On August 23, 2015, the Burnside 50+ Club went on their second road trip. This time to Harbour Breton, McCallum and Gaultois on the south coast of our beautiful province. President Linda, her spouse and another couple had completed this trip last year and, after enthusiastically sharing their experience with the Club, it was decided that this would be the destination of Road Trip 2015! Sunday morning found us leaving Burnside at 8:30 A.M. with our lunched packed. After a short stop in Gander, we were on our way â€" five vehicles and fourteen people. We were like excited school kids on our way to Route 360 turning off at Exploits Motel to begin the trek down the Bay D’Espoir Highway. our only stop was to have a quick picnic lunch along the way. We decided that since we had time we would explore the area around Harbour Breton and we explored every community we could find which included Boxey, Wreck Cove, English Harbour West and many more lovely spots. We stopped only to take pictures and to have an ice cream cone in Belleoram. the scenery was magnificent and we arrived at the Southern Port Motel in Harbour Breton as tired but happy travellers. After a delicious supper at the Motel, we made our plans for the next day. This began with a very tasty breakfast at the Sunny Cottage Heritage Centre which was prepared by a lovely lady named Pansy. She not only cooked us a great breakfast but totally entertained us while we ate. She had grown up in the house and could tell us all we wanted to know. With full bellies we managed to have some pictures take on the front steps of the fabulous heritage home and then we hit the road again. We made our way to Hermitage, Route 364. After confirming that all fourteen os us could get on the ferry we used the time we had before departure to explore Hermitage, Sandyville and Seal Cove â€" also very scenic spots. once on the ferry to McCalluum â€" 1.5 hours each way - $5.00 total for one person (senior’s rate) â€" we had some snacks and sang songs accompanied by a music system we brought along. the water was flat calm, the sun hot and our spirits high â€" an amazing trip at an amazing price!! Once we landed in McCallum we had only 20 minutes o explore. What can I say about McCallum? A step back in time… many steps. A beautiful sight no motorized vehicles, only boardwalks everywhere and an occasional wheel barrow and trolly. Houses built on the side of the hills right at the ferry dock and wharves dotting the harbour. Life seemed much slower. For the two of us on the trip who had been here before we knew what to expect but for the rest â€" the looks on their faces said it all â€" unbelievable!! After having another picture taken (with the Downhome one again included) we each plotted our route. With such a short time frame we all went scampering in different directions. Some to see the church, the cemetery, and others the various routes the boardwalks offered. Each of us drinking in our surroundings as best we could. We also managed o drop into the convenience store on the wharf for ice cream. The it was time to go. As we all got on the ferry we said how amazing McCallum was and how we felt so privileged to share it â€" if only for such a short time. The great ferry ride once again to Hermitage where other passengers and freight were loaded, then off to Gaultois. (20 minute ride at $2.20 per person’s senior rate). once we arrived there we were greeted by a driver in a sode by side. Luggage was piled on and anyone who needed a ride could have it while the others walked the short distance to the Inn. Once again boardwalks and only a few side bt sides and quads in sight. The Gaultois Inn (709-844-4141) had been booked as well as a walking tour from Gaultois to Piccanie, 2hr hike). Unfortunately the tour did not take place because we were too tired and it had started to rain. The Canadian Rangers, Mallory and Dawn who were going to guide us cane by while we were having supper along with Derrick Hunt and kindly shared some history of Gaultois with us. One of our members who had lived on Flat Island in Bonavista Bay when he was a young boy shared that being in Gaultois was very much like being there. It brought back many fond memories for him. We then had a delicious meal prepared by the cooks of the Gaultois Inn â€" several choices had been offered, roast tiurkey dinner, roast beef dinner or fresh fried fish, all the veggies and homemade dessert. Each dinner and dessert was delicious and left us a satisfied group. After supper we had time to chat about our day and share what we liked best. After a wonderful night’ sleep we were up and ready for our hearty breakfast (this Burnside crowd loves to eat)! There was even some time to walk around, explore and take some more pictures. Then time to say goodbye to the staff and scenic Gaultois. the staff were very accommodating and went out of their way to make us feel at home and the Inn is a lovely place to stay. The boardwalks here are also phenomenal and we still found it hard to take in when you come from a place with roads and lots of cars and trucks. Seeing people walking around, chatting to each other and us, witnessing a slower pace of life, made us realize that wonderful places like this still exist and how privileged we were to experience it. After our 20 minutes ferry ride we were once again back in Hermitage and after one final glance at the beautiful coastline, we gathered up our luggage. Some stopped for lunch, some hit the road and other stayed to explore Conne River, Head of Bay D’Espoir, St. Alban’s and the other communities in the area. Fantastic road trip!! We highly recommend it whether you are a come from away or a Newfoundlander or Labradorian looking to have a Staycation. Wonderful food, people and scenery. If you have not experienced McCallum and Gaultois, you are missing out. We were so glad that we did this trip and you will be too! Experinec it while you still can â€" it’s a trip of a lifetime! now as for next year… someone suggested ST. Pierre â€" time will tell but wherever it ends up being, one thing is for certain, they year’s trip will be hard to beat â€" the beautiful South coast~ Photos courtesy Beth Goff   Submitted By: NULL