The fun is almost over

Two days of driving brings us to Drummondville Quebec.
We arrived at North Sydney dock around 9:00 am Atlantic Time on Tuesday morning.

I felt the motion of the ship a little more on this trip than on the way over to Newfoundland. I had a bit of a headache when we got off the boat. But we had a good night sleep. After a hearty breakfast at a little local cafe we were off for Ontario. We didn't do much except drive.
After a long day we arrived in Fredericton New Brunswick for the night. We had an absolutely wonderful Best Western hotel. The staff was friendly. The hotel looked brand new, but was actually about 15 years old. Complimentary breakfast was excellent and the ladies in the breakfast room were the best.
After breakfast we did a drive around the downtown area. As you can imagine, since Fredericton was established in the early 1700's, there are many beautiful old buildings. It is also the home of University of New Brunswick, a beautiful campus.
Then it was back on the road. Again, mostly driving. But we did stop so Little Red Dog could visit at the Covered Bridge Potato Chip Company and the longest covered bridge in the world at Hartland New Brunswick.

More driving and we're in Drummondville for the night.

A long way home

Today we started out long journey back to Ontario. The ferry leaves at 5:00 pm so we took a scenic route.
We passed through Harbour Grace, the starting place for Amelia Earhart's historical solo flight across the Atlantic Ocean.

Then to soothingly named Heart's Content and Dildo. A dildo is a wooden peg used to secure an oar in place in a fishing dory. (Get your mind out of the gutter).

 Finally, to the ferry at Argentia. The people of Argentia were relocated during the second world war to make room for a military base. All that is there today is the ferry port.
At 5:00 pm Newfoundland time Little Red Dog said goodbye to Newfoundland, promising to return someday.

We shared out ferry ride with about 20 Hell's Angels motorcycle club members. It was, thankfully, an uneventful journey.

Last full day

Sunday we went to church with Jordan & Rebecca at the Basilica Cathedral, a beautiful huge church up on a hill over looking the city.
Then a walk around town, more pictures of Jelly Bean houses and lunch at The Merchant Pub.

After lunch we went to the Screech Room. This would be our last opportunity to be screeched in before we head home. It was a comical and informative ceremony. We learned a little about the tradition and history of Newfoundland Screech. And, yes, we all "kissed the cod" and became honorary Newfoundlanders.

It was another beautiful sunny St John's day (they haven't had many of those lately) so we strapped on our hiking boots to explore another section of the East Coast Trail. This time we hiked up the huge hill near Jordan's house in Fort Amherst. At the top is a dam that forms a small lake. The young people use this as a swimming hole and hang out. There were several swimming there today but it's much too cold for me. So we just sat and had a refreshment while enjoying the view.

Signal Hill in the distance

Looking at Cape Spear, the most easterly place in North America

Sunday evening was a time to relax and pack. Our last day on the island.

Last few days on Newfoundland

Well, time to get caught up.
Friday was a bit of a down day. We had been so busy all week that we decided to just relax in the morning. I met an old friend for lunch. Vince worked with me at IBM for about 11 years. His family is all in Newfoundland. So when he got a package from IBM in 2008 he moved "back home". I haven't seen him since so it was good to have lunch and get caught up.
I dropped Maryann at the university botanical gardens. She told me that the gardens are beautiful. I'll take her word for it.
We met the kids at Bridie Molloy's for supper. Our server was a nice Irish girl. She told us that she has been in Newfoundland since last August. She grew up near Ballynahinch Ireland. That is where the Patterson's emigrated from way back in the lat 1800's. After I made her a balloon rose, she told me that her favorite animal is a meerkat. So here is my first attempt at a balloon meerkat.

I think that it need some work.

Saturday we drove to Bay Bulls for a boat tour to see some puffins (and other assorted birds). The tour goes out to Witless Bay Ecological Reserve which contains four islands that are just teeming with various seabirds. There are more than 300,000 puffins along with Leach's storm-petrol, kittiwakes & murres. It was truly amazing the number of birds flying around and sitting on the cliffs. Another great tour with entertaining tour guides.

Down the highway we stopped at La Manche Provincial Park for a hike. The 1.5 km trail took us to the abandoned fishing village of La Manch. In 1966 a severe winter storm destroyed most of the village of 25 residents, so they resettled elsewhere. All that is evident today are the foundations of the buildings and the rebuilt suspension bridge that spans the bay. The trail also joins up with the East Coast Trail

East Coast Trail

The East Coast Trail is a series of over 300 km of interconnecting trails along the east coast of the Avalon Peninsula. There are numerous access points and various degrees of difficulty.
Today we went to Petty Harbour, pretty little fishing village. We visited the mini aquarium, along with a school group and a day camp. Lots of little rug rats running around. Little Red Dog was not a bit intimidated by the wolf fish.

After the aquarium we had a little walk around town, then had a lovely fish taco lunch overlooking the harbour at Chafe's Restaurant.

Suitably fortified, we started our trek along the East Coast Trail. This section of the trail goes right along the top of the cliffs on the coast of the Atlantic Ocean. Stunning scenery and rugged coastline.






Our odyssey took us through forest, over streams, up hills and down. Mostly moderate terrain except this very steep descent. Little Red Dog found it quite intimidating. But we all arrived at our destination safely.
I believe that tonight will be a quiet evening as we rest our weary bones. It's been a very active week. And tomorow IS Friday. Party night!!!

Downtown St John's

Wed July 4 - This was our day to explore downtown St John's.
First stop was Quidi Vidi (pronounced Kiddy Viddy). This is a small picturesque fishing village to the east of downtown. This sheltered inlet and strategic location made it ideal for military activities since the 1700's. There are many historic structures in this area. One of the oldest is the Mallard cottage, now a restaurant. The Quidi Vidi craft brewery is also housed in an old warehouse.

Next stop, downtown. We walked along the 2 main business streets, Duckworth & Water, dropping into many of the unique stores.
Just up the hill we found many fine examples of Jelly Bean houses. Colorfully painted row houses. Apparently there are by-laws dictating how they shall be painted. For example, no two houses in the same block can be the same color.

Little Red Dog was most excited about visiting the tribute to some distant relatives. The Newfoundland and closely related smaller Labrador.

We also visited the tribute depicting Mile 0 of Terry Fox's epic run. This is where he dipped his prosthetic leg into the Atlantic Ocean before starting his run across Canada to raise awareness to cancer. A very moving statue.

Walking along Water St, we saw a men's wear store with hats in the window. So, we dropped in and I found a jaunty new summer hat for Boballoonie.

And of course, after a stressful day of sightseeing and shopping we had to sample some of the local craft brews on a lovely rooftop patio. 

After supper we went to The Rooms - Newfoundland and Labrador's largest public cultural space. It contains archives, art gallery and museum. The Rooms is built high above St John's with a spectacular view of the city and harbour.
There is an outstanding display of Newfoundland involvement in the wars and a photo booth area.

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.