Tor Bay wasn't very far away and we had heard that humpback whales had been seen there. We saw no whales. We did talk with an elderly resident who was out walking his dog, Dougie, and his cat, Daisy. I think he actually just came down to the beach to check us out. This is one of his look-out chairs. You would know from a ways out that this was the right bay.
We had to wait for a while to leave the beach because the narrow road was blocked by a big 'honey' truck and we just had to find something else to do.
Like visit the local cemetery which seems to be in three back yards. It had been freshly mowed (while we were there) even though there I saw no grave newer than 1950. Can you imagine a lovelier place to spend eternity. Our new friend lived about twenty feet from the gates. He said he'd never had quieter neighbors. Funny guy!
On his advice we headed for Middle Cove. Lots of cars in a parking lot...what's going on? Ah, the capelin are rolling. The capelin are about six inches long and their arrival is a much-anticipated treat around here. These smelt-like fish are plentiful enough to dip a colander into the waves breaking on the beach and fill your bucket - or your grocery bag. Whatever you've got. .
A feast is in the offing. A big fry-up party for these eager folks...
while these hungry gulls will just eat them as is.
Even a beached mermaid came to observe the goings on.
On to the museum. Really , really worthwhile. I learned lots. I found out why the garbage bags are put out for collection with old quilts, nets, or bedsheets over them: to keep out the crows and to keep the wind from blowing loose stuff around. We also had a first-class lunch on the top floor of the building which is at the very top of the hill. Such great views.
Tripping around downtown, we came across this lovely building with such a colorful history that it's written up on the wall.
A view of St. John's from Signal Hill's Cabot Tower. Yes, I climbed to the top.
Hey! There's daylight left. One more stop...to visit the original lighthouse at Cape Spear. That's me only halfway up the lo-o-ong flight of stairs - the rest are out of view on the right. I had a lot of lunch to work off!
And this is the end of our time in St. John's.. The beginning of a new day.
You seem to be able to fit such a lot into your days - keep it up!! Love the 'mermaid' shot.
ReplyDeleteAmazing. You are a whirlwind of activity! Keep sharing with us! blessings ~ tanna
ReplyDeleteGreat photos and stories - I hope it continues :)
ReplyDeleteSuper photos.
ReplyDeleteWhat a GREAT day!!! And you even found the very rare yellow tailed mermaid! I have never heard of capelins, have you tried any yet? Love the big chair, that is for the lifeguard? But that sweet little cemetery right beside the sea, what a find!
ReplyDeleteAre sailors buried in the cemetery?
ReplyDeleteIt's so colorful!
ReplyDeleteLove the blue chair!
ReplyDeleteAnd digressing is a wonderful part of a holiday, the unexpected being a bonus. Turns out it's a bonus for us readers too, getting the benefit of your lovely account and photos.
The cemetery is very picturesque, and again the scenery reminds me of the West coast of Ireland.
The poor little capellin seem to be like sitting ducks for birds and people to just grab and eat, don't know if I could do that, I'm usually more removed from the source of my food!!
The stone building is so beautiful.As is your last picture with your flag and the wild wild ocean in the background.
Seems you're having a great time!
I love everything that y'all are seeing but especially the lighthouses! I have a thing about them- to live in one would be a dream come true!
ReplyDelete