Alan-Mary Ann-2017
Our 2017 Trip to Newfoundland

Blog

(posted on 19 Oct 2017)

We left Twillingate and headed back towards the ferry.  Along the way we found a new campground by accident in Howley.  This is one of the rocks that caught our attention.

This is the other. 

As we started to set up we saw and heard a real loon.  It was definately the call of the wild.

Finally we did it, we tried moose sausage.  One of our fellow campers offered us some and we gave it a try.  It tasted like.......sausage.

The local restaurant didn't stop at sausage. You could have moose anyway you wanted it!!

Now the town of Howley has a personal reason for featuring moose on everything.  Moose are not native to Newfoundland; they were introduced twice.  The first time it was unsuccessful but the second time really worked.  They were released in Howley.  Now Newfoundland has more moose per square kilometer than any where else in the world.  It all started here.

Look closely to learn how they were able to transport 4 wild moose by sled, ferry and train to Howley.

After all that effort moose are very important to the people of Newfoundland.  Problem is is that they are a traffic hazard at night and most local people refuse to drive at night in case they run into one. This is a statue of a moose, but with what looks like deer antlers!

We were wandering around some of the smaller towns when we ran across this Catholic Church.  It is said to be the largest all wooden church in Newfoundland with exquisite paneling throughout.  It was locked but the sign said that it is open in the summer and the rectory next to it serves tea.  We certainly plan to return here.

We went to the village of Stephenville because we heard that it had a runway so long it could be used by the space shuttle.  Inside we saw this plaque presented to the people of Newfoundland.

 

Finally we couldn't drag it out any longer.  We were intending to stay in Newfoundland until the campground in Codroy closed 3 days later but the rains came.  With heavy hearts we boarded the ferry.  When we first arrived the sun was out and the air was silvery.  Now all was gray and damp.

Newfoundland has very harsh weather.  Making a living is hard.  The young often have to leave in order to get work.  The roads are sometimes a challenge and the villages are far apart.   The people are warm, friendly, responsible and kind.  Mostly they are content.  We really envied them.

 

As we left we were reminded of something we heard: When you die and go to heaven, how can you tell which of the souls there are from Newfoundland?  They are the ones who want to go home.  Home to Newfoundland.  We understand; we too are planning our next trip to Newfoundland; we want to go home.