The route as is requires a small amount of to-the-knee bushwhacking and a little scree hopping, but with a few improvements it will provide an intermediate level trek with great new views of and from the Bay of Islands Ophiolite Massif, and more examples of its stunning geology<\/strong>. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Once past the base of the mountains and into the north branch canyon of Riley’s Brook, the massif reveals a landscape of rust-colored peridotite from the earth’s mantle and light gray gabbro from the ocean crust.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The south bank of the canyon is characterized by a long, barren, rocky slope with occasional patches of low shrubs, which makes for an easy climb or descent with great views of the brook and opposing hillside.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Once above the fork in the brook, the peridotite disappears and the canyon transforms into a strictly gabbroic viewscape. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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This mid-level plateau contains interconnected patches of 4-6ft scrub, where several moose graze in relative obscurity.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Looming above at approximately 800 meters (approx 2,500ft) are the dual peaks of the Haystacks and Round Hill, the highest peaks on the Blow-Me-Down Massif.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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These large round hilltops are ideal feeding grounds for caribou, and Paul and Delano were lucky enough to see a small herd of about 2 dozen animals.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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When not blocked with low-lying clouds, the views from the top are expansive, particularly to the east across the grass and lichen-covered mountains.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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