Welcome to Newfoundland

Sun July 1 2001
St John's Nf
0 Miles

Happy Canada Day! I wake up late again (9am) if you can call that late. Breakfast is eggs benedict, I have cereal and toast. There is a Dannish gentelman still eating breakfast when I stagger downstairs. We talk about motorcycles, Canada, and the book Zen and the art of motorcycle maintenance. The Prescott Inn had no rooms for tonight, and we wanted to stay another night. They were kind enough to use their B+B contacts to find us a room just around the corner at the Bonne Esperance B+B. This room was incredible, more like an apartment than a B+B room! On the third floor, it had 2 bedrooms a large living room with a couch and tv, a kitchen, bath, and a small balcony. I don't know how but we managed to get it for 85 dollars, without even trying.

We decide to go on a whale watching boat, so we walk down to On Your Own Tours on Duckworth st, and arrange to be picked up at our room. Someone messes up and the car never comes to pick us up. We get a refund and an apology, but have wasted an hour and a half.

Okay now would be a good time to cruise up Signal Hill, which gives a great view of the area. It was atop this hill that the first transatlantic wireless message was received. Because it was Canada Day, the army was on top of the hill firing off a large gun. There are many walking trails here and spectacular views of the ocean, and of St John's harbour.

We then took a ride to Cape Spear, which by the way was a little difficult to find. We were following signs for Cape Spear then I guess there was one missing so we didnt turn left like we were supposed to, we did manage to get there eventually. Cape Spear is the easternmost point in North America, and at one point on July 1 2001 everyone in North America was to my west. There are also some very large guns at Cape Spear that were used as protection for St John's during world war 2.

Canada Day must be Newfie code for drinking on George st, and thats just fine with me. We ate at an Indian restaurant then headed towards the party. There were a lot more people here than last night, of course the weather is a lot better. The band hasnt started yet and we walk a little bit. We come across a little Irish pub with some live music. I get a Guinness, Sean gets to pee, and we watch this guy whos pretty good but can't sing Elton John to save his life. We find out that its open mike night, and they try to get us up to sing (try being the operative word). Theres a young girl who seems new to the guitar that plays for us, and then a guy who is incredible.

If Newfoundland had nothing else going for it, it would win for its people. Everyone we've met on this trip has been friendly, down to earth, and generally glad that Sean and I were there. I feel so welcome. It was in this little bar that I had the second person of this trip tell me he felt obligated to give me something just because I was visiting. Well 3 Guinness' later Sean and I stumble back towards the room via Billys Show bar, and call it a night. :)

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