We May Move to Newfoundland

(Steve)  Really, it’s that nice. Let’s start with the people. I know I’ve said this before but it’s just so refreshing. We expected some animosity while here due the great tariff holdup. Everyone we have met has been unfailingly kind, welcoming and generous. And, that everyone I mention includes folks who are resident here but come from all over the world. It’s a virtual stew of races, origins, and languages. However, Newfoundland is very, very, Irish.

Last night we attended an event that celeberated the seafaring history of the place but was accompanied by Irish jigs played on accordions, fiddle, guitars and the occasional strains of a flute - all by elderly women including one who was 93. The event was a recreation of an Irish kitchen party that is part of the historical culture. Good food, good music, dancing, and good friends all gathered together.  Pam was one of the stars of the show with her Hollywood moves.

Getting a lesson on playing an ‘Ugly Stick’

Five fine Irish women

 

The event ended in a Screech In, a traditional ceremony involving drinking rum and kissing a codfish. Ours was modified a bit so we kissed the “arse” of a stuffed puffin. Newfoundland! You just don’t get this in New Jersey.  And the benefit of all this? We are now exempt from paying Newfoundland taxes!

That was how we ended our day. The way we started it was pretty awesome too. Up early, clean, the RV, and out the door to points unknown in the area. The first discovery was a quaint fishing village a few miles away - Petty Cove. I’ve come to call it Petty Cove Junction.  Spectacular little place. There was a small shop peddling local crafts that caught our eye and our wallets. We bought several mementos that we absolutely didn’t need but couldn’t pass up. The village sits in a narrow bay with colorful homes dotting the shore and working fishing boats anchored in the bay. There is no parking to be had and the approaches to the shoreline are rocky and steep.

We wandered and we admired and the we ate - and ate - and ate. We found a small tavern with a deck facing the bay. When entering the place the first thing you see is an old picture of a boy with a couple little codfish.  We sat, we admired the water and we ordered a lunch to split (thank God). The order was fried codfish with a local specialty - french fries mixed with turkey dressing and smothered with gravy - a bit of coleslaw and a couple of bloody Ceasers. Those are bloody Marys made with Clamato rather than tomato juice. The dinner itself cost us all of $17 U.S. - about what you pay for a hot dog some places near home. And it nearly killed us! 

The signboard said the fish had been caught that morning

Off next to Blackhead - a beautiful little spot with a dubious name. Maybe the Irish have a different meaning? I was expecting the next town up the road to be called zit but I was disappointed. We had decided not to drive to the town of Dildo (yup) but, back in St. John, did find a shop peddling merch from the Dildo brewery. I bought a Dildo shirt and look quite fetching wearing it. I may never again leave home without my Dildo (shirt). We topped off the daytime trip with a visit to the Yellowbelly Brewery and headed back to the park to rest a bit before the evening event.

A grand day. If you’ve never been to Newfoundland you’ve really missed something. Next up is a bus tour of the area. All that tomorrow.