New Horizons
Toto’s 15th Anniversary Celebration
in Newfoundland
July 29 - August 6, 2005
REUNION & CELEBRATION
We have created the quintessential Toto Tour for the very special occasion
of our 15th Anniversary! It features a ruggedly beautiful natural destination
away from the distraction of civilization, amazing outdoor adventures
in a marvelous place few of us have visited before, and comfortable
accommodations aboard a classic tall ship. Seasickness will not be an
issue, as we are not planning to sail into open waters. We travel only
short distances along the coast, which is protected from rough seas
by outlying islands.
A voyage of exceptional beauty, this is
Newfoundland at its best. Canada’s easternmost Province boasts
a rich heritage and a unique culture that will fascinate one and all.
Encounter a land old as time, and people who make you feel like you’ve
known them all your life. Discover astounding wildlife—some of
the most spectacular include the Woodland Caribou and Black Bear. Hike
the coast while whales frolic in the ocean, eat foods with funny-sounding
names and marvel at the beauty of glacier-carved fjords.
Cruising through spectacular fjords and
past stunning mountains, visits will be made to many of the outlying
ports nestled along the rugged shore. This captivating seacoast has
attracted visitors for centuries, yet retains the same intimate relationship
between those who live here, and the breathtaking beauty that surrounds
them. Sights and destinations include Corner Brook, Lark Harbour, and
the magnificent Gros Morne National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
There will be plenty of opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, and
kayaking, as well as viewing the abundance of wildlife and natural attractions.
Experts will be onboard to provide insight to the secrets buried deep
in the natural and anthropological history of this remarkable region.
We invite all adventuresome men, past
clients and those new to Toto Tours, to join us for an exciting anniversary
celebration. This tour typifies in every aspect what Toto Tours has
been about for these many years, and we hope you will join us in savoring
the quintessential Toto Adventure Travel Experience! Don’t wait,
don’t hesitate—participate and help us celebrate.
ITINERARY
Friday, July 29, 2005
Arrival
Arrange your airfare to leave your home today arriving in Deer Lake,
Newfoundland this evening. (See “Getting to Newfoundland”
section later on this page.) Upon arrival you will be picked up at the
airport and transferred to our hotel in Corner Brook. Most flights arrive
very late, so dinner this evening is on your own. (No
Meals)
Saturday, July 30, 2005
Walking Tour in Corner Brook / Welcome Dinner
The morning is free to enjoy a leisurely breakfast. Lunch is on your
own. In the afternoon our group gathers for a fun hike along Corner
Brook’s scenic stream trails, with time for shopping downtown.
This evening, meet for cocktails followed by a Grand Buffet as our Welcome
Dinner at the hotel. (Breakfast / Welcome
Dinner)
Sunday, July 31, 2005
Concordia Boarding
This morning enjoy a sumptuous breakfast, then make the short trip
from our hotel to the dock where the Concordia awaits our arrival. (We
will arrange shared taxis, but this minimal expense is not included.)
Stow your gear in your cabin and then gather for a brief orientation
about sailing and safety procedures from our captain. The following
itinerary is a general guide. The beauty of this type of adventure,
however, is that we are free to take advantage of special situations
as they arise—whether that be chasing a pod of whales or accepting
an invitation from a local to share lemonade on his front lawn and hear,
first-hand, the history of the area.
Today, sail the Bay of Islands, which
was chartered by Captain James Cook in 1767. Not much has changed since
then! The region enjoys spectacular natural scenery, isolated coves
and islands yet to be settled. The ship is at anchor for the night in
York Harbour. The anchorage provides an excellent opportunity to explore
for yourself some of the best kept secrets of Newfoundland’s west
coast. Grab a bike, or hike to explore a private shoreline. Paddle a
kayak and view this spectacular site from a different perspective, or
just relax and enjoy a gorgeous sunset. This evening sets the tone for
the rest of the voyage with a traditional Newfoundland ceremony. (All
Meals)
Monday, August 1, 2005
Caving and Whalewatching / Showing off Mussels
Wake early and get really active, as you discover caving! A guide
will take you on a scenic hike through the Corner Brook Gorge, then
you’ll enter a unique underground world. Never will you have so
much fun getting dirty! Learn about the caves’ geology, how they
were formed and enjoy their subterranean beauty. You later rejoin the
ship by zodiac boat. (This is an optional tour, there is an additional
charge for participating.)
Those not caving will remain aboard as the
ship sets sail for a leisurely cruise. (There will be an option for
salmon fishing at an additional charge.) We keep a sharp lookout for
whales: humpbacks, minke, and pilot whales all frequent this area. Late
afternoon we set anchor in a magical place in calm waters with a sheer
shoreline making it perfect for kayaking or a zodiac tour. We may be
visited by a local mussel fisherman to tell us about the different species
and the life of a Newfoundland fisherman. He’ll be sure to bring
us plenty to sample and the chef will prepare these tasty treats for
an on-deck cocktail party. (All Meals)
Tuesday, August 2, 2005
Cruise to Lark Harbour / Hiking or Kayaking
You awake to a sunrise off the mountains as the ship continues along
the coastline of Newfoundland’s West Coast. You will pass historic
fishing villages and marvel over the numerous sightings of wildlife
as you continue into the fjord arriving in the afternoon at Lark Harbour.
Join in a hike for all levels at Bottle
Cove, spend the afternoon exploring remote coves, sea stacks, caves
and the amazing view overlooking the ocean or join a hike on trails
at Blow Me Down Mountain (the name says it all)! After hiking or kayaking
we are just in time for a traditional celebratory dinner, a “Scoff
and Scuff.” It is an evening of song, food and dance. (All
Meals)
Wednesday, August 3, 2005
Bay of Islands Cruise to Woody Point
In the morning, the ship sets sail for a day cruise from the Bay of
Islands to the fjords of Gros Morne National Park. Grab a comfortable
deckchair and enjoy the superb scenery. Early afternoon will find the
ship sailing into the town of Woody Point at the base of the famous
Tablelands in Bonne Bay. This is an excellent opportunity to find a
special souvenir of the voyage with numerous gift shops located adjacent
to the dock. The ship spends the night dockside allowing guests to take
in the local theatre, if performances are available (see http://www.heritagetheatre.nf.ca/). (All
Meals)
Thursday, August 4, 2005
Tablelands / Cruise through Bonne Bay
The morning is an excellent opportunity to enjoy the numerous hiking
trails or take a quiet paddle along the coastline to see the many small
communities located nearby. Explore the secrets of the Tablelands, “where
the Earth shows its bones.” A visit to the Discovery Center is
the place to start. There is an additional fee for the park guided Tableland
hike.
Departing Woody Point in the afternoon, the
ship sails through Bonne Bay and anchors for the night in Man O’
War Cove. Guests can relax, kayak or swim before getting ready for the
Captain’s Dinner, a traditional evening of toasts to new friends,
song and dance. (All Meals)
Friday, August 5, 2005
Gros Morne National Park
Begin your day by exploring this remarkable region, home to a variety
of wildlife, most significantly, moose, caribou, and the arctic hare.
One of the best hikes to see wildlife in their natural habitat is the
challenging Gros Morne Mountain. Cameras are a must for the half-day
or full-day hike. There is an additional fee for the park guided Gros
Morne hike.
For those not taking on the mountain we set
sail with a guest speaker from Norris Point’s Marine Biology Station.
Join in the discussion and learn about the marine secrets of Bonne Bay—taking
water temperature and salinity readings, viewing live plankton under
a microscope. This lesson ends with a visit to the local aquarium (modest
entrance fee) and a chance to touch snow crabs, sea urchins and other
fascinating creatures of the deep.
The ship spends the night dockside. This is
our last night aboard, and we celebrate the conclusion of our week-long
15th Anniversary Celebration with a farewell feast befitting this grand
adventure. (All Meals)
Saturday, August 6, 2005
Departure
Disembarking the ship takes place in Norris Point after breakfast.
Toto Tours provides transportation via motorcoach or taxi from the ship
to the airport in Deer Lake, depending on your flight departure time.
Make your return flight reservations for any convenient time today. (Breakfast)
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