents to riding 2 kms of gravel road to the sea caves and stacks of Spiller Cove. Once again we’re rewarded with a whale sighting!
The Discovery Trail refers to the roads on the Bonavista Peninsula which is one of the most historic parts of the province and certainly the most beautiful! From Bonavista we head to the equally stunning Trinity Bight and the historic communities of Trinity, Port Rexton, Dunfield, Bonaventure, etc. Trinity is world famous for its quaint village, the preservation of its historical buildings, and the Rising Tide Theatre that presents enduring Newfoundland dramas every night in the season. We sit around at the Dock Marina restaurant savouring the harbour traffic with our late lunch as we’re feeling tired today- yesterday’s rainy ride combined with a late night has taken its toll! We visit Hiscock House Provincial Historic site, one of some 50 architecturally significant buildings in Trinity before heading to Dunfield and the Rolling Hills B&B.
We chose Rolling Hills B&B because it is 6kms away from the tourist crowd of Trinity and for the highlands that provide easy walking and spectacular views. This B&B is perfect - simple elegance and very warm hospitality right in the heart of this tiny coastal village. The only downside is that we have to leave the village for supper as there are no food outlets or restaurants here.
Later in the evening our host, Ed joins us and the other guests in the sitting room where we sample his excellent homemade wine and beer. The other two couples have been to the theatre and are impressed with the calibre of the performance. We have seen Rising Tide performances on previous visits and can only agree with them. Many communities in Newfoundland have outstanding theatre seasons and they provide a entertaining way for visitors to learn about the history, quirks, humour, and dialects of this island.