Newfoundland: Green Gardens

Green Gardens Trail

Gros Morne National Park

June 18, 2013

Green Gardens: yet another stunning trail to hike while in Gros Morne.  

This one involves many, MANY stairs to traverse.  You head down the stairs towards the coast.  Unfortunately, what goes down...must go up.  Pacing yourself on the reverse/uphill trek is recommended.

The portion of the trail that winds along the coast is the pay off.  There are several backcountry camping spots along the coast which I'd love to check out on another visit.

Sheep can be seen grazing along this trail on the many meadows/fields.  The landscape almost reminded me of the Scottish Highlands in parts.  A highlight of our visit, for sure.

Newfoundland: Trout River Pond

Trout River Pond, NL

June 17, 2013

This is the reward you claim when hiking the stunning Trout River Pond trail in Gros Morne National Park.  I am glad our friends/guides encouraged us to complete the hike, they kept talking about "the payoff".  Boy, they were not exaggerating! 

The trail is a ~15 km round trip.  The first half winds its way through typical softwood forest.  It is only once you emerge from the trees that you start to get stunning views of the tablelands.  

It was odd how quickly I became accustomed to sitting in front of a landscape that more resembles Mars than Earth.  The contrast is indeed extreme.  One side of the pond (aka lake) is treed/wooded while the other side is stark and rocky.  Those rocks form what is known as the Tablelands, one of the few places on Earth where one can walk on the Earth's mantle!

I highly encourage one and all to experience this trail and Gros Morne National Park.  It is truly one of our national treasures.

What's on this weekend? So many breakfasts!!! Salad plate & BBQ at Little Red School House!

This weekend is all about breakfast.  If you feel like a cruise, head to Canaan for some fun.

Also, unless you're living under a rock...you know that the Big Ex is happening this weekend.  It ends on Sunday.  Wrasslin' is on tonight, horse/ox pulls are happening.  Sunday culminates in the demolition derby, well worth checking out!

Breakfasts

July 27

Royal Canadian Legion #23, Lunenburg,

7:30-11:30 a.m. 

Adults $7; ages 5-12, $3. 

Takeout available for pick-up $7.50. 634-4215

Saturday, July 27

Newfie Breakfast,

Chester Basin Legion

7:30-10:30,

Menu selections and take-out available.

Saturday, July 27, 

Firemen's Breakfast, 

United Communities Fire Hall, Cherry Hill. 

8- 11 a.m. 

Adults $7, 5- 12 years $3.25, under 5 free.

Sunday, July 28

Brunch

Royal Canadian Legion Br. #49, Mahone Bay.

9 a.m.- 1 p.m. 

Adults $7, $3 for children, ages 5 and under free.

Community Events

July 27

Little Red School Day, 

Canaan (off of Route 14),

11 a.m. - dusk. 

Salad plate supper with homemade pie. BBQ. 

Country music, 2 p.m. until dusk. 

Giant yard sale, Chinese auction, bingo, color wheel, entertainment for kids and much, much more. Come and bring a friend.

Newfoundland: I'd rather have....

Woody Point, NL

June 15, 2013

Fill in the blanks...

Newfoundland: Bonne Bay Particular Lenticular?

Woody Point, NL

June 16, 2013

Have I captured an elusive lenticular cloud? 

Looks like it could be, Gros Morne is nearby which might be the source of the unique conditions required to produce these gorgeous clouds.

What say you, readers?  

The Big Ex opens today!

The Big Ex

Bridgewater, NS

July 25, 2012

That's right, today marks the opening day of The Big Ex.  No tampering with wrist bands, ya hear?

No visit to the Ex is complete without an order of fish and chips from the Italy Cross & Middlewood Fire Dept. stand.  Same goes for a bag of cinnamon sugar mini donuts.  Sunday's demolition derby is a must attend event.

Check out the schedule for detailed info.

See you at The Ex!

Newfoundland: Tickle Point

Tickle Point

St. Paul's, NL

June 20, 2013

After a pleasant stroll through coastal wildflower fields, Anglican and Catholic graveyards and sheep pastures we came upon this small collection of fishing shacks that were ripe for photographing.  I'm sure it's a popular spot for photo op's, but finding the access to 'Tickle Point' is not easy.  For some reason, the sign which explains the area is only accessible once you are on the trail, not at the beginning nor at the end.  Puzzling.

We found old rusty bus seats arranged around washing machine fire pits.  Rusted snowmobiles sat beside rotting lobster traps.  I'm glad we got photos before the THICK bank of fog rolled in.  She was some tick.

How cold is that ocean?

Brrrr, a frigid 10 C at Hirtle's this afternoon. 

IT AIN'T FIT!

What's on this weekend? Fireman's breakfasts! BBQ Chicken! Cold plates! Chowdah!

Our local firefighters have you covered for breakfast on both sides of the river this weekend.

The weather won't stop the Vogler's Cove chicken bbq on Saturday, bring your rubber boots and your appetite.  Hemford's got all things cool with their annual buffet salad supper.  Beat the sticky heat with a cold plate.

A mid-week chowder supper in Petite rounds out the offerings for this weekend, enjoy!

Thanks to Elizabeth for getting in touch with events in Port Medway!  I wish I had checked my email sooner, I missed all the events that happened last weekend. 50 lashes with a wet noodle for this blogger!  Check out their community site for info on upcoming events in August.  

Breakfasts

Saturday, July 20

Firemen's Breakfast, 

Petite Riviere fire hall,

8- 11 a.m. 

Full menu. Adults $7, children $3

Saturday, July 20

Riverport and District Firemen's Breakfast, 

7:30- 11:30 a.m., 

usual menu, $7 adults; $3 children 6- 12; children 5 and under free. 

Next breakfast August 3.

Community Events

Saturday, July 20
7 pm
Ami McKay reading from The Virgin Cure
More info here

Suppers

Saturday, July 20

CHICKEN BBQ,

Vogler's Cove Community Hall. 

3:30 p.m. until sold out. 

Rain or Shine. 

Adults, $8; Children 5-12, $4; under 5 free.

Sunday, July 21

Annual Buffet Salad Supper,

Hemford fire hall. 

Starting at 4 p.m. 

Wide variety of salads, ham, turkey salad, pepperoni and roast beef. And for dessert, fruit salad and cake. 

Adults $10, children (6-12) $3, under 5 free. 

Proceeds for the Hemford and District fire dept.

Wed., July 24

Seafood Chowder Supper,

Petite Riviere fire hall

4- 6:30 p.m. . 

Seafood chowder $12; corn chowder or vegetable soup $7; under 5 free. 

Homemade rolls and cakes with ice cream.

Newfoundland: Green Point Landscape

Green Point, NL

June 21, 2013

I'm slowly realizing it's hard to take a bad shot at Gros Morne National Park...or maybe I got lucky?  Green Gardens can be seen in the distance.....

Newfoundland: Green Point Boat

Green Point, NL

June 21, 2013

It was a windy 'ole solstice out at Green Point that day.  On the plus side, the gusty winds kept the bugs down so we didn't mind.  

I overlooked this photo on my first pass of my Newfoundland snaps, but I'm glad I rediscovered it.  I love the clouds and white caps as well as the random stop sign leaning up against the fishing shack.

How cold is that ocean?

Ocean temperature @ Hirtle's Beach ~ 7 pm: 18 C

Delightful

Newfoundland: So that's why they call it Bonne Bay

Norris Point, NL

June 21, 2013

The sign said look off, so look we did and WHAT a view!  

That's snow at the top of the tablelands in the distance.  And yes, this was taken on the summer solstice.  Gros Morne is stunning, to say the least.  Put it atop your bucket list.

Hazy and Crazy

Somewhere between Stephenville and Port aux Basques, NL

June 23, 2013

Here's a shot of that haze I mentioned in a previous post.  It looked a little too smoggy/brown to be the normal summer haze.  If you missed the aforementioned post...turns out it was smoke from forest fires in Labrador! 

What's on this weekend? Mackerel Snappin'! Horse & ox pull! Variety Supper! Strawberries!

I hope you can get out and enjoy some of the classic Lun. County events on offer this weekend.  I have yet to attend the mackerel snappers picnic, but by all accounts it is a 'must attend' event.  I do love me some mackerel....

The Conquerall Mills horse/ox pull and variety supper is one of my perennial favourites.  If you love comfort food, this is the supper for you.  All the greatest hits will be there (i.e. swedish meatballs, chop suey, scalloped potatoes,etc.) and more!  

Decisions, decisions....have a great weekend!

Breakfasts

Saturday, July 13, 

St. Martin's Anglican Church hall, Martins River

7 - 11:30 a.m.

Scrambled eggs, baked beans, hash browns, pancakes, bacon or sausage, toast, tea, coffee or juice. 

Adults $7, 5-12 $3, under 5 free. Proceeds church maintenance.

Community Events

Saturday, July 13, Rain date July 14

Mackerel Snappers Picnic, 

Graves Island Provincial Park, near Chester. 

Noon until 6 pm . 

6 hours of Classic country Music: Featuring Coastline; Matt Balsor; Buddy Boutilier/Wilfred White; Ron Muise; Memory Lane; Newfound Country. Many others. 

Bingo, games of chance, raffles. 

Best ever Mackerel dinner with all the fixins. Variety of pies for dessert; 

$9 per plate. No admission. 

Come and bring a friend, don't forget your lawn chair. More information: 275-3645.

Suppers

July 13

Horse and Ox Pull,

Conquerall Mills community hall, 

weigh-in 9-11:30 a.m. Pull starts 12:30 p.m. Random prize draws for teamsters. 

Variety supper starting at 4:30 p.m.

Adults $9; children 5-12 $4; under 5 free.

Saturday, July 13. 

Strawberry Supper. 

Lapland & District Fire Hall 

4 p.m. 

Ham, beans, scalloped potatoes, potato salad, breads, cakes and strawberry shortcake or just berries. Adults $8.50, 12 and under $4, 5 and under free. Sponsored by Auxiliary.

July 14

Seafood and Corn Chowder Supper, 

LaHave fire hall,

4- 6:30 p.m. 

$12 (seafood) $7 (corn) 5 and under free.

Greenfield Planked Salmon Supper 2013: July 27

I'm starting to see hits on the blog for the annual Greenfield Planked Salmon Supper...if I recall correctly, it's always on the last Saturday in July.  

I will be shocked if the plate of food doesn't look like this, complete with McDonald's orange 'drink'.

Sat, July 27, 

Annual Planked Salmon Supper
4pm – 7pm
Greenfield & District Fire Hall, Medway River Rd., Liverpool, Queens County
$15 per person 

Last seating at 6;30pm 

Advanced tickets call 685-2098 Tickets also available at the door.

Newfoundland: Stephenville Shack

Stephenville Crossing, NL

June 23, 2013

T'was a windy day to be at this beach, glad the wind helped unfurl the Newfoundland flag for this shot. ^_^

The haze in the sky that day looked like smog, not your usual summer haze.  As we drove South towards the ferry terminal in Port aux Basques, the brown colour in the sky became quite pronounced.  We wondered if we were driving in to a natural disaster...were we listening to the wrong radio station?!?  Turns out it was smoke from forest fires in Labrador, some of which are still burning today.  It's days like this that remind us we are all connected on this big blue marble of ours.

How cold is that ocean?

Current Ocean temp @ Cherry Hill Beach, July 6 ~12 pm:

16 Celsius!!!!!

Also very comfortable at Hirtle's ~ 8:30 pm, likely similar temperature (a lucky guess, not observed)

What's on this weekend? STRAWBERRIES! STRAWBERRIES! Roast Beef! Baked Beans! Scalloped Potatoes! SO MUCH FOOD!!!!

Wow, so many great community food/fundraisers this weekend?  Do you like strawberries?  You're in luck!  The old fashioned supper in Riverport (Sunday) sounds delicious!   Have a great weekend everyone, enjoy the heat while it lasts!

Breakfasts

July 6

Parkdale/ Maplewood hall,

7- 10:30 a.m. 

Bacon, eggs, pancakes, local maple syrup, sausage, toast, juice, tea, coffee. 

Adults $7; youth $3.50; under 5 free. 

Proceeds for hall. Also 50/50 draw, proceeds for New Germany Medical Centre. 

Info: Joanne 644-2877

July 6

Country Breakfast

Chester Basin Fire Hall

7:30-10:30 a.m., 

Various menu selections.

July 6, 

Italy Cross, Middlewood and district fire hall, 

7- 11 a.m. 

Adults $7; children (5-12) $3.50. Everyone welcome.

July 6

St. Norbert's Parish Big Breakfast 

Central United Church Hall, Lincoln Street, Lunenburg. 

7:30- 11:30 a.m.

Eggs, bacon, sausage, beans, toast and pancakes with juice, coffee and tea. 

Adults $7, children under 12, $3.50

Teas/Luncheons

Wed., July 10

Berry Burst Luncheon, 

Trinity United Church, Rose Bay

11 a.m.- 1 p.m.

Turkey salad plate, strawberry or blueberry shortcake. 

Price $9. Take-outs call 766-4752.

Suppers

July 7

Old Fashioned Supper
Riverport Community Centre,

4:30 - 6 p.m. 

Menu 1: Lunenburg sausage, hot kohl slaw, scalloped potatoes; 

Menu 2: Ham, baked beans, scalloped potatoes, cabbage salad. Plus brown bread/rolls and cake. 

Adults $9, children (5-12) $4, under 5 free.

Saturday, July 6

Roast Beef Supper, 

St. Mark's Anglican Church, Martin's Point,

4- 6 pm, 

Adults: $12, Children: $6 and Under age 5, Free Dessert: Strawberry Shortcake or Homemade Pie. 

Take-Outs available for information, please call Joanne 627-2351

Saturday, July 6th
Ham & Scallop Potato Supper (Includes Coffee, Tea & Dessert)

Royal Canadian Legion BR#23 Lunenburg 34 Duke Street, Lunenburg  

4 - 6 pm. 

1st Sitting at 4 pm 2nd sitting at 5 pm. 

Tickets: $11 per person 5 and under - $5. 

Advanced tickets available at Legion Hall. 634-4215

Saturday, July 6

Strawberry Supper, 

Newcombville Fire Hall,

3:30- 7 p.m. 

Adults, $9, Children 5-12, $4.50, Under 5 free. 

Baked Beans, Scalloped Potatoes, Potato Salad, Ham, Coleslaw, asst. Breads, asst. Cakes and Strawberry Shortcake or Strawberries and Cream. 

Proceeds for Tri District Fire Rescue.

Saturday, July 6

Strawberry Supper,

East Dalhousie Community Centre, 

starting at 4:30. 

Adults $10; 5-12 $4.50; under 5 free. 

Proceeds for Anglican Church.

Sunday, July 7

Strawberry Supper,

Forties community centre, 1787 Forties Road, New Ross. 

Doors open at 4 p.m., serving from 4:30- 6 p.m. Ham, salads & baked beans, strawberry shortcake/ tea/ coffee. 

Adults $11; ages 5-12 $5.50; under 5 $2.50.

Information 689-2612 or 689-2000.

Gros Morne: Woody Point Fishing Shack

Woody Point, NL

June 16, 2013 

Woody Point, NL

Shed detail

June 16, 2013 

The first of what will likely be many posts of my recent trip to Gros Morne National Park.  Stay tuned!