This past weekend I completed the North Rim and Long Range in 12 hours and 47 minutes... I linked my strava file on my blog: wildnewfoundland.wordpress.com/2015/07/27/north-rim/
I'm a part-time guide in the park, and a newfoundlander 
I completed the North Rim (3 day hike), and Long Range Traverse (3-4 day hike) located in Gros Morne National Park, in a single day.
The Idea
I’ve worked in Gros Morne as a guide the past few summers, as such I gained a great depth of knowledge on the Long Range Traverse (LRT), in particular. Around the beginning of August, 2014 (last year), I thought it would be fun to take a run through the LRT – you can see my time at the bottom of this page – and I did have a good day. Subsequently, I ran in the Deer Lake 67 at the end of August, after which I had a conversation with race organizer, Lorne Reid, regarding my exploits on the LRT. He mentioned, if I wanted to do something notable (and it was something he had in mind I believe) I should go parking lot to parking lot, meaning I should do the North Rim, and the Long Range…and that was it. The idea was set, and I worked towards it… making a trip over the north rim in July (2015) to get a feeling of the route, had a nice taper through July, and it all came together on the 2nd of August.
The Day
As for the day, I should preface it by saying, these two “trails” aren’t actual trails. They are unmarked back-country routes which can be optimized for efficiency, but there is no pathway or markers… only game trails, tuckamore, boggy wet, rocky terrain… the weather can be highly variable, and quite dangerous if a heavy fog rolls in quickly, as it often does. The challenge, is both physical, and mental… during the day I am trying to take care of myself, eating, drinking water, eating salt pills, gels, all the while watching every step, head down… when I did get a chance to look up I would be survey my immediate surrounding looking for the best way around tuck, up a valley, or over a hill. And, on top of that, I’m glancing at my watch trying to keep the greater route in mind. The north rim in particular is know for its tuckamore, and didn’t disappoint…. I took a nice break overlooking western brook pond with a piece of moose meat pizze, and continued on through the Long Range which was a little wet, slippery and boggy at times. Near the end of the day I came up against a thick fog just before I descended into Ferry Gulch (of Gros Morne Mountain)… and as I descended, it was a beautiful day again. Natalie, my wife met me on my way out of the Gros Morne Mountain Trail, and it was a big help… my pace was slowing considerably at this point, and she buoyed my spirits and got my legs going again…getting me to the parking lot in under 13 hours.
It’s hard not to say, I could do it faster…. I spent roughly 35 minutes filling my water pack – 7 times, 5 minutes per time – which was getting to me by the end (not an optimal setup!). Definitely using two water bottles next time. And there is some room for route optimization on the North Rim, and perhaps a little more training to have a stronger finish. But, all in all I am quite happy with my result.
As well, just want to thank everyone who has helped me out, from my past mentors, those who gave me invaluable information on both the Long Range, and North Rim, Cycle Solutions in Corner Brook, a great supporter of mine, and of course, my loving wife!
August 4th – 2015 – An interview with Bernice Hillier (Corner Brook CBC) – link here.
Distance: 62.0km – Garmin 920xt. Total Time: 12 hours 47 min.
Moving Time: 10:58:34 Elevation – 2,032m
Information on North Rim Traverse – 3-4 Day Trek
http://www.pc.gc.ca/eng/pn-np/nl/grosmorne/activ/activ2e/northrim.aspx
Information on the Long Range Traverse -3-4 Day Trek
http://www.pc.gc.ca/eng/pn-np/nl/grosmorne/activ/activ2e/longrange.aspx