NL...you know I'll be back!

Newfoundland, also known as "The Rock"
(NL - part IV)

As you drive along Newfoundland's coastline you'll become aware of the many small, wonderful communities that exist.  You'll also smile a time or two as you read the road signs that tell you your location.  Just to share a few:  Bar Haven, Bay Bulls, Cape Onion, Dildo, East Tickles, Muddy Hole, Sunnyside etc. (link to:  Community Names of Newfoundland).  Oh how many times did I giggle over some of the names (totally not out of disrespect, I just couldn't help myself).

Do you ever ponder where times goes?!  If so, I can assure you that it escapes far faster when you're having the time of your life!  For my final day in Newfoundland (can you believe it, already it's the last day?!), seven of us ladies loaded into the van and made off for Twillingate, Iceberg Capital of the World. We stopped for statues of giant lobsters, museums, gift shops, delicious places to eat and to rehydrate. 

We even ventured to the lighthouse at Crow Head, Long Point Lighthouse is its name.  It sits beautifully 300 meters above sea level, offering one of the best views of the Atlantic Ocean and rocky coastline of Newfoundland.  For all the things you were most likely to see from here, today wasn't the day.  There were no sightings of whales, icebergs or seals unfortunately.  We did see some fishing boats and tested our fear of heights at the cliff's edge as the rugged breeze whipped at our hair and our outer layer of clothes. 

Our road trip continued along a twisty, hilly and narrow route. It curved this way and that, gaining elevation every kilometre we drove.  As we started to descend and make our way closer to the water, it was here, along the hillside that my pre-trip notions of what Newfoundland would look like were validated.  An entire town built completely within the rocky landscape.  A place where the ocean promised to meet those who lived there as soon as they opened their front door or pushed back the curtains to peek out.  Looking down at the water you could see fishing boat after fishing boat, all just waiting for a new day to start so they could head out to see what treasures the Atlantic would bestow them with.  Absolutely beautiful.

Our days adventure took us from this ocean-side haven, back up the hill to the Durrell Museum.  The day had gotten ahead of us and by the time we'd arrived there, it had closed up for the day (too bad).  I was able to peer into the windows and did get to see the enormous polar bear that greets visitors upon entering the facility.  Apparently he came in on a chunk of iceberg and terrorized the town for a few days before becoming this massive monument. Should've seen the claws on his gigantic paws, yikes.  From here we began our voyage back, stopping for a few more spectacular photo ops along the route, arriving home just before the sun went into hiding.

When deciding how we'd spend the last evening together, something relaxing and close to home sounded fabulous.  A small group of us gathered in the back garden bringing, chairs, guitars, lighting the bonfire and a list of very cultural and historically significant songs for us to sing. Combined with the energy and excitement of the 7 year old girl who got to stay up late to join us, this was an excellent way to capture the conclusion of my amazing first trip to the Rock.  As we sat under the starry Newfoundland skies, happy to be in each others company, there was no reason to think the night would ever end.

"You're kidding"?!? It couldn't be 3 a.m.?! "Oh No"... A few things happened at this moment of realization.  I jumped in the shower and scrambled to gather everything, while Stephanie packed my bags.  There was only an hour left before we had to be on the road to make it to the airport on time and we were absent a driver.  How had time escaped us?  A few phone calls (followed by a few no answers) and there was a strong feeling I wouldn't be making it home this morning.  

Around 4 a.m. our phone rang.  It was Tracey. She had gone home after our Twillingate tour this evening and had gone to bed.  She was absolutely sober and within minutes her car pulled into the yard, she was there to rescue us.  OMG.  I think I boarded the plane before I even realized what was happening ... wasn't I just at the campfire? Did I just say good-bye to the Girls? (thank you Girlies ... for everything)

The results from the Weekly Survey Question:  ever missed your flight?

25% of you have actually missed a flight.  I wonder how many of you from the remaining 75% have been close to missing one?  Sometimes, no matter how fast you run, it's just not fast enough eh? 

On this day, I was content and relieved to find my butt in a seat on the plane. I introduced myself to Ken from Toronto and drooled my way across the Gulf of St Lawrence while staring at the back of my eyelids.  I needed home for rest (that song was definitely written for moments like these). 

It was on this return trip that I questioned if I was really cut out for this travel thing. For the second time, within my first three consecutive trips to anywhere, my heart was broken.  I kept meeting these fabulous people and then saying "Thanks for a great time ... I'll see you when I see you" ... but then would leave wondering when or if that would ever be?!  :(  ... I find that part still sucks (here, there and everywhere), there are so many people I want to see and hang out with often, not just again. 

I've been fortunate enough to have visited this small town in Central Newfoundland almost annually since that first trip.  Summertime visits seem to be the most common, but I've been there during the winter and once in the fall.  I try to keep bringing first time visitors with me so that more and more of my friends can experience this incredible place, meet these amazing people (my extended family ... this entire town) and earn themselves the title of 'Honorary Newfie'.

I need to take some time to share the condensed versions of those other visits with you and tell you about East Coast Blend on the Rock 2010 (a weekend in St. John's, Newfoundland).  Thanks for coming to Newfoundland (if you've never been, are you now inspired?) ... As far as adventures go, we're very close to returning to the Caribbean (might as well get your sunscreen, travel mug and bathing suit ready).

I'd love to hear about your trip to Newfoundland (your screech-in too).  And if you're from there, maybe you have a favourite town or place that everyone should come see while they're visiting!?  Nobody knows the best kept secrets for travellers, than those from there!

Share your comments, your stories, your travel advice etc. in the section below (comments or reaction section) and give your answer to the weekly survey (top right of the blog page).  No sign up necessary, just a simple click :)  A little shy?!  Why not send me an email instead: holidayheidi@hotmail.ca

~ Holiday Heidi

Newfoundland Rocks

Newfoundland, also known as "The Rock"
(NL - part III)

For all of you 'visiting' Newfoundland for the first time just now, please make sure you attend the "Screech-In" ceremony posted previously.  There's no better welcome than an entire town cheering you on as you down a shot of screech rum and pucker your lips to kiss a cod fish. Click this link to watch it on Youtube, then come back to the Blog for the rest of the NL adventure:  <<Newfoundland Screech-In Ceremony>>

Seems Newfoundland hosts a number of  festivals and events all over the Island. There's the Salmon Festival, 'Trails, Tales and Tunes', Frosty Festival, Mussel Bed Soiree, Festival of Flight, an Iceberg Festival etc etc (of course with countless festivals and events being held in NL's capital, St John's).  I had landed here in the month of August to experience their annual Soiree event. Let's just say that if you're lucky enough to plan your vacation around one of these "home coming" events, you are in for a treat!!

Immediately following the house party (thanks to Tanya & Darrell for hosting and for so many of you coming out to join in, what fun memories), the crowd took their four newest honorary Newfies to a street dance. HA!  How incredible!  I’m sure not many can say that their Screech-In ceremony was followed by a street dance?! Woohoo...what a time!!  At some point I recall, long after the music stopped at the concrete venue, someone suggesting that we head home to get some sleep.

I was only here on a six day holiday and the list of things to do was extensive:  sightsee, reunite, explore, meet & greet. Honestly, not every waking moment was spent out on the bridge drinking, eating and singing (although there seemed to be loads of time for that too).  Oh excuse me, "the bridge" in case you're wondering, is the Newfoundland term for a deck or a patio.  We did have one more beautiful day of doing just that.  From the bridge later that same day, a crowd of us set off to attend the outdoor concert.  Streetheart took the stage first, followed by a rockin' performance by the Stampeders. How perfect! 

The concert lasted until after 11 p.m. but the party wouldn't end there. Don't worry, you had no trouble to figure out where to go ... "The Pub" "The Pub" everyone singing out the same, "The Pub".  Since it was definitely the local wateringhole, The Pub was ready and waiting for us. By the time we arrived, its frame was bulging from the crowd inside and guaranteed, you couldn't find a livelier, happier or more packed place in town.

It was here, at The Pub after the concert (back in 2007), that I met Guy Maye.  A  tall, dark haired fellow in his mid fifties, dancing & singing up a storm at the head of the dance floor (which was packed). He was a Karaoke specialist and the entertainment. He'd play whatever anyone wanted to hear or sing and if no one came to sing, then he would...what an amazing voice.  My favourite memory (and one that was recreated every visit to NL at the pub) was singing, arm-in-arm with everyone on the dance floor, along with Guy, to the song 'Strawberry Wine'.  He played it for us every night we were there. What a memory. 

I think the pub kicked us out at 5 a.m. ... oh dear!

"Up, up!! Get up"!  You don't want to miss the day out in the bay. The weather was cloudy and a bit windy, so when the crew said we'd be delayed because of the winds, I took their word for it. Many things in Newfoundland are subject to weather cooperation.  Wind, even more than rain & snow, can stop you from getting places, have Plans "A" "B" and "C" ready (just in case). Mother Nature decided to cooperate though and shortly after 11 a.m. we made our way to the boat launch.

Here I was sitting in a boat getting ready to explore the Atlantic Ocean. Life is good ... and experience is everything.  I grew up out in the country amongst farmland, thus boating in the Ocean hadn't been such a common thing for me.  Whereas, my friends here in NL likely started boating before they could even crawl as an infant and as such, had no fear jumping into their boats on this slightly windy day to venture out into the wide open blue. (The wind creates waves).

Compared to the landscape, the boats were small but they were comfortable, safe and allowed you to feel 'at one' with the sea.  Life jacket, rain suit and camera ready, I was psyched for this adventure (even though I suffered waves of anxiety once I got in the boat ... sorry for the pun).  As we began to leave land, I realized my vivid imagination had created yet another delusion. 

For some reason I had thought Newfoundland's coastline would be where land-meets-water and that its edges would be solid rock.  After this rocky edge, there wouldn't be any more land, it'd stop right there and only deep blue sea from there on out (isn't this why they call it the "Rock"?). However, the further we boated away from the wharf, I learned this concept couldn't be further from the truth.  Island after island lined the bays and coves within this saltwater paradise. Some of them rock, some sand, some treed.  There were so many cabins, cottages and homes ... mostly owned by people from Newfoundland who had chosen to build, visit and even stay out on these islands.

In total, our convoy was five vessels strong all filled with delighted passengers, who continued to smile, laugh and gaze as we skipped our way across the choppy water.  Round a corner, veer to the right and there it was...the cabin off in the distance nestled in a cove, surrounded by trees, rocks and water.  This is where we'd be spending our day.  At this moment, I was witnessing Heaven on Earth.

The day was filled with exploring, hiking, eating, napping, finding sea treasures and creating wonderful memories.  Oh yes, and swimming, though I did not.  The water is frigid, gives me shivers just thinking about how cold it was (imagine jumping into a bathtub half full of ice cubes!! "___", umm yes, that's exactly what I said haha).  I still have no idea how they didn't develop hypothermia!  The moral of the story of course is that the only limit to the possibilities out in the bay, is your imagination.

For hours and hours you could just sit on the front porch and stare out into the ocean ... totally off on some other planet as your worries continued to be washed away by the blue current. That's exactly what I was doing when someone yelled "WHALE" ... instantly my heart started to race, my eyes started to scan the open waters and before I knew what I was doing, my camera was in my hand and I was running to get to the furthest rock point near the water.  I needed a closer look. I had to see him! ... Darn it.  Gone.

Not too long after, while a few of us were at the rock's edge chatting just before heading back to pack it up for the day, we were visited by the whale again.  He was a long way off shore still, out there feeding.   Minke's aren't large in comparison but I was astonished to see him surface time and time again.  The distance, height of his spray and how long he’d stay down before reappearing.  And the sound ... I won't ever forget the sound of him exhaling as he met the air.  (This video is really shaky (I was way too excited) and I had to eliminate the volume...in my excitement, I might have said some things not worth repeating aloud. My apologies for both. Still want to see him? ... just click here: Holiday Heidi sees her first WHALE). 

The water had calmed.  The sun had started to set.  As we made our way back, I just sat in silence (smile on my face) wondering how I could ever thank these people for sharing and introducing me to all this.  What a place Newfoundland is, the landscape - its people...it so ROCKS!! 

By the time we were closer to town, it was pitch black.  No trouble seeing the other boats out on the water though, we were amongst those who'd entered the boat parade. Strings of lights, banners, horns, flags ...we were just a little under decorated. Funny. Not into missing events, Stephanie & I (et al.) went home, unloaded the gear, changed our clothes and made it back to the waterfront before the fireworks had started.  Mussels for sale by the bowl full, bands waiting on  stage for the fireworks to start & finish, surrounded by a town full of fabulous new friends ... how was I going to say good-bye?  Only one full day remained.  I wasn't ready to think about it.

I did say I wasn't ready to think about it yet (sorry).  The next installment entitled "NL...you know I'll be back!" will be posted within a week.  I hope you're loving Newfoundland?! 

Share your comments, your stories, your travel advice etc. in the section below (comments or reaction section) and give your answer to the weekly survey (top right of the blog page).  No sign up necessary, just a simple click :)  A little shy?!  Why not send me an email instead: holidayheidi@hotmail.ca.

Sadly, Guy Maye passed away September of 2010. 

My heartfelt condolences to his family and to the entire town for their loss.  Wish we'd had time for a full conversation. Regardless, I'd like to recognize him for my many fond memories on that dance floor.  I'm sure nights at The Pub haven't been the same since. 

~ Holiday Heidi