Sparky's Epic Adventure Across North America (Port aux Basques to Woody Point)

July 3rd: The coastline of Newfoundland is 17,542 kilometers or 10,900 miles long! 

Woody Point Newfoundland

I have spent the last two months driving across North America and have logged 13,050 kms or 8,109 miles, but in comparison, I haven't come close to circumnavigating the coastline of Canada's 10th province. 

Did they teach us this stuff in school? I have no recollection of learning much about Newfoundland, other than it was governed by Britain and didn't join the Dominion of Canada until 1949.

 

And growing up we heard a variety of 'Newfie' jokes because they 'talked funny.'

https://www.vice.com/en/article/avjxj5/10-newfie-jokes

Mountain range just past Port aux Basques

A Newfie walks into a lumber yard and says, "I's building an 'ouse bye' and needs me some a dat der too be far." The clerk says, "You mean a 2 by 4?"  The Newfie answers, "Yes bye', dat's da stuff." The clerk asks "Well how long do you need it?" The Newfie responds, "Well bye', I's buildin an 'ouse wit it so I's gonna need it for a while." 

So far I've met hard-working, friendly, kind, funny, cheerful people who are happy to stop and chat and give directions, or suggestions. I've been called, sweetheart, honey, darling, and sweetie a dozen times by men and women and I have only been here 24 hours. People wave as I drive past, or when I'm walking Sparky. 

Same location as the previous photo

Today Sparky and I traveled from Port aux Basques to Woody Point, on Bonne Bay, inside the Gros Morne National Park. On the way we stopped for a visit with folks whom I've chatted with several times via Facebook, about our shared passion, Isla Mujeres Mexico. 

Bernardine and Stewart Cochrane have lived and worked in Newfoundland all their married life. They love their town, Pasadena, and their province. We shared a yummy lunch made by Bernardine and had a fun visit talking about life on Isla Mujeres and life on Newfoundland. 

I'm loving this place!

Cheers Lynda and The Sparkinator

On the #431 road towards Woody Point

Woody Point Public Library 

Colorful garbage containers

Fishboat on Bonne Bay waiting to offload catch