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Sunday, August 14

Loneliest Road?

If it's not the loneliest road, it certainly is in contention! On the nearly 558 miles of the Trans-Labrador Highway (includes a side trip to Cartwright) I've traveled so far this is what I've seen: fewer than 30 vehicles (no RVs), outside of those in Cartwright, zero houses, one highway maintenance facility, and a power line construction camp, that's it! Oh, I did see a few interesting signs, Cartwright did have one gas pump ($5.25 a gallon), and the scenery was surprisingly interesting - lots of wide open spaces.

And . . . all but 60 of those 558 miles were on gravel roads! Road conditions varied from super good (better that a lot of pavement I've driven on this trip) to not so good (I'm totally shaken, but not stirred). I pretty much drive the speed limit, 70kph (42mph) and pay attention - oncoming traffic you see a mile away (cloud of dust approaching) it's overtaking traffic hiding in my dust cloud that can be an issue. You see, everyone pretty much drives in the center and only moves if traffic requires it - but . . . you don't want to move over too far, get caught in the loose gravel, and go over the side, not good!

Talked to this grader man - he has about 50 miles of road in his section. Does about 7 miles a day and then starts over. He can tow his pickup behind the grader and then uses the truck to go home each night, leaving the grader in a pull off.
This is a "Rest Area"
The 50 miles of brand new pavement just east of Happy Valley-Goose Bay

 

6 comments:

  1. So what you are saying is this is not a road Don and I should try on our motorcycles!

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  2. So what you are saying is this is not a road Don and I should try on our motorcycles!

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    Replies
    1. Haven't seen many motorcycles (no touring bikes). You can get to Goose Bay on pavement from Quebec, but I've been told it's real rough (potholes).

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  3. Any large game in that area other than Moose?

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    Replies
    1. Elk here in Labrador (haven't seen any). Lots of Black Bear the last two days.

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  4. The north road in Ontario is similar, was there last summer, and experienced similar road as you did. Not much fun. Did this post on my blog
    http://lalaironwheels.blogspot.ca/2015/07/one-long-yawn.html
    You planning to visit Quebec City? I'll be there in a few days, maybe meet up?

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