Bay Roberts Holdin Ground Festival -July 23-27

Monday, July 23^rd

Model Boat Display The model boat display is continuing every week day from 1-4pm at SUF Lodge #82 on Patterson Street, across the street from the Bay Roberts Fire Hall.  Victoria Smith, Melissa Dawe, and Kalysha Snow from the Bay Roberts Cultural Foundation are guides and offer refreshments and entertainment.

Victoria Smith and Melissa Dawe at SUF Dawe Lodge #82 with Handcrafted Models in Background.

 Tuesday, July 24th

• The model boat display continues at the SUF Lodge from 1-4pm

• The Three Sisters – Traditional Newfoundland Musical Performances sponsored by the Bay Roberts Cultural Foundation.

The performances will be held near the Mad Rock Cafe or at the Three Sisters on fine days. (A sign will be placed near the Mad Rock Cafe telling where the performance will be.) On rainy days the performances will be held at the SUF Dawe Lodge #82 on Patterson Street, across the street from the Bay Roberts Fire Hall on Water Street.

Three Sisters with new telescope on the Shoreline Heritage Walking Trail.

• Family Campfire at the Community Gardens, Crossroads

Weekly campfire at the Community Gardens at the Crossroads takes place, rain or shine, at 7pm. In good weather, it will be at the gazebo; and if there is rain, it will be held in the cookhouse.

Family Campfire at the Community Gardens, Tuesdays at 7:30pm

• Every Tuesday Night, until August 21 – “How’s About A Time?” A Night of Newfoundland Comedy

Written by Nick Mercer and Kim Wiseman
FEATURING The Mad Rock Theatre Troupe, Directed by Michele Gosse Dove (Director of the Award Winning Avion Players of Gander)
Victoria LOL#3 Museum & Playhouse, Patterson Street, Bay Roberts
Starting at 8pm Tickets at the door: $15 Advance Tickets: 683-6377 or email: sroach@pigeoninlet.ca

How’s About a Time? – Out for a Smoke

Wednesday, July 25^th

• Thomas Amusements at the parking lot of the Bay Arena and Bay Roberts Mall.

• The Model Boat Display continues at the SUF Lodge on Patterson Street, across from the Bay Roberts Fire Hall from 1-4pm

• “The Haunting,”  A series of ghost and fairy stories enacted during a walk by the graveyards on Neck Road.

Starting at dusk in the parking lot of Dashing Schomberg, Loyal Orange Lodge No. 45, Neck Road, Coley’s Point. A series of ghost and fairy stories enacted during a walk by the graveyards. Music. Hot chocolate is served. Tickets: $5. Be scared!!

The Haunting – Ghost and Fairy Stories

Thursday, July 26^th

• Communities in Bloom Judges in town.

•  Thomas Amusements at the parking lot of the Bay Arena and Bay Roberts Mall.

• The Model Boat Display continues at the SUF Lodge on Patterson Street, across from the Bay Roberts Fire Hall from 1-4pm

• Walking Tour of Heritage Area from Cable Building National Historic Site to Site of Historic Fish Plants.

Includes tour of the Cable Building including the Road to Yesterday Museum and the Christopher Pratt Gallery, Cable Avenue Municipal Heritage Area, LOL Victoria #3 Museum and Playhouse, SUF Dawe Lodge #82, and the site of Historic Fish Plants on Water Street.

Lois Dawe, Tourism Officer, greets tour member in front of Cable Building.

• Victoria Loyal Orange Lodge #3 Museum and Playhouse

The Victoria Loyal Orange Lodge #3 is the oldest public building in Bay Roberts. Brenda and Jerry Mercer, whose families have historic roots in the town, have preserved the building and many of its historic contents. Open every Thursday from 2-5pm

Victoria LOL #3 Museum and Playhouse

• A Time in Pigeon Inlet

Experience a Traditional Newfoundland “Time” – Complete With Songs, Stories, Fiddle & Accordion Music, Soup Supper & an Old-Fashioned Square Dance.
Newfoundland & Labrador’s First “Tradition Bearer” – Kelly Russell; and his family “Russells in the Corner” Thursday Evenings 7:00 – 9:00, until Aug 16
The Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 32, 108 Water Street. From the Conception Bay Highway, turn right at the traffic lights near Jungle Jim’s, across the street from Powell’s Supermarket. Continue to 108 Water Street to the Royal Canadian Legion and the Veterans Quay Marina.
Admission at the Door – $15, Family & Group Discounts
“Soup Supper” $5 and Bar Service Available at Additional Cost

“Running the Goat” – Newfoundland Dance with Tonya Kearley

Friday, July 27^th

• Communities in Bloom Judges in town.

• Thomas Amusements at the parking lot of the Bay Arena and Bay Roberts Mall.

• The Model Boat Display continues at the SUF Lodge on Patterson Street, across from the Bay Roberts Fire Hall from 1-4pm

•  Toutons and Tunes” – Guided Hike with Musical Performance

Shoreline Heritage Walking Trail in Bay Roberts East. Hike starts from the Crane’s Hill Access Point to the Trail at 1:30pm. It includes description and music, and… toutons.

Mr. Herb Badcock tells stories to hikers.

Placentia Plaisance 350

Placentia Councillor Wayne Power with The Honourable Peter Penashue

More photos from March 20, 2012 > >
Placentia is a beautiful town that I have always loved. In 2012, Placentia is celebrating its 350th anniversary! The early French settlers called the town “Plaisance” – “the pleasant place” and it certainly is that and more. The town is located on a flat plain surrounded by towering hills, including Castle Hill, which is now a National Historic Site.

Intrepid Peggy and Peter – Placentia Mascots
On March 20th, on behalf of the Bay Roberts Cultural Foundation, I attended the announcement of funding for “Placentia Plaisance 350” by the Honourable Peter Penashue Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs and President of the Queen’s Privy Council for Canada on behalf of the Honourable James Moore Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages. Perhaps, the event was a little taste of what is to come – a town crier in full costume, Peggy and Peter – the charming town mascots, guides in period costumes, and enthusiastic and happy organizers including Mayor Bill Hogan, Councillor Wayne Power, Rachelle Connors of Placentia Area Historical Society (PAHS), Elaine Murray and Winnie Berry of the Festival of Flags and proposed International Museum of World Peace, and Rhonda Power and the staff of the Placentia Bay Cultural Arts Centre.

Grave Marker at St. Luke’s Anglican Church
Preserved and protected historical sites and landmarks, located around the town, weave a rich story. Castle Hill National Historic Site, the new Placentia Bay Cultural Arts Centre, the Placentia Court House, St. Luke’s Anglican Church and Cemetery, the Annual Placentia Regatta, the Placentia Heritage Trails, the Placentia Uncovered Archaeology Excavation, the replica of the French Fishing Chaloupe and the O’Reilly House Museum are all places to visit.

Three Sisters Pub and Belle’s Restaurant

Titanic – 584km or 365mi

Titanic – 584km or 365mi, originally uploaded by eracose.

Directional Signs on Signal Hill in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador showing the direction of the Titanic at the bottom of the Atlantic Ocean. On April 14, 1912 at 10:25 p.m. Cape Race (which is about 20km from Cabot Tower) received Titanic’s distress call – the letters C.Q.D.- and ten minutes later Titanic’s Phillips sent another wireless message stating Titanic’s position with the infamous added detail, “have struck iceberg”. At 12:27 a.m. (Newfoundland and Titanic time) on April 15 Titanic’s wireless signal abruptly ended and the last link with the land ended. Those who survived, credited the Titanic’s transmissions from the installed Marconi Wireless system with saving their lives.

Cabot Tower is interesting for two reasons this year – besides the incredible scenery.

1. Survivors of the Titanic credited the “state-of-art” Marconi wireless room on the Titanic with saving their lives. In 1901, Guglielmo Marconi had received the first trans-Atlantic wireless message at a position near the tower, the letter “S” in Morse Code sent from Poldhu, Cornwall, United Kingdom. Cabot Tower is on the left. The last wireless message from the Titanic was received at Cape Race, about 20km from Cabot Tower.

2. Construction of tower began in 1898 to commemorate the 400th anniversary of John Cabot’s discovery of Newfoundland, and Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee [1897]. This year is the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II.

St. John’s – Oldest English Settled City in North America

Cabot Tower from St. John’s Harbour

Port de Grave

Hibbs Cove, originally uploaded by eracose.

Port de Grave is one of the oldest and historically most successful fishing communities in Canada. Although there is evidence it is much older, its recorded history goes back to 1675, when the main planter in the community was Thomas Butler. In 1675, Thomas was living at Port de Grave with his wife and three sons. He employed 20 servants and owned five boats, 50 cattle and 20 sheep. Thomas is believed to be the grandson of Samuel Butler, who was a member of John Guy’s colony in Cupids Cove, which was settled in 1610.

The French from Quebec led by Pierre Le Moyne D’Iberville attacked Port de Grave on January 23, 1697. Abbé Jean Baudoin wrote in his journal that they found 116 men, 14 planters, 20 boats, and 10 000 salt codfish. He commented: “This place is very beautiful.” Visitors to the community make exactly the same comment today! Artists and photographers love Port de Grave!

Port de Grave

Organically growing from the cliffs on the shore of the Atlantic Ocean, Port de Grave is one of the most beautiful communities in Newfoundland and Labrador. About 15 minutes from Bay Roberts, it retains its own distinct character and community spirit, while older people in the community still speak with their distinctive Port de Grave accent. People from all over the province come to see Port de Grave Harbour during the Christmas season, when fish harvesters decorate their  longliners with colourful Christmas lights.

Christmas Boat Lighting

For further reading about Port de Grave, see Heritage of a Newfoundland Outport: The Story of Port de Grave written and published by Gerald Andrews. Available through Amazon > >

Aslo see, Our Life on Lear’s Room, Labrador by Greta Hussey, published by Flanker Press. Available through Flanker Press > >
Here is Greta Hussey, 89 years old, reading a selection from her book.

Home Grown Theatrical Talent

Theatrical talent was shining in the Northern Avalon this summer. Cupids 400 and New World Theatre’s Indeavour Stage provided “once in a lifetime” entertainment, in which local performers participated. At the same time, community theatre which has been growing over the past decade in the towns of Brigus and Bay Roberts was thriving.

Bay Roberts had three separate successful shows. A Time in Pigeon Inlet, a Newfoundland “time,” featuring singing, instrumental music, storytelling and sketches (based on Ted Russell’s Tales from Pigeon Inlet) is in its third season. Salt-water Moon, a drama, was on stage at the Victoria LOL#3 Museum and Playhouse, the second year for a David French play produced by Jerry Mercer and directed by Marc Warren. And, for the first time, An Evening with the Gosse Family (which featuring singing,  instrumental music, and skits) was held at Lodge McKay.

In Brigus, The Royal Shag Up, a comedy with music, is in its 9^th sold out season.

What is Special About These Shows?

All four shows are first class productions with talented performers that have been enjoyed and praised by audiences from all over Canada. However, what is special is that each of these shows has a direct connection with the area.

Bay Roberts Shows

A Time in Pigeon Inlet, (pigeoninlet.ca) which features Newfoundland and Labrador’s first tradition bearer, Kelly Russell, and his family, is built around the stories of Kelly’s father, Newfoundland author Ted Russell, who was born on Coley’s Point.

The Cast of “A Time in Pigeon Inlet”
More photos from “A Time in Pigeon Inlet” > >

Salt-water Moon was written by David French, who was also born in Coley’s Point. David French moved to Toronto as a child when his father went upalong to work, but his plays are steeped in the history and mythology of this area of the province. Characters speak of the Bay Roberts Railway Station, the Klondyke, the Kyle, and the Labrador fishery.

“Salt-water Moon” by David French
More photos from “Salt-water Moon” > >
victoriamuseumplayhouse.com

An Evening with the Gosse Family featured the Gosse girls, Sonya and Michele, who grew up in Bay Roberts, and their Dad, Lewis, who was a teacher at Ascension Collegiate for years.
Ged Backmore, who was in the audience, was moved by the Gosse rendition of his composition, “The Sea.” in three part harmony.

More photos from “An Evening with the Gosse Family” > >

Brigus Show

The Royal Shag Up has been collectively written over the years by the Baccalieu Players, people from the local region who act, sing and dance in the show.

The Cast of “A Royal Shag Up”
More photos from “A Royal Shag Up” > >

“Salt-water Moon” FREE September 24th and 25th during Canadian Culture Days.

And as a bottom line, you have another opportunity to see “Salt-water Moon” for FREE at the Victoria LOL #3 Museum and Playhouse during Culture Days, September 24-25.  You will be amazed at how certain words and phrases jump to life because the play is in context.  Most people who have seen several different productions of the show say this one has a different twist which you will thoroughly enjoy.  Friday night’s show is being sponsored by Moores Andrews Collins Law Offices. Saturday night’s show is being sponsored by Ruth Brown of Clarke Real Estate, Pam Norman of Exit Realty, Churchill’s Home Hardware, and Harbour International.

Moon and stars in the sky.

Information about “Salt-water Moon” on the Culture Days Website > >

Events in Northern Avalon – July 26 to August 1

July 26 – August 6 Shearstown Estuary (between Bay Roberts and Spaniards Bay) Wetlands Nature Camp
Monday to Friday, 10am – 2pm Children get active in the outdoors, while learning about the environment. Registration for camp is on a day to day basis, so visitors, as well as people of the region are welcome. Featuring special guests Dennis Minty,  and Ticker Tom. Cost: 5$ per day per child. FMI: Keshia Parsons Email: shearstowngreenteam@gmail.com website: shearstownestuary.ca Phone: (709) 788-3021

July 27 Heart’s Content: Cable Station Anniversary Celebration. FMI: 583-2160

July 27 Bay Roberts Hauntings in Coley’s Point. 5 ghost stories…near graveyards. 8:30pm FMI: 683-1195, Hauntings > > holdinground.com

July 28 Bay Roberts Unveiling the new Klondyke Causeway Wayside Sign with performances by the Pigeon Inlet Players. 2:30pm-4:30pm FMI: 683-1195 holdinground.com

July 28 Cupids Feast of the Sword Dinner Theatre: Cupids Community Hall 6PM Tickets $47.50 Children 12 & under $36.25 [HST included] Tickets are available at the Cupids 400 Box Office, 467 Seaforest Drive, Cupids NL 709.528.1610

July 28- August 1 Bay de Verde Heritage Days. Poker game, dances, kids fun day; fireworks, fish & brewis breakfast, adult dance. Schedule [PDF] > > FMI: 587-2766 www.baydeverde.com

July 29-Aug.1 Holyrood 22nd Annual Squid Festival
FMI:  229-7252 townofholyrood.com

July 29 Holyrood Community Walk and Bonfire FMI: 229-7252 townofholyrood.com

July 29–August 2 Carbonear Weekend Including  “3rd Annual World Cup of Tiddly”  FMI: 596.3831 Schedule for Carbonear Weekend  > >

July 29 Bay Roberts Family Campfire Community Gardens 7:30pm  FMI 786-2126 holdinground.com

July 29 Whiteway Live Music with Craig Whelan & Brady Whelan Brown’s Restaurant. Tel: (709) 588-2347  Fax: (709) 588-2627

July 29 Cupids Colony of the Heart:The Indeavour Stage 6PM $25.00 Tickets are available at the Cupids 400 Box Office, 467 Seaforest Drive, Cupids NL 709.528.1610

July 30 Bay Roberts Saltwater Moon.  Directed  by Marc Warren   With Brad Mercer as Jacob Mercer and Robyn Brockerville playing Mary. 8pm Victoria LOL #3 Museum and Playhouse E Mail: info@victoriamuseumplayhouse.com Web: www.victoriamuseumplayhouse.com

July 30 Brigus “A Royal Shag Up” Comedy Dinner Theatre. The Queen visits and with the help of our womanizing Mayor and torrid French dancer Fifi LaFlamme, unveils a lot more than a monument! 7:00 p.m. Friday & Saturday evenings through July & August. Choice of menu. Reservations essential. Ph. (709) 528-4044.

July 30 Cupids Colony of the Heart: The Indeavour Stage 6PM $25.00 Tickets are available at the Cupids 400 Box Office, 467 Seaforest Drive, Cupids NL 709.528.1610

July 31 Carbonear Fibre Arts Exhibit. Display and Demonstration of crafts such as Quilts, Rug Hooking and Swedish Weaving. Music. Free Admission.2:00pm – 4:00 pm Multi-purpose room, back of swimming pool building. More information > >

July 31 Dildo. Dildo Days Boat Flotilla 11am; Cold Plate Sale $7 per plate 1-5pm; SUF Grounds: Dunk Tank & Local Entertainment Fun for the whole family, Men’s Fellowship fundraising BBQ, Adult Dance • SUF Lodge ($10 double) Third Strike • Door Prizes! For more information – > >

July 31 Harbour Grace 148th Running of the Harbour Grace Regatta Lady Lake. Enjoy a day at the races. Fixed seal shells, games of chance, food concessions, ladies’ and men’s races. The second oldest continuous sporting event in North America. Phone: 709-596-6753 or 709-596-7265 Fax: 709-596-1991 E-mail: thg@nf.sympatico.ca

July 31 Bay Roberts Saltwater Moon.  Directed  by Marc Warren   With Brad Mercer as Jacob Mercer and Robyn Brockerville playing Mary. 8pm Victoria LOL #3 Museum and Playhouse E Mail: info@victoriamuseumplayhouse.com Web: www.victoriamuseumplayhouse.com

July 31 Bay Roberts “A Time in Pigeon Inlet,” featuring Kelly Russell (Newfoundland and Labrador’s First Tradition Bearer), Russells in the Corner, Pigeon Inlet Players, and a special guest performer for each “Time”. For updates see: www.pigeoninlet.ca

July 31 Cupids / St. John’s St. John’s Story Telling Festival National Conference of Story Telling – St. John’s will visit Cupids

July 31 Brigus Cupids 400 Storytelling Concert Guest storytellers from around the world and at home will gather at St. George’s Heritage Church in neighbouring Brigus. International storytellers, Graham Langley and Jan Andrews will be joined by Newfoundland storyteller Margaret Hitchens for an evening of traditional English folk and fairy tales. St. George’s Church in Brigus (A Cupids 400 Event) See www.cupids400.com > >

July 31 Brigus
“A Royal Shag Up” Comedy Dinner Theatre. The Queen visits and with the help of our womanizing Mayor and torrid French dancer Fifi LaFlamme, unveils a lot more than a monument! 7:00 p.m. Friday & Saturday evenings through July & August. Choice of menu. Reservations essential. Ph. (709) 528-4044.

July 31 Cupids Feast of the Sword Dinner Theatre: Cupids Community Hall 6PM Tickets $47.50 Children 12 & under $36.25 [HST included] Tickets are available at the Cupids 400 Box Office, 467 Seaforest Drive, Cupids NL 709.528.1610

July 31 Cupids The Tiring House: New World Theatre – The Indeavour Stage 1PM Tickets $10.00 Tickets are available at the Cupids 400 Box Office, 467 Seaforest Drive, Cupids NL 709.528.1610

July 31 Grates Cove Allan Ricketts 8:00pm Doors Open 7:00pm $15+HST advanced $17:50+HST at the Door. Cash Beer & Wine Beyond Baccalieu FMI or tickets: 587-3986 beyondbaccalieu.com

July 31 to August 31 Winterton Island Rock Studio Art Exbitition Drop in and view latest pieces by locally renowned NL artist, Florence Maud Pinhorn. FMI See the Wooden Boat Museum of Newfoundland & Labrador > >

July 31- August 1 Paradise SunSplash Festival, TBA FMI see www.townofparadise.ca > >

August 1 Cupids The Tiring House: New World Theatre – The Indeavour Stage 1PM Tickets $10.00 Tickets are available at the Cupids 400 Box Office, 467 Seaforest Drive, Cupids NL 709.528.1610

August 1 Carbonear 3rd Annual World Cup of Tiddly. Men’s, Women’s and Kids’ (12 and under) teams. 5 players per team (plus spare if needed). Pre-registration, rules and information on World Cup of Tiddly Page > > Registration also @ 1 pm Carbonear Recreation Complex. May bring own gloves and safety equipment.  “Hooked on Tiddly” T-shirts will be available for $10.

August 1 Bay Roberts Folk Festival Community Gardens 2pm FMI:  683-1195 holdinground.com

August 1 Bay Roberts Mussel/Crab Boil at the Three Sister with Music by the Pigeon Inlet Players Bay Roberts East Shoreline Heritage Walk. 2:30-4:00pm FMI: 786-2126 holdinground.com

August 1 Whitbourne Bluegrass and Old Time Country Music Hoedown Lions Club. Doors open at 1:00 pm. Starts at 2:00 pm. FMI: Bill Whelan 709 759 2196 or hildawhelan@hotmail.com

August 1 Conception Harbour 100th Anniversary of St. Anne’s Garden Party St. Anne’s Church grounds, Conception Harbour  A day of fun and games for children; games of chance along with musical entertainment. A dinner and dance to follow at St. Annes’s Parish Hall. FMI

Fergus Island

Fergus Island, originally uploaded by eracose.

Fergus Island is near the beginning of the Shoreline Heritage Walk. It is not far from the beginning of the trail. Fergus Island is named after Scottish merchant John Fergus who carried on a large supply business in 1812. The island viewed from French’s Cove depicts the image of a Newfoundland dog at rest with its paws stretched in front of its head.

Busy Week for Cupids 400

How many events can you attend from June 14th-June 19th?

In Winterton

• Opening June 14^th The Winterton Wooden Boat Museum of Newfoundland and Labrador will launch the Official Opening and Keel-laying Ceremony of  The Indeavour Saga Exhibit on Wednesday, June 14th at 11am.
  Alan Doyle, along with MP Scott Andrews, Minister Terry French and MHA Charlene Johnson, Bill Grandy, Program Manager ACOA will be in Winterton, Trinity Bay on June 14th, 2010 at 11:00 AM to launch the Official Opening and Keel-laying Ceremony of The Indeavour Saga Exhibit. Master of Ceremonies for the event will be Alan Doyle of Great Big Sea.

• The Indeavour Saga Exhibit is named for John Guy’s ship “The Indeavour,” which was used on his voyage from Cupids to Trinity Bay in 1612. This 34ft wooden vessel played an important role in Newfoundland’s History, as it was the first decked wooden boat built in North America.  The boat was also used to   explore the nearby coast and locate the Beothuk people.   The exhibit itself will be a two–fold experience:

1. The history of the vessel retold by elaborate illustrations and story boards in the Museum’s main building, featuring works by Robert Haliday, Hilary Cass and and Kevin Coates.
2. The vessel construction which takes place outside in the boat building shed, where the keel, stem, counter and main frames of this full sized exhibit will come to life.  Winterton Master Boat Builder, Jerome Canning, using the tools, techniques, and skills of the 17th century settlers will build a reconstruction of the Indeavour.

Boat Building Museum of Newfoundland and Labrador

• FMI: woodenboatnl.com

In Cupids:

• Starting June 14^th. The outdoor exhibit entitled, Portraits in the Streets – Cupids 400 hosted by
  Cupids 400 and the National Portrait Gallery of Canada is beginning. The exhibit is a significant part of the Cupids 400 Celebrations and features reproductions of portraits of prominent Canadians. The portraits are a recognition of the historical significance of the 400 year story and proudly highlight Newfoundland and Labrador’s place in Canada. Visitors who stroll through Cupids will see these portraits displayed outside on various buildings on Seaforest Drive.

• Starting June 15^th. . The innovative, Cupids Legacy Centre will be open to the public.

  The Centre is a place “Where the Present Meets the Past” – a place where visitors are encouraged to explore the exotic nature of our landscapes, our waterscapes, our cultural heritage and our people – a place where visitors are encouraged to pause and reflect on their heritage…. our common heritage and perhaps…. in the process of reflection …discover something about themselves. Those who visit this place will be invited to explore the legacies left by their ancestors and will be motivated to ponder their own legacies.

  Illuminating the rich tapestry of history and culture that has defined Cupids’ place at the nexus of Canadian history, the Cupids Legacy Centre will represent a permanent home to a vast heritage that echoes in every field and cove of this remarkable place.

• On June 17^th. The Cupids launch of a Special Edition of Riddle Fence will take place. This book will commemorate the 400th Anniversary of the first English Settlement in Canada along with the history, heritage and culture of Cupids.

• On June 18^th.
  An Evening with British Poet/Author/Broadcaster Seán Street Legacy Hall will be held in Cupids Legacy Centre . Seán Street has published seven collections of poetry, the most recent being Time Between Tides – New and Selected Poems 1981 -2009. He has worked as a radio producer, writer and presenter for many years. His most recent work includes a documentary to mark the 400th anniversary of the first permanent British settlement in Newfoundland, broadcast on BBC Radio 3 in February 2010. Time spent in Newfoundland has inspired much of his most recent poetry. 7:30 pm Admission: $5.00
• On June 19^th. The New World Theatre will be opening two of their summer plays. Both will take place on the innovative ‘Indeavour Stage’ which is behind the Cupid’s Haven B&B on Seaforest Drive.
  • At 1pm “The Tiring House” by Chris Driedzic . The Indeavour Stage, Cupids Haven B&B Backyard, $10.00. FMI New World Theatre Productions > >
  • At 6pm “Julius Caesar” by William Shakespeare. The Indeavour Stage, Cupids Haven B&B Backyard Admission: $25 FMI
    New World Theatre Productions > >

Bay Roberts East Shoreline Heritage Walk

Bay Roberts East Shoreline Heritage Walk

Originally uploaded by eracose

Perhaps, one of the most underrated tourist attractions in Newfoundland and Labrador is the Bay Roberts East Shoreline Heritage Walk  [AKA Madrock Trail]. Many people who drive along the Conception Bay Highway, passing through Bay Roberts, are unaware of Bay Roberts East, the part of the town which is located on the tip of the Bay Roberts peninsula. The 4 km. walk is through some of the most spectacular scenery in the province, and many of the features built by early settlers, such as root cellars, rock walls, and even an old cemetery have been preserved.

The silence is striking. The only sounds are the cries of birds and the crunch of your foot steps. If you are a member of FaceBook or Flickr, you will see that each person who visits the Shoreline Walk comes home with amazing photos, that reflect what has impressed that particular individual.

Some of the well- known parts of the trail are French’s Cove (the site of early settlement), Juggle’s Cove,  and Fergus Island, which face towards Port de Grave and Bell Island,  Madrock – from which you can see Bell Island (on one side) and Upper Island Cove (on the other), and the Three Sisters, which faces towards Spaniard’s Bay, Bishop’s Cove and Upper Island Cove.

French’s Cove is the site of early settlement.

The set of photos of French’s Cove was taken in the fall, and had an atmosphere that reminded me of fairy stories that I had heard.  On the Flickr set, a number of fairy stories are include with the photos.

Fergus Island is named after a prominent merchant in the community.  From a certain angle, the island looks like a resting Newfoundland dog with its paws stretched in front of its face.

Madrock –

Madrock offers spectacular views of the ocean, especially when the winds are high. In this photo, Upper Island Cove can be seen in the background. From other angles, Bell Island can be clearly seen.

The Three Sisters – A Pebble Beach

During the summer of 2010, the Bay Roberts Cultural Foundation is hosting another Mussel boil on the Beach on Sunday, July 11th.

Families from town also come to the beach during the caplin scull.  The caplin roll on the beaches, and families scoop them up to eat fresh or to salt and dry to eat year round.

While you are in the Northern Avalon this summer, be sure to visit the Shoreline Heritage Trail. You can call the Bay Roberts office and ask for a guided tour. However, I think just following your own path, communing with nature and enjoying the scenery is an adventure.

Map of the Shoreline Heritage Walk  >  >

Neal O’Leary’s “Have You Ever Fell in Love” accompanies views of the Bay Roberts East Shoreline Heritage Walk.

Street View on Bay de Verde Peninsula, Conception Bay Centre, and CBS!

Yesterday, completely by chance, “street view” on Google maps for Route 60 and Route 70 popped up when I was searching for a map for one of the websites we look after.  You can travel both routes, seeing 360 degree views,  in both Conception Bay North and Trinity Bay South, as well as Conception Bay Centre and Conception Bay South.  For the most part the views keep to the two main routes, but all the camera work was done on a beautiful day in the summer of 2009, so that a person who is not familiar with the area can get a good idea of what can be seen, and actually locate addresses that are on the Conception Bay Highway and the Trinity South Highway.

Street View Does Bay de Verde

One town where the view deviates from Route 70 is Bay de Verde. Click the link and you will see clothes on a clothesline on the left and the Bay de Verde Post Office straight and the harbour straight ahead. You just double click to move ahead or back. Amazing!

Google Map Person

To see a specific spot on the highway, just click on the little yellow person symbol with your mouse, and drag it to the spot on the highroad that you want to see. You will be able to see it at 360 degrees. It is a wonderful way to see exactly where you want to go and to locate a specific place.  So far I have looked at the Conception Bay Highway though Brigus, Bay Roberts, Spaniard’s  Bay, Harbour Grace,  and Carbonear.  It took at look at a great 360 degree view of the Shearstown Estuary.  (Unfortunately, the keep to the highway, so you cannot see the Shoreline Heritage Walk. ) I have also checked out Trinity Bay and you can clearly see Shag Rock from Route 60 and all the communities, such as Blaketown, Dildo, New Harbour, Whiteway, Heart’s Content, and Heart’s Delight. It is certainly the next best thing to being here!