Fog, Friends and Fishing

Waterfront View

This one is not the ocean, but it’s a beautiful view of a Salmon river in Springdale:

Day 24, July 8, 2017

Nothing to say here. It was foggy, rainy and windy all day. Every once in awhile, we looked out when it was clear, and, of course, could see Whales!

But mostly, here’s the view from my chair all day:

Day 25: July 9, 2017

MORE fog, but we took a quick walk to the waterfront and saw a Sea and Gannets diving and feeding up a storm.

But that’s all we could see, literally.

So, off to Conception Bay South and our friends. When we saw the Hawco Seniors Residence, I realized how many Doyle, Mercer, Critch and, now, Hawco roads and signs we have seen!

We got close to the Morgans and had a little time to kill, so I beachwalked and boardwalked at Holyrood:

Then we had a fabulous lunch and visit with Beulah and Gordon Morgan. We met them in 2009 on the ferry back to the mainland, and Beulah and I have corresponded ever since (she beats me to the Christmas letter every year!). They have a lovely home, big hearts and the best senses of humour. We ate and drank tea and talked and laughed and even visited their daughter and son-in-law’s farm.

Their house is filled with pictures from generations of their families, and we ogled the shot of Gordon as part of the winning team of the 1966 St. John’s Regatta (he actually was on two winning teams!):

Beulah is a real storyteller and was featured in the Downhomer magazine a few times (I even replied to one of her stories and MY letter was printed):

A lovely, lovely day with our dear friends:

We drove to Cape Spear, through St. John’s harbour, to Signal Hill and Downtown (people were walking pigs!), but were deterred by the crowds on a sunny Sunday.

We DID see the Veteran in drydock (that’s the ferry for Fogo Island that’s been out of commission for weeks!):

We spent the night at Butterpot Provincial Park ($13.10 Senior, Unserviced). Here’s the view from my chair (take THAT Ontario Parks!):

Day 26: July 10, 2017

So, I guess we’re officially starting our ride “home” today. I am always sad when this begins, but also a little happy to head back to Western Newfoundland, which we much prefer to most parts of the East.

Clarenville declares itself the “Canada Goose Sanctuary”. Isn’t every part of Canada that?

We dropped into Charlottetown (NL) and Gander for Ches’ Fish and Chips (best remain those from Critch’s at La Scie!). I thought there might be some “Come from Away” notes in Gander, as in “the Town that Inspired…”, but nothing.

A couple of signs:

• Big Game Cutting (a sport?
• Mark’s Market (and Weigh Scales)

Oh, and the companion piece to the amusement “rides” we saw at the Trinity loop!

There are a lot of Caution Moose and Caribou signs in Newfoundland. But then we saw a caution Cow sign near Badger. It’s been awhile since we’ve seen a Moose, and not one Caribou, but we DID see a cow at Beulah and Gordon’s family’s farm. Oh well. Moose and Caribou Liars!!!!

Okay, nine minutes after I wrote those disparaging remarks, I saw Moose #10!

We got to George Huxter Memorial Park in Springdale, another favourite. We enjoyed an actual sunny and warm time outdoors in Site 20 ($25, E/W). For the record, when David checked the power box before we plugged in, he got a “No Ground” reading. We got the park to check it out, and they were concerned enough to shut the breaker on this and the next site AND give us a “Night on the Town” refund. Love this place.

When we arrived, there was one guy fishing for salmon (see our Waterfront View above). On our walk later, there were five. Then we watched a man walk out, first up to his waist then onto the perfect rock up to his knees. Then a couple walking out’ he with butt in mouth, she with butt exposed as her shorts drooped down as they got wet (it’s like TV):

After dinner, I went down to join “the boys” at the Gazebo. I got me some Moose sausage (sorry), lots of “my loves” and “my darlings” and watched the crowd now of 16 anglers. One caught one to keep and another to release. A perfect night!

Beyond these lily-white and unshaven legs (first shorts of the trip) and Red Solo cup, is the view from my chair (and beyond that, the Salmon river!):