After the blizzard, life is slowly returning to normal. We managed to find gas for our car and our power has only gone out once today (and I wasn’t even there for it).
Weather conditions were close to perfect for a snowshoe hike, so I was outside!
Snowshoe time! – Overland route to the Spout
For my first snowshoe outing of 2014, I chose the overland route to the Spout, and it was an excellent choice if I do say so myself. Of course, there was a lot of snow cover after the blizzard, a little too much in fact. The first 5 km were a breeze though, with a shallow 30 cm of snow in the forest, and a hard frozen snow crust on the open barrens. I tried staying on top of snowmobile tracks as much as possible, which made the going pretty easy, even though it sometimes led me away from the ‘ideal route’.
Lots of snowmobile tracks – Overland route to the Spout
After the easy part, came the inevitable hard part… The blizzard had filled up the last 2 km with treacherous, increasingly deep snow. At first I just forged ahead, hoping for the best. But when knee-deep snow became waist-deep snow, and when after that even my 145 cm trekking poles could not find solid ground without being completely submerged, I knew I might have to turn around.
Soon my legs started cramping up every time I had to free myself from a snowy trap, it was exhausting. Some times I got lucky, but in most places it took me minutes for every step forward. When I was finally within earshot of the Spout, my legs gave up, so I decided to head back and return another day.
The hike was still plenty rewarding without reaching the coast, lots of wide open landscapes with winter scenery, not a single sound to be heard, and I had it all to myself. Here are some more pictures of my day:
The initial forest bit, before dawn – Overland route to the Spout
Alone on the frozen marshes – Overland route to the Spout
The open barrens, completely covered and frozen – Overland route to the Spout
In this last shot, you can make out Motion Path in the distance, and from this vantage point I could see Cape Spear as well:
Snowy view, all the way to Motion Path – Overland route to the Spout
I’ll give this snowshoe hike another go when the snow is more cooperative, sometime in the next two months.
newfoundsander 
Beautiful pictures again. What a view all that snow. Overhere in Holland iT loods more spring than winter.
Thanks Edwin, I hope winter will soon visit you too 🙂
Always lots of snow on that route…….more winter weather will soon have it packed a little harder. Then it should be easier to access. Still gorgeous scenery though!
Yes a lot of snow for sure, in previous years I’ve always gone in February or later, never any issues then. The scenery and solitude were awesome though 🙂
I’ve snowshoed this route many times and have always loved it. I especially like it when you are up on the barrens and there is nothing but big blue sky every direction you look. Last year I attempted to ride it by bike (see: http://theslowbiker.wordpress.com/2013/02/22/spout-1-slowbiker-0/ ) but got thwarted by deep snow just where the barrens end and the downhill to the ocean begins.
Great blog, great photos – keep up the good work.
Thanks slow:biker! For the comment and for sharing your bike story, I hope you get to finish that ride one day when conditions are more suitable.
I’ve hiked and snowshoed this overland route quite a few times as well, I’ve never seen as much snow as this last time though… The rock patches that can be seen in your video at about 2:55 were completely covered, as were all the red bushes.
It’s probably a little better by now, after this weeks rain/thaw event. I’ll try again soon!
Sander – just thought you’d like to know I made it: http://theslowbiker.wordpress.com/2014/03/16/fatbike-to-the-spout-serendipitously-2/
Awesome! Great job man, you had a picture perfect day for it!
I’m interested in doing a hike this Saturday. Any suggestions for a good place in the winter?
Hi Reece, if you are unfamiliar with the East Coast Trail, a great wide open trail to start with is Cape Spear Path. Park at the Cape Spear end and find your way to the trailhead about 1km to the south.
You can make it an easy hike to North Head and back, which is about 10km, or you can extend the hike by skipping North Head and walking towards Maddox Cove for as long as you like, before heading back.
If you are looking for a shorter and more sheltered option, drive to La Manche, and walk the 1.4km forest trail to the La Manche suspension bridge, which is located in a beautiful cove.
Have fun!
Thanks for the recommendation. I checked out La Manche last Saturday and had a great time.
That’s great! You’re welcome.