02 Aug Gros Morne – North Rim & Long Range Traverse
The North Rim (3 day hike), and Long Range Traverse (3-4 day hike) located in Gros Morne National Park. Combined 62km 12 hours 47 minutes
The Idea
I’ve worked in Gros Morne as a guide for a number of summers, as such I gained a great depth of knowledge on the Long Range Traverse (LRT), in particular. Around the beginning of August, 2014 , I thought it would be fun to take a run through the LRT, which I did, and had a wonderful day. I subsequently ran the Deer Lake 67 at the end of August, after which I had a conversation with race organizer, Lorne Reid, regarding my jog through the LRT. He mentioned, if I wanted to do something notable (and it was something he had in mind I believe) I should go parking lot to parking lot, meaning I should do the North Rim, and the Long Range finishing in Gros Morne Mounain parking lot. The idea was set, and I worked towards it… making a trip over the north rim in July 2015 to get a feeling of the route and went out to do both on the 2nd of August.
The Day
As for the day, I should preface it by saying, these two “trails” aren’t actual trails. They are unmarked back-country routes, but there is no pathway or markers… only game trails, tuckamore, boggy wet, rocky terrain… the weather can be highly variable, and quite dangerous if a heavy fog rolls in quickly, as it often does. The challenge is both physical, and mental… during the day I am trying to take care of myself, eating, drinking water, all the while watching every step, head down… when I did get a chance to look up I would be survey my immediate surrounding looking for the best way around tuck, up a valley, or over a hill. The north rim in particular is know for its tuckamore, and didn’t disappoint. I took a nice break overlooking Western Brook Pond with a piece of moose meat pizza, and continued on through the Long Range, which was a little wet, slippery and boggy at times. Near the end of the day I came up against a thick fog just before I descended into Ferry Gulch (of Gros Morne Mountain)… and as I descended through the fog it opened up to the sun again. Natalie, my wife met me on my way out of the Gros Morne Mountain Trail, and it was a big help… my pace was slowing considerably at this point, and she buoyed my spirits and got my legs going again…getting me to the parking lot in under 13 hours.
It’s hard not to say, I could do it faster…. I spent roughly 35 minutes filling my water pack – 7 times, 5 minutes per time – which was getting to me by the end (not an optimal setup!). Definitely using two water bottles next time. And there is some room for route optimization on the North Rim, and perhaps a little more training to feel better on the finish.
As well, just want to thank everyone who has helped me out, from my past mentors, those who gave me invaluable information on both the Long Range, and North Rim, Cycle Solutions in Corner Brook, a great supporter of mine, and of course, my loving wife!
CBC Article
On the way to Snugg Harbour, and then the North Rim. Muddy trail initially, but the views aren’t bad.
Beauty views looking down Western Brook Pond. Almost at Snugg
Snugg Harbour. Its worth the trip in, and camp… beauty beach!
Climbing from Snugg Harbour to the plateau of the Long Range Mountains… and the North Rim
Up on the North Rim. Because of the tuckamore, you can see thick bands in the distance, you never really get close to the edge of Western Brook Pond.
Again, the tuckamore necessitates you take the path of least resistance… bolder field it is!
As you can see the landscape of the North Rim, is both rocky and open in sections.
It also has thick bands of tuckamore – tuck.
The million dollar view of Western Brook Pond. 30 km covered, 30km to go…
The clouds didn’t lift in the afternoon. I didn’t take many photos as I continued…so I had to substitute. The terrain is the same… here is Little Island Pond
Marks Pond, campsite number 2
Getting near the end I was starting to run out of gas! But, the sight of 10 mile pond boyd my spirits, and also let me know I didn’t have to much farther to go!
Two thumbs up at the finish!
Parks Canada Link with Maps, Route Descrption, and GPS file of the Long Range Traverse, and North Rim – https://www.pc.gc.ca/en/pn-np/nl/grosmorne/activ/experiences/backcountry/longrange
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