Sunday, August 21, 2011

Cakes and Icebergs

Our adventure began late Thursday night as Trace picked me up at the Deer Lake airport for what was to be an amazing 3 days. We headed back to the cabin, said hi to Alex and after a brief snack went to bed to get up bright and early for our long drive the next day. Next morning we rose quickly and hit the road only 2 hours later then planned. We drove through spectacular Gros Morne on our way up to the Northern Peninsula, the scenery was breathtaking and I can't wait to spend time there, I am sure there will be a few entries here on Gros Morne in the years to come.

Conche was our first port of call after traversing a pothole strewn stretch of asphalt and gravel. A small fishing village on the Eastern coast where we stopped to visit with Nan Bryne.

We stopped in at Nan's place for a delicious meal of salmon and fish. It was my first experience eating fish with mustard pickles, but not my last.
Irene, Nan, Tracey and Alex in Conche
After a lovely visit with Irene and Nan we headed back on the road for Goose Cove. We finally made it to St. Anthony and were driving up over the hill to Goose Cove when I saw the view of the St. Anthony harbour in the rear-view mirror and had to stop and take a picture.
Icebergs in St. Anthony Harbour
After a few pictures we continued on are way and passed a moose as we descended into Goose Cove where we received a very warm greeting and another serving of fish for supper along with mustard pickles and cod tongues. Once we were well fed we Alex, Trace and I headed down to the point to view the icebergs floating just of the coast.
Alex, Trace and John
Tracey and Alex looking at Icebergs
We then returned to the house to chat and relax then off to bed after a long day of driving.

There had been talk of seeing the sunrise, but that was long gone by the time we were up and about on Saturday. We had some tea and breakfast and walked down to take a another look at the icebergs before being taken out in the boat for a closer view.
Old Stage in Goose Cove Harbour, Icebergs in the Distance
Coast Guard Boat Checking Out Icebergs
It was quite a different view that awaited us Saturday morning, the icebergs had drifted and some had broken up during the night. They were still awe inspiring and to think that only 10% of the iceberg is above the water, the vast majority of it's mass is submerged underneath. After viewing the icebergs we returned for our boat ride only to find that Alex had disappeared up into the hills. We had to go up and find him before our boat tour.
John in the Hills above Goose Cove
Tracey on the Hillside
After rounding up Alex who we found standing atop the highest hill we climbed into the boat to go out and see the icebergs.
John
Alex
Max
Tracey
It was a nice calm day on the ocean and we were able to get some lovely pictures of icebergs. We even pulled aboard some ice to use later that night in our drinks!! We had to stay a safe distance away from the icebergs in case a portion broke off and feel into the ocean, or a submerged section broke free and suddenly rose to the surface, but we still were able to get close enough to get some very nice pictures.
Entering Goose Cove Harbour
Returning to Port, Sexton House Straight Ahead!
After a wonderful excursion out on the water, we headed into St. Anthony to visit Nan Sexton, look at more icebergs and pick up a few supplies. Alas, Alex's search for fresh mint was in vain as there was none to be found in St. Anthony. We did have a nice visit with Nan and saw some icebergs. We also managed to pick up a couple of pizza's for supper that night.
6 Mile Long Iceberg off Fisherman's Point in Distance
Alex and Tracey at Fisherman's Point
We drove up to get one last look of the icebergs while waiting for our pizza to be made before heading back to Goose Cove.

After gathering up our pizza we made it back to Goose Cove to enjoy our supper. After supper, Alex and I were busy trying to make a cake for the birthday girl while she went out to take a few more pictures as the sun set.
After the last of the pictures were taken and the cake was made, we all headed down to the Hall to enjoy a time with Aunt Irene who drove up from Conche that day to join us. A wonderful night was had by all, and it was late into the night when we returned to the house to have a feed of some crab along with the last of the cod and pizza.

We awoke late the next morning to celebrate Tracey's 40th birthday. Even Alex was up sooner - of course he was sleeping out on the couch and didn't have much choice in the matter. He went out to capture another picture of the icebergs amidst the sun and the fog.

We had a wonderful turkey dinner followed with two cakes for the birthday girl!
The Birthday Girl!
Following dinner Trace and I walked along the hillsides and toasted her birthday with a fine bottle of scotch.
A Birthday Toast!
Little Back Cove
Walking Along the Hillsides
Goose Cove
After returning from the hills it was time to return to the hall to enjoy some good company and good music before having to return to Deer Lake.
The Gang Watching the Singers
Max and Corinne Sexton
Thus ended our too short of a visit to Goose Cove, we loaded the car and after another brief visit with Nan Sexton in St. Anthony, we headed back to Deer Lake only a couple of hours later then planned. We witnessed a beautiful sunset to conclude my visit to Newfoundland which ended all to soon as I flew out of Deer Lake at 6:30 Monday morning. I can't wait to return and experience more of Canada's most beautiful province!!!!
Alex and Tracey