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It's now nearly 6 months since my successful ACL surgery back in May - it's been an extremely challenging and even at times, rewarding experience. As I'm sure you can gather from the previous posts, the entire situation was painful and even depressing at times, as it changed every single aspect of my day-to-day life as it had been. All of a sudden I was transformed into a bed ridden crank - I'll admit I was pretty sour and disappointed for a spell. BUT, as with any setback or negative situation, it's important to find the good, the positive aspects of it and create opportunities. This includes setting realistic and achievable goals, both in the short and long term. These are especially important when the ultimate end seems to be at the top of a mountain. 

Torbay Point, Newfoundland & Labrador

It's been a while since the last post but don't worry, we've been busy exploring and taking pictures! One of our favourite, shorter hikes, is definitely a close-to-home portion of the East Coast Trail (ECT) called Torbay Point which is actually only a section of the Cobbler's Path segment. 

In total, Cobbler's Path is 8.2km and suggested time is 3-4 hours. For this smaller section it is only about 15-30 mins depending on your pace from parking on a local road to the beautiful, scenic point. The trail first takes you through the woods all the while heading toward the ocean and this long, narrow jutting bit of land - stairs included. 

Twillingate, Newfoundland & Labrador

Everything from fresh fish & chips straight off the boat to icebergs, whales, puffins and breathtaking views. 

The beautiful, yet unassuming islands of Twillingate are well worth the drive, wherever you find yourself. 

About a 5hour drive from St. John's and 1.5hours from Gander, make a day trip at the very least to experience this beautiful tourist getaway. 

Heads-up, book those boat tours and excursions well ahead of time if you're visiting during peak season in the Summer months...this place may be small but it's incredibly busy with tourists. 

Musgrave Harbour, Newfoundland & Labrador

Roughly 4.5 hours from St. John's, we found our own kind of paradise! White sandy beaches, incredible sunsets and more icebergs than you've ever seen!

A close family friend had mentioned the Old Saltbox Company to us and their unique concept. They've taken a number of, well, old saltbox houses and made one wall entirely windows to capture the stunning beauty of their locations. Alex's birthday was coming up so it was a perfect little surprise getaway weekend for us.

Bittersweet

May 18, 2016 - A real mix of emotion - excitement, fear, anxiety, motivation, a bit of everything as I walked to the hospital to have my knee rebuilt.

I'd gone through a lot since the injury in early January and with the help of physiotherapy, was now able to run/elliptical anywhere between 5-15km at least 3-4 times a week. All in all, not too shabby for a guy with a torn ACL & MCL. I was feeling good, being active again and even had thoughts creep into my mind that, you know what, I'm okay, I might even be able to live like this.
But no, my team had officially started their season the previous weekend and being on the bench around all my friends and teammates quickly brought me back to the fact that I am far too young, with far too much yet to accomplish to be satisfied with a bummed out knee for the next 60 years.

Signal Hill National Historic Site, Newfoundland & Labrador

It's 1897 and construction has just ended on Cabot Tower. This commemorative building sits atop Signal Hill in St. John's, Newfoundland. It is an architectural nod to John Cabot and his crew who discovered Newfoundland some 400 years earlier. Fast forward and today it is a National Historic Site and one of the most popular tourist locations in the province.

This popular spot offers an incredible view of St. John's, North America's most easterly city, and an endless stretch of blue ocean and awaiting adventure.

Cataracts Provincial Park, Newfoundland & Labrador

Down an old dirt road, in the middle of nowhere, over pothole covered "highways" and off the side of the road...we must have taken a wrong turn somewhere along the line? Then we see the Provincial Park sign and keep going until all you can hear is the power of water smashing downward. Over one last bridge and into the gravel parking lot before we rush out to see the no doubt, incredible waterfalls creating this bellowing sound. We found it! One of the best kept secrets on the Avalon Peninsula of Newfoundland - Cataracts Provincial Park.