by Paul Shaw, Vice President, KTA Board of Directors
The Canadian province of Newfoundland is affectionately called “The Rock” by its citizens, due to its rocky coastline punctuated by towering seaside cliffs. A large island in the north Atlantic, east of mainland Canada, Newfoundland is characterized by small fishing villages, its vibrant capital (St. John’s), wild coastal scenery, and some of the best hiking in North America.
Treks & Trails International has again teamed up with KTA, to offer a fundraising hiking trip along the spectacular East Coast Trail (ECT) on Newfoundland’s Avalon peninsula, from July 8-17, 2016. The leaders for this trip are Paul Shaw (KTA V.P. and Co-Owner of Treks & Trails) and Joseph Neville (KTA Executive Director).
The ECT skirts clifftops with innumerable vistas high above the thundering ocean, and passes open headlands, thick boreal forest, quaint fishing villages, and connects with St. John’s outstanding array of urban hiking trails, known as the “Grand Concourse”. We will encounter several lighthouses including Cape Spear, the easternmost point in North America, and an array of towering sea stacks and waterfalls. This trip is timed for the peak of the humpback whale migration along Newfoundland’s coast, so each bend in the trail offers the opportunity for whale sightings. We will also take an unforgettable Witless Bay whale watch tour on a zodiac raft that includes a visit to Witless Bay Ecological Reserve, home to the largest colony of puffins in eastern North America.
A charming inn in St. John’s, a clifftop b&b in picture-perfect Pouch Cove and comfortable cabins in Tors Cove provide access to fantastic daily hikes averaging 6-10 miles. The coastal terrain is fairly level with moderate climbs and descents around the coves. The hikes are certainly within the capabilities of reasonably fit hikers. You have the option of a rest day at your discretion, and ample time will be provided to explore St. John’s. Your luggage is transported to accommodations so only a daypack is needed for the hikes. 
Cost for the trip is $3395 and includes the following:
· All transportation including roundtrip airfare from Harrisburg PA
· 9 nights lodging
· 8 breakfasts, 8 lunches, 6 dinners
· zodiac raft excursion for whale watch and puffin watch
· admissions to Cape Spear Lighthouse and Signal Hill
· daily guided hikes
All net proceeds benefit KTA. An outstanding hiking vacation while supporting KTA...what can be better?
For an application or more information, contact Paul Shaw at pshaw@ptd.net, call 717-215-8339, or visit www.treksandtrailsinternational.com.