#114 Jun 2015 Westward Ho Again

From St. John’s back to the ferry is 900 km on the Trans Canada, a two day trip. We arrived at Grand Codroy RV Park, Doyles NL in time to enjoy a car show and picnic. Friendly, local hospitality abounded.

A&W and Coca Cola seem to be a car show theme everywhere.

Traveling across Canada in this Alberta car would be fun.

We were sad to leave Newfoundland but knew more adventures awaited us.

One last view of a Newfoundland community and lighthouse.

We were on the ferry again.

 Then back to Cape Breton.

#113 Jun 2015 Lighthouses-A Mariners Ray of Hope!

Cape Spear Newfoundland is the most easterly point in North America. The next stop would be Ireland.

After five months of fabulous travel we left the coast still lovers and friends.

We saw beaches from sandy to rocky.

We saw the ocean from calm to stormy.

We saw big cities and tiny communities hugging the coastline.

After voyages, often of many weeks, North American lighthouses were welcome beacons to mariners from many nations as they vied for the riches of the New World.

The lighthouses were usually built with attached homes for the light keepers and their families. The homes were often the nicest ones in the community and the families were the most well off as the job provided the home.

The location of the lighthouses often meant isolation for the families and supplies were recieved infrequently.

The light keeper was well respected and often a community leader. His job maintaining the lighthouse could mean the difference between life and death for those who made their living from the sea.

Before modern communications the flags signaled critical information to the mariners.

We saw lighthouses with many colour and light sequences. Each is unique and has been a beacon for sailors for over 200 years along the coasts of North America.

Bonavista Lighthouse, Newfoundland

Cape Spear, Newfoundland

Point Amour, Labrador

Biloxi, Mississippi

St. Augustine, Florida

Bodie Island, North Carolina

Ralph climbed the 214 steps in the Bodie Island Lighthouse for this bird’s eye view.

Currituck Beach, North Carolina

Cape Hatteras, North Carolina – the tallest lighthouse in the USA

Louisbourg, Nova Scotia

Many lighthouses are no longer staffed. They are automated and now called light stations.

They often included foghorns, which are very eerie in the fog.

It was time to turn westward and start towards home.

#112 Jun 2015 Newfoundland and Labrador - Wow!

We spent three amazing weeks in Newfoundland Labrador and I have to emphasize that it should be on everyone’s “Must See” List if at all possible.

The geology is ancient beyond human comprehension. See post #106.

The scenery is dramatic.

The wildlife is fascinating.

June was a great month to see icebergs and puffins but early to see many whales.

The European history is the oldest in North America. See post #108.

Many firsts occurred in Newfoundland and Labrador.

The people are enormously friendly and helpful to everyone.

As we were waiting for the ferry back to Cape Breton I chatted with a Newfoundland couple who gave me this souvenir of their home.

Our hostess, Mary, in L’anse au Loup gave us personal insights into life in Labrador over the last 80 years.

Local entertainment is unique to the Island.

Cod fishing provided the first explorers and settlers their livelihood and was the mainstay for centuries. Cash was scarce and the economy operated largely on a system of credit where cod became known as “Newfoundland Currency”.

When Newfoundlanders talk about fish it is cod. All other fish are named, but cod is just “fish”. No further name or explanation needed.

The 1992 moratorium on cod fishing was a crippling blow to the Newfoundland economy. However, its people are resilient and looked toward another source of wealth from the sea – oil. The Hibernia Oilfield brought jobs to the province and a renewed sense of hope for the future.

Fort McMurray Oil Sands provided long distance jobs.

Newfoundlanders and Labradorians are determined and resourceful people and will go to great lengths to maintain their unique lifestyle and traditions.

Newfoundland Labrador was the highlight of our “Circle Tour of the US and Canada”.