Fogo Island Hiking Trail

It was a beautiful day yesterday, so despite my spinal issues, I decided to try going for a hike on the Lion's Den trail high above the town of Fogo. It was the first time I have ever been in this area, and the scenery was breathtakingly beautiful, with not another soul in sight for miles in all directions. It is a part of the island that used to be home to many small coastal communities (100+ years ago) but they have long since been relocated to more accessible areas. I wrongly assumed it would be a fairly easy trail, but in fact at times I felt like I was climbing Everest! Unfortunately, there were no icebergs in sight, but there was so much more to see, such as when I had to wait for a large herd of caribou to cross the trail ahead of me.

I had with me a suitcase-size camera case with all of my gear, which I felt was more necessary than the juice bottle, which I had decided to leave in the car! About a mile into the trail, I was sure wishing I had chosen to leave the gear behind and bring the juice. I was absolutely parched, tired and sore, yet figured I was too far along the trail to turn back again. As much as I enjoyed the scenery, I am sure I would have enjoyed it much more so, had I not been worried by this point about my own well-being. I could just imagine the embarrassment of having the search and rescue helicopter coming in to pick me up!

Anyway, to make a long story short, I finally made it to the other end of the trail, which mercifully, came out exactly where I had started from. I was so happy to see my car parked up ahead, knowing I was almost back to my drink bottle!

Today, my spine feels pretty good, but the muscles in my legs are so sore I can't walk at all! But you can just bet I will be on the trail again very soon! Next time I will bring plenty of fluids along with me!

If you look carefully in the distance, you can see the steps of the trail climbing way up the rocky slopes. I used my Sony Alpha with the 18-55mm kit lens for this shot.
Glen
Focus On Newfoundland : about my photography:


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Beautiful image of wonderful scenery. Love the colours in this one too. I noticed as I scrolled up the page that it looked even nicer with the top portion cut off (just beneath the cloud).

Such a sparce landscape there! Must be wind blown? Nice shot, quite impacting.

I like this one too! Good sharpness and lovely blue tones here

Beautiful shot, beautiful country, and I can see why your legs hurt. Hopefully they're better now.

Thanks everyone, for the kind comments.
I am starting to come alive again. I had pulled my calf muscles to the point of being totally unable to walk yesterday! But I have wanted to hike that trail for so long, and knew that if I didn't do it this year, I may not ever be able to, due to my deteriorating spine. Now I'm trying to psyche myself up for another go at it. Next time I will take plenty of fluids with me!

The blues of the sky and sea here on Fogo Island have to be seen in person to be believed. I have never seen anything like it anywhere else in Canada, though am at a loss as to why it is different.

Thanks again,
Glen

Great shot Glen I will be visiting Fogo island in the next 2 weeks hope that the weather cooperates and that I can get some decent pics, Hope that your calf muscles have recovered and you are back on the trails which you obviously love. Any suggestions on areas I should hike for rugged headland shots and abandonned houses. Wishing you a speedy recovery John

Love the blues and the view as well!

Beautiful picture with wonderful bright colors. I guess you can get lost in this landscapes and be happy.

So rich in the blues and the land detail is so vivid. Very well done Camper.