JOURNEY
TO THE CENTER
OF THE EARTH!

"Hiking in the Lewis Hills of Newfoundland"

by Clarence A. Pelley

"Chrome Point Canyon" photo by C. Pelley

Four hundred and sixty million years ago a catastrophic collision occurred on the west coast of Newfoundland! A west-moving section of the earth's crust met with the continent of North America. On its front edge it carried a mass of heavy rock that had its origin one thousand kilometres to the east and more than five kilometres deep inside the earth's crust. That mass of peridotite was deposited, and after millions of years of snow, rain, frost and the inexorable grindings of ice age glaciers, became the Lewis Hills as we know them today.

A large proportion of the Lewis Hills is composed of peridotite, a rusty brown rock containing iron, magnesium, chromium and nickel in such concentrations that the sparse soil is almost toxic to plant life. There are, however, several species that cling to life in this hostile environment. Alpine campion, sandworts, maidenhair fern, sea thrift, moss campion, and lapland rosebay are but a few.

At 815 metres above sea level, the Lewis Hills are the highest on the island of Newfoundland. Sparkling streams, flowing from snowfields that persist throughout the summer, tumble and fall into 800 metre canyons! Arctic hare can be seen grazing the sparse vegetation among the boulders. Caribou seek relief from the summer heat on the snowfields. Moose raise their young in the secluded valleys of the lowlands. Ptarmigan, perfectly camouflaged, will scarcely move as you pass.

The Lapland Rosebay is an early bloomer in the Lewis Hills.

"Arctic Hare" photo by C. Pelley

The Lewis Hills are accessible only on foot. Trails are nonexistant. The terrain is rugged and sturdy footwear is recommended. Since the altitude varies from sea level to over eight hundred metres, night temperatures dip low. A warm sleeping bag and extra layers of warm clothes are necessary to ensure comfort. The weather is unpredictable and can change very quickly. Waterproof and windproof outer layers are essential. River crossings may be necessary and since there are no bridges, wading is the only alternative. Water levels may be high or low, depending on the time of year and local rainfall amounts. Water temperature may also vary from pleasantly cool to bone chilling cold.

Drinking water is plentiful and readily available. On some sections of the trail, however, there may be several kilometres between water holes. Filtering or otherwise purifying water obtained from ponds or streams, is adviseable. Animals such as moose, caribou, black bear, and beaver inhabit these areas. Giardia is rare but not unknown in the backcountry. Then, of course, humans occasionally visit. Some are careless about where waste is deposited!

"Molly-Ann Canyon" photo by C. Pelley

An expedition into the Lewis Hills will take you from sea level to over eight hundred metres. In the course of this fifty-five kilometre hike, you will walk the bottom of glacier-carved canyons, through virgin boreal forests, over subarctic mountain tops and camp out under the big dipper. You will follow trails known only to moose and caribou. You may have to cross rivers up to your armpits in chilly water! And from the top of Cabox, Newfoundland island's highest mountain, you can see from Mount St. Gregory to Cape Anguille, a three hundred and sixty degree view with a one hundred kilometre radius.! The Lewis Hills expedition is the best of its kind in eastern North America, and a unique wilderness experience.

This document was created by SPIDERWEB HOMEPAGES
For free consultation call Clarence Pelley at (709) 643 9057
E-MAIL:cpelley@spiderweb.stephenville.nf.ca

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