A dander to the ponds

One of the greatest pleasures along our little road off Route 235, are all the satisfying walking trails. They are unmarked, off any tourist grid, and together weave along the best kept sunset shores, to hidden fishing ponds, past back wood cabins, over hills with world class geological interest, and always through the best of Newfoundland nature. Get your binoculars, picnics and field guides ready – we’re going on a hike.

Cottages to Gully Pond 

This walk is a really a great example of how an inconspicuous gap in the woods can lead on to good stuff. Just follow your nose. If you get bored, turn around and follow it back!

I 'found' this route when Frances stood in her kitchen and told me, “go up there and turn right”, pointing to the wood pile on the other side of the road. So I did, if rather dubiously.

The wood stack - your trail marker opposite Frances' house. 

 

Looking back to Frances' from the wood stack.

What you can't see from the road, is the wood stack sits just off a gravel road that leads to the Anglican Cemetery. 

Sobaka leading the way, stick ever ready, on the gravel road to the Anglican Cemetery which can been seen from the cottages.

If you aren't sure about scrambling up the bank opposite Frances house, or you are walking out of Open Hall toward the cottages, follow this sign which marks where the gravel road meets the main road. 

Just the stroll to the cemetery is a lovely by itself; a gentle climb, easy under foot and lots of berry picking opportunities in the right season. It's a great one for kids, or the less sure footed. For those that are looking for a longer adventure though, as the graveyard comes into view, drop to the right down the side trail. 

You will see the cemetery ahead, but we are going to take the side hill to the right. 

Immediately the path is less well used, bit overgrown, and it starts to feel you're heading into the woods, even if actually you're turning closer toward the road and cottages again. It's not long before you get to a boggy bottom and are faced with another choice.

Left goes to Gully Pond, right to Telley's Pond. 

If you are anything like me, you probably want to know where BOTH paths lead. But we can only take one at a time and better to keep feet dry as long as possible. So avoid the boggy mess and take the left hand trail which quickly starts to climb. 

The path is very clear and smells so wonderful on a warm day. 

And climb, and climb and climb. It's a consistent haul but steep only in places. The trick is to keep looking back, and keep looking underfoot. There are snippets of extraordinary views and serious treasure to find among the mosses and blueberries. 

Keep your nose to the ground. 

And eyes up. This trail offers some of the best views of the bay & spot the cottages high on the hill. 

As you summit the hill, the forestry changes, opens us and the views grow larger. The plateau is brief before the trail drops down the other side of the hill and into a group of cabins. 

Follow the trail right between the cabins

And under owl. 

There is a network of paths around the cabins for access and wood, but I just stick to the main path right between them and under the helpful owl which marks my way.

There is no denying the trail gets swampy at this point. I can usually pick a way through, but if it's been raining, well, could be time for wet socks.

Bogs have their bonuses too. 

The dogs don't mind the boggy bits. I usually find a way to skirt around them.

There isn't much wet ground before we reach our reward: Gully Pond. Just don't stand in an ants nest on the way to the water like I did.

Our reward, Gully Pond. 

When you're good and ready, turn about and follow the trail right back to bottom of the hill where we first had to pick left, or right. And, because I know you want to, we're going to explore the other road.

Telley Pond

After navigating that huge puddle, you'll cross a wooden bridge. The turbulence and disruption caused by Hurricane Igor is very much in evidence around this spot with tangled up trees.

Follow the path over the bridge.

Careful !! No trolls (that we know of) but is a wasp nest under the bridge. 

This is a short path, perhaps 0.5 km down to Telley's Pond and dry underfoot once you get around that first big puddle. This, much bigger, pond is a gateway in winter to back country trails. It has plenty to offer in summer too; trouting, fishing wharf, an old boat and other small things to find.

I like to think these keep the mozzies down. 

Seen its last fishing days on Telley's Pond.

Ready to go fishing spot. 

Bountiful bog cotton. 

 Bunchberry dogwood. According to this guide these can be eaten but don't take my word for it!! http://blog.emergencyoutdoors.com/edible-wild-plants-bunchberry-cornus-canadensis/ 

When you're all done, follow the trail right back to the gravel road and out of the woods. You've only got Mark's Hill to climb now, back up to the cottages for a well earned rest!


Basic facts

Distance	3.8 miles including both loops.
Time	A very leisurely 2 hours with lots of photos, stick throwing for the dog & a brief swim.  You could easily do it in 1 hour if you kept walking.
Terrain	This is a back wood trail. It starts of on gravel road, but becomes a snowmachine & quad bike trail after leaving the graveyard. Be prepared for mud, probably soggy feet, plenty of exposed tree routes. There is one steady hill to climb, but no scrambling needed. Once off the gravel road, if it’s been raining, there are boggy parts which are largely unavoidable.
Winter	This is an extremely fun & challenging cross country ski with a long hill that is going to give a bumpy thrill on the downhill. Once bogs & ponds are frozen, this route is your access road to the big country.
Notes	This could be a really fun mountain bike ride provided you have the skills and confidence to jump tree roots and don’t mind carrying your bike through the marshy bits.
For the stats geeks	Altitude 78-321ft.  Total ascent 610ft (not including the hike back up to the cottages).

Cautions

1. Cell phone coverage is limited at best. Always good to have someone knows where you plan to go & how long you think you may be.
2. The cottages are equipped with maps, compass, water bottles, flasks, hiking poles, field guides and a bag of basic emergency gear (light, torch, whistle). Can't be a bad idea to take them along, as well as a picnic & your camera. 
3. There are (potentially) moose, foxes, bears, coyotes in the area. I find the dogs & I make enough noise to keep them away, but there is always the risk. I've met plenty moose in the woods, but not on this particular trail (YET). 
4. Be extremely cautious in hunting season. If you are not sure when the season is, ASK. 
5. Any rescue service is made up of local volunteers. Trails are maintained by the community, for the community. All hiking is at your own risk.
6. Be respectful of property and the environment.  If you plan on fishing, check that the season is open and what gear is permitted.
7. Expect bog, rough trail, exposed tree roots and other trip hazards.
8. Don't drop garbage or create a fire hazard.  

Be prepared for rougher trail. I walk in sneakers, but others may prefer boots to give ankle support.