For one week in July 2019, long-distance hiker Geoff Rose of Ontario took on the challenges and rewards of Western Newfoundland’s UltramaTrex, a 6-8 day trek across the ultramafic sections of the four Bay of Islands Ophiolite Massifs, from Tablelands in the north, across the North Arm Hills, Bay of Islands, Blow Me Down Mountains and Lewis Hills to the south.  “It was a photographer’s dream!” he said.

“It was a great trip. Having just finished the Long Range Traverse in Gros Morne National Park, in far less than ideal conditions, I was ready for anything, but more than a little worried I may have bitten off more than I can chew. In the end, it was tough, but still doable for this 59-year-old body. It certainly helped that the weather was near ideal for the UltramaTrex (the opposite of my experience in Gros Morne). It is amazing what some additional warmth and wind can do to make one more comfortable and less bug-infested.”

“The UltramaTrex is a grand route. You experience many challenges and view a wonderful range of terrain, flora and fauna. Yet with some care, the right gear, and some prior hiking experience, it is safe. I loved the ultramafic sections (part of the earth’s mantle) for their surreal landscape. It was also great seeing caribou in the alpine reaches, as well as moose nearer the treed areas.”

“Scrambling over rock fields was tough. Climbing was exhausting sometimes, and descending periodically felt a little intimidating. Every day there was a mix of experiences, from tiptoeing through the bogs trying to keep my boots dry, to removing my boots and walking with my crocs across thigh-deep streams. And the views! So many incredible and sometimes surreal landscapes. A photographer’s dream.”

For more on the story, go to the IATNL website:

http://www.iatnl.com/index.php/news/209/26/UltramaTrex-A-Photographer-s-Dream/