Newfoundland

[TallyHo]

Hello All,
We would love some advice from those of you who have gone to the rock with your Escapes. We are planning a trip to Newfoundland this summer, July/August. We generally only make reservations for holiday weekends when we travel so that we can be fairly flexible. Much prefer quiet and boon docking if possible. Are campsites relatively easy to find? It looks like the national parks are booking up already but provincial parks aren't even open to reserve until April 28. There do seem to be lots of commercial rv parks as well but that would be our last choice, we like a bit more elbow room than most provide.

Also have some qualms about the ferry and our corgi. She's generally very happy on her bed in her truck but 6-7 hours seems long without being able to check on her. She's also afraid of big diesel trucks, will there perhaps be refrigerator trucks running generators etc?

Thank you in advance,
Jane and Don

[cpaharley2008]

Honda 03842 over on FGRV forum goes there every year and posts about his trips over there
http://www.fiberglassrv.com/forums/f...way-84619.html

[Ron in BC]

Newfoundland is a big island with few people and where you can camp is very relaxed, sort of like New Zealand.

We didn't have any reservations, except for the ferry, made a few days before. We always found a place. We crisscrossed the whole island. Well worth doing.

People are friendly and the mosquitoes are horrible. Glad we had bug hats.

We also were traveling with a small dog who is easily spooked. We took the shorter ferry ride, even though it meant driving back across the island, because we wanted to minimize the time on the ferry for her. She was fine. I didn't specifically notice any reefers and I think they have at least one sailing for commercial vehicles. There were lots of big trucks and quite a din of engines but I don't know how loud it is underway. They do have a kennel area as an option. It does require pre-booking.

Ron

[gocamp]

http://www.fiberglassrv.com/forums/f...6-a-70578.html

[Mike Lewis]

According to Google Maps the shorter ferry ride still appears to be more than nine hours. Are you allowed to sleep in your trailer during the ride?

[Brian B-P]

Originally Posted by Mike Lewis

According to Google Maps the shorter ferry ride still appears to be more than nine hours. Are you allowed to sleep in your trailer during the ride?

The Marine Atlantic web page for Ferry Boarding & Disembarking says no:

You should be ready to leave your vehicle in as timely a manner as possible once loaded. All carry-on items should be ready prior to boarding.
Remember warm clothing, medications, and other items you may need during your voyage.
...
For safety and security reasons, passengers are not permitted to return to the vehicle deck once the vessel leaves port.

They offer cabins, priced like a hotel room. Although it would be nice to use the cabin you're towing with you, that does not appear to be an option.

[Dave Walter]

Originally Posted by Mike Lewis

According to Google Maps the shorter ferry ride still appears to be more than nine hours. Are you allowed to sleep in your trailer during the ride?

The Marine Atlantic website indicates that passengers are not allowed on the vehicle deck during the trip. So you cannot sleep in your trailer. There are usually a limited number of cabins available to rent with bunks. We did that on one trip. Some people when they get into the passenger area will grab lounging chairs and sleep on those. Others will bring foam mats and blankets and stake out a spot on the floor. Seems such a shame when you have a nice comfortable Escape trailer that you are not allowed to access.

[Ron in BC]

I agree, but you can't disagree with the only people who can get you and your cozy cabin to the The Rock.

We've done it both ways. Cabin and lounge in a reclining seat. Cabin is a little spendy but we like the privacy, the beds and ensuite and it's much quieter.

Ron

[Fox hunt]

can you take the dog out of the truck into the passenger area and keep it with you? or do they have to stay in the truck the whole time?

[Ron in BC]

The choices are; stay in vehicle or register for a kennel. I believe that you can visit your dog when it's in the kennel area.

Ron

[Devil Dog]

The ship! is a sea worthy vessel .rigged for open seas. Just make sure all your insurance is paid in full. Most crossings are at night. We slept on the floor . The Rock is all about the people you meet and the food . Fantastic.! The weather well that's another story.
Hope to do it again if time allows .