Cape Spear

This past weekend we took a trip to Cape Spear, about 20 minutes outside of St. John's. It was warm and sunny, a perfect day to be outside. As mentioned in our last post, Cape Spear is the most easterly point of land in North America. It is also the location of the oldest surviving lighthouse in Newfoundland and Labrador. Cape Spear is absolutely beautiful. You are right on the cliff - in some places you have to look over the ledge to see the waves crashing against the rocks and in others it's right infront of you. It is very easy to get mesmorized by the powerful waves and I took countless photos. Chris commented, 'so you're a fan of the waves?' First of all, photography speaking, they make excellent shots. Secondly, it's just awesome to see them crest or crash against rocks. There were alot of "oh" and "aw" moments.

There are 2 lighthouses at Cape Spear, the original and the one that's now in use (I think). The old one is not how I imagined a lighthouse to be; it wasn't tall and slender but rather a square, two-storey structure, with the light tower itself in the middle of the building. Parks Canada's website says the old lighthouse has been refurnished as a light keeper's residence to the period of 1839 but we weren't able to get in (it's only open from May 15 - October 15).There is also a WWII gun battery there with underground passages to various rooms and gun emplacements. The barracks are built right into a hill and really well hidden.

You can also whale watch at Cape Spear but we were too late in the season for that (seems to be a pattern with us) so we'll return in the summer. As well, Liam told us we should see the sunrise in Winter at Cape Spear so we'll make another trip there this winter.

Not sure where we'll visit next...

The old/original lighthouse

Us infront of the new lighthouse

The WWII barracks

We can only go West from here

What a view!

Just after the waves hit

The waves hitting the rocks

When in St. John's...

...we're going to various cultural or historic sites. We've been to one so far, Signal Hill, and we've gone twice! Signal Hill was the reception point of the first transatlantic wireless signal by Guglielmo Marconi in 1901, as well as the site of harbour defences for St. John's from the 18th century to the Second World War.

A plaque at Signal Hill commemorating the first transatlantic wireless signal.

The first time we went to Signal Hill it was extremely foggy and windy and we had no idea what we were missing out on.

Cabot Tower, St. John's most visible landmark, was used for signalling until 1960.

The second time we went it was sunny and warm out, and when we got to the top of the hill we were amazed at the view. We could actually see the ocean and the cliff!!! I was disappointed we didn't see any icebergs. We walked along a trail that winded along the hill (I'd say it's a cliff) and saw some great scenery.

What a difference!!

Next site - Cape Spear, home of the oldest surviving lighthouse in Newfoundland and Labrador, and the most easterly point of land in North America.

Happy Thanksgiving!

This thanksgiving's a bit strange for Bambie as it's the first time she's away from her family for thanksgiving, but we were lucky enough to have friends (Liam and Amanda) visiting their families who invited us to join them for thanksgiving. We had thanksgiving lunch on Sunday at Liam's parents' house - it was great to have a turkey meal with all the fixin's as well as friends and their families to spend time with. It broke the monotony of our daily lives, gave us something to look forward to, and provided us with some comfort away from home. We really appreciated them inviting us into their home and looking after us.

This year we're thankful for our families; we're thankful to have our parents with us, to have brothers and sisters that we are close to, and to have so many nieces and nephews to love (and spoil!). We're also thankful for our friends; you are always there for us, whether if it's for advice, a shoulder to cry on, someone to laugh with, or to provide us with some sanity (or should we say insanity). Both our families and friends have been very supportive during our move to St. John's and we're thankful for that. Your support has helped ease this transition. Lastly, we're thankful for eachother; we give eachother strength, hope, friendship, and companionship.

We wish all our friends and family a very happy thanksgiving. We love you all.