Tuesday, July 28, 2009

Day 4 Bonne Bay, Newfoundland, Canada

Today was simply magnificent! The people of Bonne Bay gave us the warmest greeting possible. The last time I remembered feeling this welcome was back in 2008 when we went to Manila in the Philippines. The people here are just wonderful. As planned, I went on my excursion early this morning to the Table Lands, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here we saw firsthand and had an excellent talk by our guide Kevin about the effects of the Plate Tectonics. Here you can see where the African & North American Continents were once joined and the effects of Continental drift. It was interesting to see the types of vegetation that can survive in the otherwise barren location. I especially liked the Pitcher Plant that traps insects in its “Pitcher” of water and thrives on their decaying remains. Some of the flowers and plants we saw were over 100 years old but very slow growers…. Nice tour! After the tour we wandered around Bonne Bay and the town of Woody Point where we came ashore. I really like the Lighthouse, especially after yesterday’s disappointment. It was a grand day topped off by meeting one of the local people welcoming us to their town, Beverly…. I think we may have something cooking here….. She was a lovely person and a great sport….. Tomorrow we will be heading off to Labrador. We will arrive into Red Bay, Labrador early tomorrow morning. I will be heading out to check out the scenery and Lighthouses…. Here is the description: Lighthouse Journey
The tour begins in Red Bay, home to Red Bay’s National Historic Site and continues along the coastal highway through Labrador villages. Pass by Pinware River to take in the spectacular view and carry on to view the Burial Mound at L’Anse Amour. About 7,500 years ago a Maritime Archaic adolescent died and was buried withreverence and ceremony near the present-day community of L'Anse Amour. Then it’s on to the focal point of the tour, Point Amour. At 109 feet from the ground to the light itself, Point Amour lighthouse is the tallest in
Atlantic Canada and the second tallest lighthouse ever built in Canada. It is still a working lighthouse, now automated. The lighthouse tower and surrounding buildings have been designated a Provincial Historic Site. The residential part of the lighthouse, now renovated and partially restored to the 1850s period, houses an extensive series of exhibits portraying the evolution of lighthouse technology and the maritime history of the Labrador Straits. A panoramic view of the surrounding land and sea, and a glimpse of its historical attributes can be witnessed during the 128 step adventure to the top. Enjoy a local refreshment prior to returning to the ship

7 comments:

whitey said...

See us Canucks can be nice. But guess they didn't get my fax about you coming ashore. LOL

Unknown said...

Jeff what were the people in costume representing? Looks so much like scotland including the weather. Happy sailing Allan and sandra

Jeff Farschman said...

The people in costume are Mummers or some call them Jannies...not sure of the spelling.

Jeff Farschman said...

Internet connections are getting to be a problem. I may go dark for a few days as we cross the North Atlantic. I will catch up as soon as possible.

Anonymous said...

Thank you for an interesting account of your first few days cruising. I look forward to many more adventures you will post.

Have a safe and fun journey and I hope you find some sunny days along the way.
June in Florida

Anonymous said...

Thanks for visiting Woody Point, Bonne Bay. I have a question to ask on two of your Pictures. Please email me tonydh@hotmail.com
I am co-chair of the Cruise Committee, Woody Point/Bonne Bay.

Myrna Hynes said...

Our cruise committee passed along your blog address. So happy you enjoyed our town, it was quite an exciting experience for us too. Yes "Mummers" or "Jannies" are what we call them - that was quite a sight, particular since they don't normally come out until Christmas!
Bonne Bay Resident & Fellow blogger,
Myrna Hynes