On January 25, IATNL Chairperson Paul Wylezol and Treasurer Kevin Noseworthy had the good luck of driving to Port aux Basques on a beautiful winter day to attend an IATNL information session. The meeting was well attended by stakeholders from Newfoundland’s southwest coast, where the IATNL begins its long journey north to Crow Head.
The meeting was hosted by the Marine and Mountain Zone Corporation, and included representatives from Innovation Trade and Rural Development (INTRD), Human Resources, Labour and Employment (HRLE), Codroy Valley Area Development Association, Cape Ray Lighthouse Committee, and the towns of Port aux Basques and Isle aux Mort.
The early afternoon drive to Port aux Basques provided good views of the IATNL’s planned trail route along the Codroy Valley’s Long Range Mountains.
The current IATNL route in Southwestern Newfoundland follows the Trans Canada Trail/Newfoundland Trailway from Port aux Basques to Stephenville Crosssing. However plans call for a Long Range Mountain/Gulf Coast route that combines an extended Starlight Trail with an upgraded Cormack Trail.
The photos below show Newfoundland’s introduction to the Long Range Mountains (and the little snow we have on the West Coast this winter!) In the summer of 2010 the IATNL hopes to incorporate the Starlight Trail into its long distance trail route, and make it more user friendly by erecting trail signs and blazes.
But for anyone planning to hike this scenic trail, be sure to carry some heavy rocks in your pockets … as the 160km Wreckhouse winds might blow your one step forward two steps back!!
To view more photos from the Long Range Mountains of Codroy Valley go to IATNL Flickr…
