Just want to post a little mini trip report. Myself and my boyfriend are currently in Newfoundland on a visit home. I'd heard so much about the Ferryland lighthouse picnics and this morning "the sun was splitting the rocks" so we went on a trip down to Ferryland(about 45 minutes-1 hour, along the coast directly south of St. John's, part of the Irish Loop).

Now, being a Newfoundlander, I have driven the Irish loop a few times in the past, but I had completely forgotten how beautiful it is. Also-holy icebergs. I think it must be a record year. If anyone is in Newfoundland now, or visiting in the next few weeks, take the drive from St. John's down the coast, atleast till Renews. There are multiple icebergs every turn-you'd have trouble taking a picture of ocean without Iceberg in it. Lots of pieces washing ashore too...great to crack up to use in drinks...lasts forever. Just had to put that out there, it is really an iceberg alley out there right now, seriously unbelievable.

The Ferryland picnic was fantastic-highly recommend. After a slow careful drive out a dirt road, then a 15 minute scenic walk up to the beautifully restored lighthouse, we were greeted with friendly service and a lunch to die for. The food was fantastic, fresh, and made with love. You order your choice of picnic inside the lighthouse, take your blanket and flag, and pick out a spot outside on the grass. You can even bring binoculars from home and look for whales if you want. They bring out a picnic basket full of delicious goodies. We were stuffed-, delicious curried chicken and ham/brie sandwiches freshly baked bread, fresh perfectly seasoned orzo salad, freshly squeezed lemonade, and yummy fresh baked desserts. We could have shared a lunch actually....but whatever, it was worth it.

After taking some great pictures of the lighthouse and icebergs, we walked back to car-where I convinced my boyfriend that we should drive the rest of the Irish loop-for old times sake. What a great drive. A bit barren between Renews and Trepassy-but still beautiful- not a person in sight the whole way..although I was on Caribou watch...I've seen them around that area before. I couldn't stop thinking about what winter must be like on this part of the island. I completely forgot how nice the beaches of Trepassey and St. Vincents are! What beautiful teal blue water! We had a nice relaxing drive, took lots of photos, and waded in the water (yes, it's freezing, but it's in our blood-I'm been swimming in this water since I was kid..not for the faint of heart though...).

We did have a nice sunny day-windy, but bright blue skies. This is a great drive for anyone visiting or living in Newfoundland-pick a nice day and go for it!. It took us about 8 hours, at a nice leisurely pace, including a 2 hour lunch at Ferryland. But doing it over 2-3 days would be much better- lots of things to see and do along the way! Just thought I'd share what a beautiful day I had on the Irish Loop - just when I think I can't love Newfoundland any more...'sigh'