Catherine -
I am a person that likes to remain unbiased and open to all options, so it pains me to say this now, but I must. Newfoundland is the best place I have seen so far. It is no European city with Piazzas all over the place, nor is it palm trees and calypso music. The weather is at best, moderate. It snowed on us in June. Its expensive to get to. What it is though is raw, untouched and harsh. It is nature in its finest. The air is the freshest I have ever encountered. Icebergs, moose, caribou, whales, puffins and other sea birds galore. The pothole covered roads pass through small colourful fishing villages along the coast. The scenery is constantly changing from harsh, winter desert looking areas to sand beaches and pine trees. Some areas have high oceans cliffs where sea birds nest and some areas have beautiful coves where the capelin roll in to spawn. The sea is filled with life; puffins, whales, fishing boats and birds. This is an area that corporations have not yet pillaged. Businesses are small, the advertising signs are hand made and the crafts are locally made.
Newfoundland is a very special place. She was the oldest remaining Dominion of England and then the newest Province of Canada. She has had her challenges from relocating entire towns of people, a devastated fishing industry, unpredictable weather, bringing in services and utilities to all citizens, military bases set up and abandoned, the list goes on and on. And still, its citizens are the friendliest people around. Everyone waves, everyone says hello, everyone has an open heart and smiles. I felt we were welcomed not just by the restaurants and the companies that would benefit from us visiting but by everyone. Everyone here appreciates showing their beautiful province.
Thank you Newfoundland.
Ain't Nuffin Like a Puffin
There Once Was a Puffin
Oh, there once was a Puffin
Just the shape of a muffin,
And he lived on an island
In the bright blue sea!
He ate little fishes,
That were most delicious,
And he had them for supper
And he had them for tea.
But this poor little Puffin,
He couldn’t play nothin’,
For he hadn’t anybody
To play with at all.
So he sat on his island,
And he cried for awhile, and
He felt very lonely,
And he felt very small.
Then along came the fishes,
And they said, “If you wishes,
You can have us for playmates,
Instead of for tea!”
So they now play together,
In all sorts of weather,
And the Puffin eats pancakes,
Like you and like me.
by Florence Page Jaques
Kathryn - Apparently my 81 year old mother recited this poem to me when I was a child. I didn't remember the poem, but to this day she can still recite it by rote.
To visit the puffins on the rock of Newfoundland is a magical experience. Little clowns in tuxedos hopping along the cliffs, they appeared to have personalities and were fascinating to watch. The puffins arrive in Newfoundland to nest for the summer then return to winter at sea. I could have watched the puffins for weeks on end, but Newfoundland is a diverse province and there was much more to see.
In the west, giant molar shaped mountains rise up from their base of bushy tuckamore trees. Small and stunted in growth by wind and cold the trees are matted together like a barn cat's fur. The littlest trees take the brunt of wind while larger and larger trees grow leeward forming a tangled wedge of branches. The drive up the northern peninsula is desolate yet at the same time comforting. Wild places still exist in Newfoundland and that is a heartwarming thing to see.
I loved being in Newfoundland. I admire the strength and resilience of its people. If you ever have the chance to explore this far east corner of Canada don't hesitate to do so, you will be rewarded generously.
