1919 is said to have brought one of the biggest storms that this particular part of Gros Morne National Park, Newfoundland had ever seen. All 92 people on board were saved including the famous story of a baby that was sent ashore in a mailbag.

Today there are only a few rusty pieces of the ship littered across the beach. It is great to know that no one was lost that night but even on a sunny afternoon it is easy to sense the fear that must have passed through the passengers and crew.

The bones of the S.S. Ethie could not have been placed in a more beautiful scene. It is worth a stop along Route 430 next time you are there.

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ROUTE 430: This photo was taken along the drive through Gros Morne National Park and not far the S.S. Ethie site.

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A less tragic beach can be found at The Beach House atHumber Valley Resort. We had the privilege of staying on the resort at Strawberry Hill. The Valley comes highly recommended by Ryan and I. Almost everyone we met there had flown in from Europe and described it as their favored vacation spot. It is now ours as well. The west coast of Newfoundland holds many little gems. If you would like a detailed referral by me just send me a email. And there is no need to say that if you are planning a wedding at the resort I can be there!

People hoping to book their winter skiing holidays this year would be well advised to consider Canada’s eastern seaboard and Newfoundland in particular. 

Situated in Newfoundland Canada, Marble Mountain is part of the Appalachian Mountain Range.  At its summit it is over 1,700 feet above sea level, rising above the Humber River as makes its way through Humber Valley. The slopes of Marble Mountain are regarding as having some of the best skiing and snow boarding east of the Rockies. With average snowfall of over 16.5 feet, (5m) this is hardly surprising, particularly if compared to Mont Tremblants 12 feet (3.65m), and certainly when compared against European resorts.  Average daytime temperatures in winter are -5° Celsius.  The mountain was also a venue for the Canadian Winter Games in 1999.

The mountain boasts 35 different runs, to suit all levels of experience, and has excellent access through a variety of lifts and platters.  It also has the only detachable high speed quad lift in Atlantic Canada, the Governor’s Express.  One of the best things about Marble Mountain is the smaller crowds and short queues allowing you to spend more time on the mountain than on the lift.  There is 175 acres of skiable terrain and the longest run is circa 4.5km. 

The highest point of Marble Mountain is Mount Musgrave, which was named after Sir Anthony Musgrave, a Newfoundland colonial governor.

Getting There:

The region has direct flights from the UK to Deer Lake Airport with Monarch this winter, approximately 20 minutes from Humber Valley Resort, as well as connecting flights via Halifax, St Johns and the main Canadian airports.

Staying There:

Select Resorts have fantastic chalet accommodation in the fantastic Humber Valley Resort, nestled at the foot of Marble Mountain, offering excellent access to the slopes, as well as activities such as cross country skiing, snow shoeing, huskies, skidoos.  Once you have had your fun on the slopes you can relax in the Aveda Spa or chill in your own chalet hot tub.  Humber Valley is truly a winter wonderland.

Fantastic News from Newfoundland – Humber Valley Resort’s River Course  was ranked 25^th in ScoreGolf Magazine’s Top 100 list of golf courses in Canada (The River Course actually ranked one spot above Muskoka Bay Club golf course which had beaten the course in Golf Digest’s Best New Canadian Course in 2007). The course received a 7.8 rating.  the review said the course offers “gently rolling terrain, wide fairways and undulating greens which serve as a challenge to experienced golfers, while offering an enjoyable round for those new to the game. Breathtaking views can be enjoyed from the riverside holes rising 400 feet up to the clubhouse. “

The full list is online at http://scoregolf.com/rankings/top100/top-100-golf-courses-in-canada-2008.cfm; it appeared on ScoreGolf TV’s Top 100 Special on Sunday August 17^th on TSN (The Sports Network)

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