Day 45 (Sept 7, 2024) Port Hope Simpson, NL to Happy Valley-Goose Bay, NL

Today was full of surprises - but maybe that should be expected when you are going to a town called Happy Valley Goose Bay.

Surprise #1: We had anticipated roads that were not well paved and not easy to drive on. What we got were roads that were so easy to drive on - and wide open- it was difficult not to speed.

Surprise #2: We were watching the road very closely as we were aware that a moose could jump in front of us - and one did! Although it was pretty far away but crossed the street in front of us.

Surprise #3: About 5 minutes after we saw the moose, when we were still driving very cautiously, there was a black blur on the side of the road- we approached it slowly and a baby (very) black bear turned and looked at us before he scampered off into the woods.

Surprise #4: Happy Valley Goose Bay has its very own time zone. It is 1/2 earlier than the rest of Newfoundland and Labrador and an hour early than Quebec.

Surprise #5: Happy Valley Goose Bay is a beautiful place with white sand beaches - and we found a beautiful walk about a mile from our hotel.