Day 53 - Bonavista, Newfoundland

Another busy day today, Sunday, July 22, and thankfully it is another beautiful day.  We’ve been talking to the locals and they said we are extremely fortunate to have such great weather.  Last year they had very few sunny days.    We must be doing something right!!!   We left the campground early as we had a lot to see so it was another long day.  I will try to be brief - try the key word!!

Our first stop was the White Rock Murals and Lookout.  The pictures on the water tower tell the story of the fisherman.  We were at the highest point in the city so we had a great view. 

This is the James Ryan Premises which represents a thriving l9th & 20th century resident fishery operation, which sold its fish in Europe and the Caribbean.  There was a great museum of artifacts from that era.  The boards in the top right are where they dried the cod.  The statues of the family are showing how they laid the fish on the boards.  The D.J. Thornbill (schooner in picture) is typical of the schooners used in the offshore bank fishery.  Once on the banks, dories were sent out to set longlines for codfish, which were later split, salted and stored in the hold of the mother ship for transport back to port. 

Jackie, Bob, Patty, Rod, Bruce and I made ourselves a picnic lunch and found an area by the water as it was such a beautiful day, we didn’t want to sit inside a restaurant.  As we were getting out our chairs, blankets, etc. two guys bring over this yellow bench from their house next to where we were.  We’ve heard how nice people are here but we couldn’t believe our eyes.  They said not to worry as they would pick it up when we were finished.  Of course, we weren’t going to just leave it, so Bob and Bruce took the bench back to them.  Patty and I went over and they showed us all the other furniture they had and then invited us into their home and gave us a complete tour – even upstairs.  The house is over 100 years old – what a treat that was. 

The Mathew Legacy is the story about John Cabot and the boat that brought him over to Bonavista.  The building was built to store the boat.  It is on a lift but it can be lowered back into the water.  I've never seen so many ropes on a boat before.  It seemed like a pirate boat.

The Mockbeggar Plantation is the former home of F. Gordon Bradley, who served in Parliament and in the federal cabinet in the l950’s.  Originally built during the l870’s, the house has been restored to its l940’s appearance.  Because of the multiple buildings, it was called a Plantation.  The furnishings were lovely - very comfortable.

On our way to the lighthouse, we saw more coastline, three handsome horses in the field, and a statue of John Cabot .

This is Cape Bonavista Lighthouse.  Was built in l843 and restored in l870’s.  This house is quite unique as rooms were built around the tower giving the family a lot of space.  The middle picture is of the lights used - different from other lighthouses.

Took the road out to The Dungeon Rock.  More impressive coastline and the hole with two spaces is the dungeon, where the water eventually washed a hole in the ground.  Another photo-op of a horse.  I’m just sitting and enjoying the view.  "Do I have to leave?"

Skeeter, Pat & Fran toasting marshmellows.  Roger (w/horns) & Lorna.
Wendy and Wayne - our entertainers.
Bev and Stuart; and Larry & Mary enjoying the festivities

Tom & Pat; Chris (park owner) and Ruth
Wendy, Wayne, Helen (joined in w/the guitar) and Pat
Joyce & Richard all enjoying the evening

We stopped at Neil’s café to get my blog done.  This time I ordered the Carrot-Ginger soup – excellent.  Was a good thing that I ate something because as soon as we returned to the campground, a Happy Hour started with Wayne and Wendy entertaining us.  Great fun.  Toasted marshmellow’s over the fire and before we knew it, the entire gang came out to join in the festivities.  Then friends of Sharon and Wally joined us bringing a guitar as well.  Bruce got out some lights to sing by.  Another fun night.

Picture of the Day!

Looking out the museum window onto the Bay.  Looks like it could be a picture.

I really tried to be brief - honest, but when we do so many things, it is hard not to be a bit lengthy.  Trust me, I have another couple hundred pictures I could have added, especially of the coastline, but I'm trying to be kind to all of you and not put you to sleep.  Speaking of sleep, it is time to call it another day.  Night Now!!!