Bell Island

Tues July 3/18 - Today our destination was Bell Island. Short drive and a relaxing 1/2 hour ferry, we arrived on Bell Island.

As we approached the dock we saw "The Boots of Bell Island", a rather unique rock formation along the coast of the island. Can you see the pair of boots in the middle of the picture?

First stop was the #2 mine tour. Bell Island was once the home of 6 iron-ore mines. The mines stretched as far as 3 miles under the sea. The working conditions in the mines were terrible. The miners worked 10 hour days using only a candle mounted on their hat to see what they were doing.
It was quite an interesting tour.

Little Red Dog was a little nervous about going into the mine but was very helpful on my first day on the job.

After the tour we went looking for a nice spot near the ocean to have our lunch and stumbled upon this cool cove called Grebe's Nest. There is a tunnel through the cliff to nice beach. When we arrived there were some kids swimming. We dipped out toes in the water. Way too cold for me to be swimming.

While waiting for the ferry Maryann relaxed with a puffin.

Back on the mainland we took a side trip to Pouch Cove (locals pronounce it "Pooch") before heading back to St John's. Pouch Cove is where Jonny Harris grew up. It is a very pretty fishing village.

After supper we went for a walk with Jordan & Rebecca to the lighthouse. On an impulse Jordan & I decided to climb to the top of the East Coast Trail the hard way. Straight up the side instead of taking the path. It was a bit tricky in spots but we made it.