I went to Newfoundland with my buddies for four nights, and Ruth has been with her sister in Hamilton, Ontario. Neither one of us felt the desire to write a blog post... so we didn't!
We are now in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada... the scene of the crime, where we met each other 43 or so years ago. We're in an Airbnb for the next month.
But we have to get you caught up on the past week. I will tell my story first, and Ruth can tell hers in another blog post.
Our daughter drove us to Halifax airport on September 1st. Ruth was flying to Hamilton, Ontario and I flew two hours later to St. John's, Newfoundland. Ruth's flight was late, so we got to spend more time than expected together at the airport. One of my friends was connecting in Halifax, and he was on the arriving plane that Ruth ended up getting on. So he got to say hi to Ruth for a few minutes.
Typical housing in central St. John's, Newfoundland.
The backyard, with hot tub and propane firepit.
I didn't take any photos of the interior, but it was a recently renovated three story home with four large bedrooms and four bathrooms. Really well done, and we paid for it! There were eight guys and we each paid $126 CAD ($91 USD) per night for four nights.
We rented two cars. I don't have the final cost for that yet. One for four days and one for three days. Gasoline is $2.06 CAD per liter ($5.63 USD per gallon).
The first day, we went to the town of Dildo, Newfoundland.
Of course it is quite famous just because of the name, but it is also a pretty little town.
We had lunch at the Dildo Brewing Company. Restaurant meals are pricey in Newfoundland, as is everything. By the time you include tax and tip it's pretty much guaranteed that one person is going to spend minimum $40 CAD ($29 USD) for a sit down meal and a beverage.
Paul, Bruce W., Dave N., Jeff, Dave W., Harold, the two waitresses who put up with our shenanigans, me, and Bruce F.
We know each other because we all worked at the same summer camp when we were 16-17 years old. Isn't it hard to believe that we've been friends for almost 50 years?? Through thick and thin... weddings, family events, and divorces! And whenever we get together it's as if no time has passed at all. Amazing.
The "Hollywood" style sign at Dildo, Newfoundland.
The pretty little village of Brigus, Newfoundland.
There are so many little bays and inlets.
We did some short hikes in the area.
Another pretty little part of Brigus.
Those two RV's on the right have a nice overnight spot!
The Brigus church, built in 1870, has not been in use since 2003.
The town of Brigus.
We were so lucky with the weather!
Newfoundland is not well known for good weather! Normally at this time of year, it would be more common to expect highs of about 15C (60F) and overcast with showers. We had highs around 18C (65F) and sunshine and blue skies!
View of Brigus.
Two of my hiking buddies, Bruce W. and Dave N.
Back at the house, we had a view of this cruise ship departing St. John's.
Bye!
St. John's at night.
The next day, we went to Cape Spear... the most eastern point of North America!
Again, another beautiful day!
This fishing boat attracted a lot of birds!
World War II cannons to defend Newfoundland. They were never used.
Standing on the most eastern point of North America.
The land you see in the distance is more west than where I was standing.
Looking back at my buddies.
The original Cape Spear Lighthouse. No longer in operation.
There is a 9 km one way hike that goes along the peninsula.
We went to a Mexican restaurant for dinner.
My friend Jeff W.
We drank a lot of beer in the evenings!
The third day, we went to Signal Hill, located above the bay where downtown St. John's is.
Beautiful view of St. John's harbour.
There were a lot of battles between the French and the English for control of St. John's harbour in the late 1700's until mid 1800's.
This building was built in 1900 to commemorate Queen Victoria.
From the top of that building.
A few dark clouds, but it never did rain.
We went to the famous Mallard Cottage restaurant for brunch on Friday.
Mallard Cottage.
Quidi Vidi Harbour.
More beer!
And then out for more live music and beers Friday evening. Three of us had to get up at 4:30am to catch our 6:05am flight to Ottawa.
What a great time. I always love my time together with those guys. Lots of laughs.
Newfoundland was great. Ruth and I still want to go back with our campervan. We could easily spend two months touring Newfoundland. So many hiking and free camping opportunities.
The only downside was in St. John's. Really disappointing to see so many homeless and down and out druggies and beggars. They were quite aggressive too. Really takes away from the place. But, I guess every city in Canada has these problems now. It's sure not the Canada we grew up in.
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Great deal on this Basic HP Laptop.
And in Canada...
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