Sparky's Epic Adventure Across North America (Pouch Cove, at the eastern edge of Canada)

July 16th: from my viewpoint at Pouch Cove, at the tip of the Avalon Peninsula near St. John's, Newfoundland, it appeared that Sparky and I had reached the end of Canada. 

Just open ocean between here and Europe

However, Cape Spear, a headland located a little south of St. John's at a longitude of 52°37' W, is the easternmost point in Canada and North America, excluding Greenland. 

We were close at a longitude of 52°77' and all I could see was the open ocean. The next piece of land would be England? Or France?

The boat ramp in Pouch Cove, NL

Established in 1611, Pouch Cove is a tiny, roundish, steep-sided cove shaped like a pouch. The locals store their personal boats on a ridiculously steep incline. I had vertigo just standing at the top of the ramp, trying to take a photograph.

We are staying in the capital city of St. John's for three days at a hotel in the harbour and within walking distance of the famous "Jelly Bean Row". I am looking forward to roaming the streets and photographing the dozens of colourful row houses.

Cheers, Lynda and The Sparkinator 

Boat ramp at Pouch Cove, NL

Looking down the boat ramp

The Sparkinator at Pouch Cove, NL

Close up of whatever this is.

No clue what this is!

Sparky's Epic Adventure Across North America ( Brigus Newfoundland, a perfect movie location)

Sparky, Cavendish Newfoundland

July 15th: With no particular plan in mind, I decided to do a circle route around the bottom end of the Bay de Verde Peninsula, in Newfoundland. It's our last full day in this area before Sparky and I move on to St. John's in the morning. 

We did a quick stop in Cavendish for a few photos and an amble along the beachfront. This is twice in two days that Sparky has let me snap a photo of him. Usually, he turns his head away!

Heading south on Highway #80, I had intended to turn onto #73 and cross over to Spaniard's Cove, but was distracted by the view and ended up missing the turnoff. 

I drove south to the Trans Canada Highway, headed in the direction of St. John's for a bit, and turned north on Highway #70 towards Cupids Crossing and Brigus (not to be confused with Brigus South, Brigus Junction, and Brigus Island). Newfoundland has so many fun place names, I'm surprised that Brigus, a variation of Brickhouse, has been used so frequently.

Entering Brigus, my first impression was that it was a perfect location for a movie, set in the 1800s. The majority of the old buildings are perfectly preserved and beautifully painted. 

Brigus post office

My imagination was busy filling the streets with women in long dresses and bonnets, men in clothes suitable for seafaring or local business, and horse-drawn carts, carriages, and buggies. 

By the time my imagination started adding smells and noises, Sparky let me know that he needed to add his pee-mail to the ambiance.

It's a cool town! I'm glad that I 'discovered' it.

Cheers Lynda. Sparky sends his woofs!

Brigus Museum

Brigus town hall flying a British flag

Houses in Brigus, NL

Iconic sheds, Cavendish, NL

Getting ready for Sparky's Epic Adventure!

 

It's been a busy and expensive week getting ready for Sparky's Epic Adventure starting Monday, May 1st.

Tuesday: interior car detailing by Auto Aveda on Okanagan Avenue.

Wednesday: a hair appointment for me at Rose & Co on Main Street, Penticton

Wednesday: a new foam mattress from Hagel's Upholstery covering the backseat of my car for the Fuzz-butt to lounge on as we drive across North America.

And today: a tire change-out and servicing from Canadian Tire in Penticton.

My poor bank account took a big hit this week! Only 4 more sleeps until we are on our way.

Cheers, Lynda and Sparky.

Sparky's Epic Adventure - begins May 1st 2023

Sparky and I are going on a cross-country adventure that, if all goes well, will take us from British Columbia to Newfoundland Canada, across several American states, and the ten Canadian provinces. 

I will be posting regular updates on my Facebook page and on this blogsite. We hope you follow along on our adventures. 

Cheers, Lynda. Sparky sends his woofs!

Our book of plans, reservations, and adventures.

Isla Mujeres, Mexico: One of the most colourful cities in the world!

My favourite is the "crayon house"

Dang!  We’re good! 

Two weeks ago, Isla Mujeres was ranked in the top ten islands of the world. This week, an article rating the top twenty-four locations to see colourfully painted houses ranked Isla as number seventeen.  

Fabulous creations like the “crayon house” are eye candy for anyone toting a camera. Deliciously covered in bright colours, designs, and scenery, this multi-coloured house sports a meticulous paint job. Amazing artistry. Think of the hours of detailed work required to create the effect.  The muscles of my painting hand are cramping in sympathy. 

Hemingway's Bar for wedding photos.

The Behr Paint Company judged Isla Mujeres against locations like Cinque Terre, Italy, Cape Town, South Africa, Barranco in Lima, Peru, and a host of other gorgeous cities.  

Only one Canadian city, St. John’s in Newfoundland, made the list. Granted, the paint company is hoping to sell more of its product, but the article still brings positive recognition to this sleepy little island.

Beautiful Casa Zuzy

Most island visitors have photos, or at least have seen photos, of the visible Centro locations that have been photographed time and time again. Places like the French Bistro, Mañanas Coffee House, Hemingway’s Bar, Barlito’s Bakery, and Orsario’s Hardware Store, to name a few.  

But if you wander around the diverse neighbourhoods, there are many more examples of great colour combinations: orange and green, pink and blue, yellow and orange, pink and purple, and multi-coloured. Another favourite of mine is the magenta-trimmed turquoise house, slathered with polka dots in hues of green, red and blue. This one is located near the Salinas Grande, close to where the road changes from a tope-riddled (speed bumps) congested street into the double-width road.

My second favourite, the polka-dot house

The colour extends into every part of island life. Even the tombs in the two island cemeteries are painted pink, blue, purple, and mango-yellow. Our Canadian cemeteries, especially the newer ones, resemble parks or golf courses with granite headstones flat to the ground, so that the groundskeepers can trim the lush grass with riding lawnmowers. Somber tones of grey, brown, and black arrear to be the only acceptable hues in northern graveyards. The Mexican custom of painting tombs with a palette of cheerful colours is, in my view, fitting for this bright and vibrant culture.

Beautifully cared for tombs

Perhaps the Municipality of Isla Mujeres should encourage more owners to paint their houses and businesses, with wild, interesting combinations.  

The municipality could feature a different, well-painted building every month, and offer a small cash prize to the winner. Over time, the various neighbourhoods could become a draw for photographic buffs. 

Love this entrance!

There I go day-dreaming again.  

In the meantime, get your cameras out and explore the various neighbourhoods.  

You’ll find lots of interesting photo opportunities – because, after all, we are number seventeen in The 24 Most Colourful Cities in the World. 

http://www.buzzfeed.com/behr/the-24-most-colorful-cities-in-the-world

Hasta Luego          
Lynda and Lawrie

Grab your copy today!

Isla Mujeres Mystery Series

Or

Death in the Vineyards Mysteries

The Adventures of Thomas and Sparky