Fogo Island, the largest island in Newfoundland and Labrador, is home to a unique parade of giants each spring into early summer. The unique topography of the bays and inlets of the island trap large icebergs calved from glaciers in western Greenland. These chunks of ice can be 10,000 years old, shaped by wind and waves on their journey, and are visible from the rocky shore and promontories around the island. Join me for an exploration of this remote northeast island. There will be an option for a boat tour around the island and icebergs.

This PhotoExploration is a sedentary, contemplative experience. Fogo Island isn’t large, at 15 miles (25 km) long and 8.4 miles (14 km) wide, there is ample time to explore. We’ll wander the island at a Photographer’s Pace. You’ll have time to look and see and ponder, to let the landscape show you what it wants you to photograph, to find the smallest thing and the largest thing to photograph, to make long exposures, to experiment, to hone your personal vision, to easily revisit locations at different times of day and under various lighting and weather conditions. On the island, too, are colorful “saltbox” houses and boatsheds, art galleries, meadows, lakes,  and rocky shores. Caribou can sometimes be seen, as well as puffins, seabirds, shorebirds, arctic fox, and humpback, minke, and orca whales off the coastlines. This is a contemplative photography exploration. We’ll explore, rain or shine, and take advantage of weather opportunities when and if they arise, to capture the character of this place, its geology, and its long maritime history. While post-processing is an important part of the photography process, I won’t be spending specific time on that but will be happy to assist where needed. Expect early mornings, long days, with breaks, into the evening and some nights.

The hiking trails are mostly easy to moderate, over variable terrain, rocky shore, boardwalks and stairs, but there may be parts that are more strenuous. You know your capabilities, but you should have good balance and moderate stamina for a safe, enjoyable, experience, and be able to carry your camera gear, water, etc. for up to 2 miles. Trekking poles might be useful.

We’ll be based in a vacation rental on the island. The first and last night dinners are included. There are 11 distinct settlements on Fogo Island, and 11 restaurants. We have the opportunity to sample them all, if we wish. There are grocery stores on the island for meal prep and snacks.

General Itinerary:

May 10: Arrive at Gander International Airport. See below for information about getting to Fogo Island. Pickup is available for flights arriving before 4pm.

May 11-18: Explore Fogo Island and traveling icebergs. Optional iceberg/whale watch boat tour

May 19: Early morning ferry departure Gander and home (7:00am or later if you have driven yourself from Gander)