July 25 - Trepassey

Turning Newfoundland's bottom right corner and heading west for the first time, along Southern shore of Avalon peninsula, essentially going around a 1000 sqkm wilderness reserve, which newfies call the barrens. Few communities/services here, some houses and history in the coves goes back to 1500s (or before?), even the mayflower landed here in Renews to resupply. Hydro and wind turbines down here too - another checkmark for post climate change apocalypse. Slow riding today - fewer hills but just trying to imprint feeling of freedom on open road, nobody knowing where i am. Met another touring cyclist, who rode here from Montreal via labrador, commiserated about the winds. Afternoon felt like the prairies- gently rolling, no trees and strong winds (obviously theme of the day). Along south shore, checked out mistaken point ecological reserve (fossils) and a battery from 1776 to protect against American "privateers".  Cool sign from govt of Newfoundland,  obviously from the time when it was a separate country. Cape Race is the closest north american point on the historical sailing route, so lots of history/shipwrecks (1st telegraph from sinking titanic received here, Amelia earhart left from here for london). Staying at 3 pillow edge of the avalon inn. 44 mikes.