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Gene · 07-11-2015, 11:30 AM

It is pronounced "bolonie" where I grew up in NYC too. Not matter how pronounced, I can't stand it. Some people here in Colorado eat "rocky mountain oysters"—not oysters, and not necessary associated with any mountains. I wouldn't eat them either. I'll try to get used to "NL" [National League to me] though "NFLD" seems more accurate. In the US the Post Office decided to change state abbreviations years ago, but they are not the ones I learned as a child and refuse to unlearn. To me I live in "Colo." and not "CO".

Enjoying the trip. I can't understand why you can't post more than one photo. When I started posting photos, it felt awkward, but I finally got the hang of it. When I have had bad wifi, it will not post any photos until everyone gets off the system, usually in the middle of the night or day. Maybe you are right about that and only one will load.

Gene

SilverEagle6 · 07-12-2015, 04:48 AM

We are currently in Brigus. All of a sudden, traffic is much heavier, campgrounds are packed, and the weather has turned quite chilly. For the past five nights, lows were in the upper 40's and days were in the upper 50's, little sun, lots of wind.mwe have not been able to kayak....I'm becoming a fair weather paddler!
We had a great time in Bonavista, drove all of the coast down through English Harbour, Trinity, Dunfield, and Old and New Bonaventure. One favorite spot was at the Fort Point Lighthouse. We did a little bit of hiking then I noticed something in the water, turned out to be whales "blowing". Must have been 10-15 of them, never saw a breach, just an occasional tail. There is lots to see and do, Bonavista is a great place to spend a few days.
We were at Paradise Farm Campgrounds, elec/water! no wifi. Very comfortable place to camp.
I have been trying to post pictures, but the very slow wifi task my patience, hope to catch up someday.

SilverEagle6 · 07-13-2015, 10:23 AM

We drove over to Dildo, then followed the coastline up to Old pelican then back to Brigus. I am not a museum guy but I completely enjoyed our stop at Heart's Content while spending some time at the Cable Station provincial historic site. This small port has a deep Harbour that could handle the gigantic "Great Eastern" ship that brought the telegraph cable across the Atlantic from Valentia Ireland. Great story and the equipment was very interesting. I was very interested in the wood working of the cabinets etc.

Speaking of wood, we stopped in Winterton and spent a couple hours at the NL Wooden Boat Museum. We opted for the guided tour and glad we did. The young man was quite knowledgeable and entertaining. Well worth the time.

As we concluded the tour, the guide ask if we had experienced a conversation with a real Newfoundlander...I ask him where he was from, he laughed and explained he had to speak plain to tourist. I ask for a demo, he grabbed one of the other young men and they let it rip. I wish I had recorded it! I caught maybe 15% of the words.

We saw three or more icebergs near Western Bay. The coastline along this tour was spectacular. If you drive it, don't miss the mouse hole!

bluecornstal · 07-15-2015, 08:34 AM

We are planning to travel from Campobello to Alma with our 25 footer. Any suggestions out routes, ferries, whatever would be greatly appreciated.

Many thanks
Ray and Carol

Cyclist · 07-15-2015, 11:03 AM

Gene: We didn't tow but left the trailer in Argentia. The road had a lot of potholes with OK pavement in between. Lucky there was little traffic so I could weave around the holes. It's certainly worth the drive - preferable early in the season when all the birds are present.

HowieE · 07-15-2015, 11:10 AM

You may have to think this one a bit.

You can get to Campobello from Lubec Maine by bridge but the ferry to Deer Island NB will not hold the trailer. This would be a long return to head north.

I would go into BN to St Andrews and take the ferry to Deer Island and camp on the island and then take the smaller ferry, car only, to Campobello

I would suggest crossing into Canada via international Ave which is 2 miles short of Calais Maine. It is a local crossing and a bit more friendly.

Cyclist · 07-15-2015, 11:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SilverEagle6

As we concluded the tour, the guide ask if we had experienced a conversation with a real Newfoundlander...I ask him where he was from, he laughed and explained he had to speak plain to tourist. I ask for a demo, he grabbed one of the other young men and they let it rip. I wish I had recorded it! I caught maybe 15% of the words.

John: If you were impressed by the accent here is a further sample:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3m-y-qAbpL0

SilverEagle6 · 07-15-2015, 03:34 PM

Cyclist,

That was great..we are now in St John's and the accents are almost surreal!!!

We are going to drive the Irish Loop and are having a tough time making a decision. We can drive with trailer to one of two campgrounds in between the two southern peninsulas and take a day each to drive them. Some folks have said the five to Trepassey is good, then 15 miles of bad, then ok again back up to Colinet. The western peninsula down to Cape St Mary's is an ok road, but the curves and grade make it a tough pull. Any advice from you guys is greatly appreciated.

We are also looking for advice on driving with trailer down to the Burin Peninsula.

Jim Flower · 07-15-2015, 06:57 PM

SilverEagle6 , you have succumbed to the lilt, and I likes it. Jim

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Cyclist · 07-16-2015, 02:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SilverEagle6

Cyclist,

The western peninsula down to Cape St Mary's is an ok road, but the curves and grade make it a tough pull. Any advice from you guys is greatly appreciated.

John:

We left the trailer at the campground in Argentia and did a day trip to Cape St. Mary's. It's a nice trip in good weather and takes about an hour. The road into the Ecological Preserve from the highway is about 13 km. as I recall; it's fairly narrow with good pavement. Look out for sheep on this road.

DMT · 07-17-2015, 03:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SilverEagle6

Cyclist,

We are going to drive the Irish Loop and are having a tough time making a decision. ......

We are also looking for advice on driving with trailer down to the Burin Peninsula.

The Burin Peninsula highway is in better condition than the roads on the Irish Loop. It's a long day trip if you do the Irish Loop in one day. I think you should be fine with the AS. Just take your time.

Think I saw your truck parked on Water Street a day or two ago. Have fun.

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SilverEagle6 · 07-17-2015, 04:13 PM

DMT,

My truck.

Sent you a PM a couple days ago. We leave St John's Monday AM.

DMT · 07-18-2015, 05:02 AM

SE6 I didn't get a PM, or maybe I don't know how to access one. In any event here I am. If you are heading "up the shore" (the local term for taking the Irish Loop to the Southern Shore) today or tomorrow you might try kayaking in Cape Broyle. I understand it is very popular as the bay offers some protection from the North Atlantic. The folks at the Outfitters on Water Street run kayak tours from there, and can likely offer some tips on what to see when kayaking, either there or elsewhere.

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SilverEagle6 · 07-19-2015, 02:32 PM

We have had a fabulous week in St John's. Pippy Park Campground is a great place to stay.....Please note, Loop 4 is the only place you can receive wifi...possibly some of the sites on the fringes. Well worth the $5 additional.

Went to Cape Spear, Signal Hill and hiked the North Head trail and saw a Military Tattoo about the First Newfoundlander Regiment and its history from War of 1812 through WWI. I doubt anyone in that troop that put on the tattoo was over 21.... They did a great job and honored the Regiment. Visited The Rooms, George Street, had a great meal at Birdie Molloy's and super happy hour at The Crows Nest. Got some road side poutine, saw the capelin rolling, and discovered more Irish Whiskey, almost every night. Found another hidden gem near Port Kirwan. While walkin the trail along the East Coast Trail, we can across a small cabin over looking a bay and the ocean. The owner, Mary, invited us on to her deck and we spent the next hour enjoying her stories. What a magnificent view, and great hostess.

NOTE: If you don't own a dog, get one....Jake has gotten us invited into more terrific places than you can imagine.
More to follow....

DMT · 07-19-2015, 06:18 PM

Glad to hear that. The temperature may be chilly but at least the hospitality is warm! Agree with your comment on the dog. I'm sure Jake would get along marvelously with Maggie, our 2 year old Lab.

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SilverEagle6 · 07-20-2015, 04:57 AM

You are absolutely right about the hospitality, people here are fantastic.

We do most of the things that folks on the forums suggested. A couple to add, the Railroad Museum and hiking around Torbay Junction...a connector to the East Coast Trail. I had my boots repaired at a local cobbler on Duckworth, had to replace my windshield on our TV, had a oil change and tire rotation at a local Ford dealer, while there my original tires registered below the safety head margin. A local tire show worked through Michelin USA and we got a great deal on new MS/2's.

Just can't say enough good things about St John's, and for that matter, our entire trip.

Today we leave and are heading to The Wilds where we will park for a few days while we explore the Irish Loop....taking your advice Cyclist!

SilverEagle6 · 07-20-2015, 06:43 AM

Campground Note at Pippy Park....

Forgot to mention that in Loop 4, all the sites are 50 amp. That is what we were told and also our experience.

Gene · 07-20-2015, 09:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SilverEagle6

You are absolutely right about the hospitality, people here are fantastic.

Yes! Canadians are friendly, but Newfoundlanders are extraordinarily friendly.

Gene

weirdstuff · 07-21-2015, 04:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bluecornstal

We are planning to travel from Campobello to Alma with our 25 footer. Any suggestions out routes, ferries, whatever would be greatly appreciated.

Many thanks
Ray and Carol

Caution on the ferries in that area....due to the big tidal swings, you have to be careful about when you chose to go, or you could be scraping bottom getting on and off (especially the tiny ferry from Campabello to Deer Island...ugh...wouldn't do that again in our low clearance Interstate).

Otherwise...I am loving this thread!!! I want to go back to NL!!!!!

SilverEagle6 · 07-21-2015, 04:20 PM

We drove halfway around the Irish Loop the other day, the eastern side and last night we arrived at the Wilds, a golf re sport with an rv campground. We arrived in time to visit the Salmontier Nature Park, maybe a 2 mile walk on their Boardwalk. Also had time to visit Father Duffy's healing well spring....hope,it works!

Today endorse the western side of the loop. Stopped at St Vincent's beach for whale watching. The caplins were rolling and the whales were right off shore...in some cases 25 feet away...and these were large hump backs, saw maybe 25-30 in the two hours we were watching along the 3/4 mile beach. We then headed to Cape Race to see the light house and the wireless station that received the Titanic distress call. Great exhibits. Along the 20 KM gravel road to Cape Race, the scenery is great and there are historical markers along the way, depicting life in past times.
We also drove out to Cape pine to see that light house and the wind was howling, with very high seas.

Stopped again at St Vinvents and spent another couple hours whale watching, again not disappointed.,Who needs a boat?

Another great day. tomorrow to Cape St Mary's.