Sparky's Epic Adventure Across North America (Springdale & icebergs!)

July 6th: Happy Birthday to my sis, Val. Wishing you many more celebrations!

Before Sparky and I left Woody Point, I finally stopped in at the Galliott Studios on the waterfront. My friends Berardine and Stewart Cochrane had suggested that I visit while in Woody Point, but for some reason, I had forgotten that they also serve good coffee and goodies. 

Coffee, goodies, pretty things, and dog-friendly!

I popped in for a latte to go and discovered they are also super dog-friendly. Sparky and I could have hung out there every day on the waterfront, drinking coffee and soaking up the local vibe! I really need to ask local establishments more often, "Are you doggie-friendly?" 

More often than not in Newfoundland, the answer is a resounding, "Yes! We love dogs."

The back deck at Galliott's Woody Point

Not a normal iceberg photo

We arrived in Springdale around 1:00 p.m. and were able to check into the Ocean Breezzz Chalet on the waterfront. 

Springdale's population is around 3000. It's on the northwestern shore of Hall's Bay, close to Baie Verte Peninsula, where the icebergs sail silently past. 

Occasionally, the bemouths manage to find a route into Halls's Bay, and some have been known to park themselves in front of the cottage where Sparky and I are staying for two nights. One large icy visitor had just moved from in front of the cottage to the other side of the bay. It will hang around in the bay until it melts.

This one was in front of the cottage yesterday

At my cottage in Springdale, NF

Ocean Breezzz Chalet (yes, the spelling is correct)

Springdale, NF, iceberg across the bay

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 km 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