We started the day with an in-RV shower – works really well. After breakfast we emptied tanks and filled up with fresh water. We had to take the nozzle off the water hose to get it to fit into the water filling hole on the Roadtrek, but that left us with no way to turn the water on or off. Lots of water and once the tank filled up it sprayed everywhere until we kinked the hose. Shower #2 done. The RV park owner asked whether we wanted to get rid of Pepsi.
Next was a visit to the mall in Labrador City for some groceries and gas. A quick drive through town showed a functional but uninspired northern industry town.
Once back on the Trans Labrador Highway we came across a porcupine sniffing the fresh yellow paint from the crew that was painting new lines on the highway. It took quite a bit of coaxing to get him off the road so we could pass.
The first 165 kms were pristine pavement and we had a wonderful ride.
Once the gravel returned things got bumpier again.
We stopped at Churchill Falls for a hike and took some pictures of the massive canyon and the relatively small amount of water now flowing down the falls because of the hydro plant water diversion.
All of a sudden there was a flapping of wings as a mother partridge and her young took off from the ground.
The last 30 kms of highway to the town of Churchill Falls was nearly impassable for our RV. There is road construction here and it was raining so we had slick, deep mud and patches of rough gravel.
The town of Churchill Falls a true example of a company town. Everything except for the gas station, a pub and two convenience stores is owned by Nalcor Energy. Workers at the company receive free electricity and subsidized housing but have to leave Churchill Falls upon retirement. The Town Complex houses the hotel (also owned by the company), a library, school, post office, supermarket, pool, spa, fitness club, etc. The concept was a bit foreign to us. The parking lot here is the only place can stay overnight for RVs, so that’s what we did. They do provide power.