I smacked the alarm at what appeared to be 7:14 a.m. What? Guess no breakfast, I thought. Lucky for us, it was only 5:15. The alarm hadn’t been properly set. Mary groaned, intent on staying in bed a while. I took my time getting ready: a treat not to rush my shower or share the vanity, while I painted my face awake. The morning began with an upset tummy, but with time for breakfast, I wasn’t going to miss it.
Newfoundland Facts:
- Newfoundland and Labrador became Canada’s 10th province in 1949
- Becoming a green province
- Hurricane Igor blasted Bonavista Bay, September 21, 2010
- Huge sections of highway washed out
- Hockey Players born in Newfoundland and Labrador
- Birding is big in Newfoundland
We stopped at Mirabella Artisan Gift Shop mid afternoon. The shop put on coffee just for our tour group or so we heard. Mary bought me one while I joined the line to the powder room. The washroom had a shower and if you wished to use it, you had to register with the desk. Really? The room was larger than required for a toilet, sink, wastebasket and baby change table. I wonder if it had been a bedroom at one time. Why hadn’t I asked? I forget what Mary purchased or did she? She used to be an avid shopper but has toned down the habit in the last couple years.
Surprise, surprise. Though I am never interested in ‘more stuff’ other than books, an adorable sterling silver ring caught my eye. The extra 30% off special didn’t hurt either—better than costume but at a lower price than gold.
TRINITY BAY Quick Facts:
- Trinity surrounded by the bay
- Anglican church built by the merchants
- Catholic Church never had electricity. They couldn’t afford it (too few Catholics).
- First Court
- Stocks and whipping post
- First smallpox vaccine introduced here
- Strict building code: must be all wood
- Can only use 5-inch clapboard in downtown area
- Have a Heritage Committee
- Center for Tourist Attraction: actors re-enact people of the times 150 years ago (merchants interacting with farmers and other everyday life interactions)
Mussel Quick Facts:
- Mussels main food of star fish
- Wraps arms around mussel till it opens its shell
- Mouth is where stomach is
- Insert stomach where mussel is to consume
- Mussels can’t swim
- Barrels across lake in rows attached with rope
- Rope lengths dropped at intervals for mussels to attach (they like to cling)
- When full, fishermen shuck them off the rope
- Drop rope into water again till more mussels attach
- Big market for them now
- Shipping to Germany
(Rope lengths dropped at intervals for mussels to attach)
PORT UNION Quick Facts:
- National Historic Site of Canada
- William Coaker started a co-op with elevators where he store his cod
- The only union-built town
- Coaker initiated the Home of Fishermen’s Protective Union
- Built houses for retail managers, blacksmith, chief machinist, secretary etc.
- Sir William Coaker Heritage Site
- Historic Port Union
- Sir William Coaker Bridge
- Bust of Coaker resides here
- Port Union Museum
- Coaker’s work proves one person can make a difference
* * *
ON THE LIGHTER SIDE:
Three guys go to the washroom. The first guy finished announces aloud, “I’m from Saskatchewan. We all wash our hands after using the urinal.
The second guy finishes and announces he’s from Quebec. We all scrub our hands afterwards and he proceeded to scrub.
The third guy announces, “I’m from Newfoundland and my mother taught us not to p*** on our hands.
* * *
Next on June 10th – Bonavista
© 2015 Tess @ How the Cookie Crumbles. All Rights Reserved.
For more related posts, click on Newfoundland / Labrador tab at the top of the page
June 3, 2016 at 6:53 pm
The mussel harvesting was fascinating I guess there is no real cost to getting them that way. Loved the photos. The houses are quaint and look quite nice. Liked the joke.
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June 7, 2016 at 5:53 pm
The tour guide had us in stitches with all his jokes. Never a dull moment. 😀
I agree the mussel harvesting is interesting. I wonder if tourism isn’t responsible for the extra care these villages go to to present themselves and the old ways. I had no idea how popular Newfoundland as a tourist destination had become.
Thanks regarding the pictures, John. I never liked taking pictures but when I go away, I make darn sure I have evidence of where I’ve been and I do enjoy sharing them here. 🙂
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June 7, 2016 at 6:00 pm
🙂
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June 3, 2016 at 8:38 pm
Those photos make me want to pack up and move, Tess. Lovely ring too. 🙂
Hope this weekend treats you kindly and thank you for letting us travel with you. 🙂
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June 7, 2016 at 5:45 pm
Hi, Donna. I’m pleased you’re along for this tour. I am more than happy to share because it was a wonderful place. Learned so much about things I never knew I wanted to know. 😀
I’m not into photography but have learned how important picture taking is now that I’ve a few trips under my belt in last couple years. ❤ ❤
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June 3, 2016 at 8:42 pm
Great tour of Trinity and Port Union. Like the houses so well kept and so colorfully painted. Around where I live, everyone is afraid of all colors except various shades of beige. So boring. Pride of craftsmanship quite evident everywhere but especially on the church. Thank you for the pics and the post.
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June 7, 2016 at 5:43 pm
Thanks for the visit and for reading, Sharon. Glad to see you. I had no idea how popular Newfoundland has become as a tourist destination. I wonder if that might be responsible for the extra pride in place. Whatever the reason, I enjoyed everything I saw. The color especially. Love old churches too. ❤ ❤
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June 3, 2016 at 8:52 pm
I love that ring, too. It looks comfortable, like it wouldn’t snag on anything.
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June 7, 2016 at 5:40 pm
Thanks, Jacqui. No, the ring doesn’t snag. I still l.o.v.e. it. Except for earring, I haven’t been much into jewelry till my knuckles grew thick. I wanted something better than costume jewelry rings to wear day-in day-out without worry. ❤ ❤
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June 4, 2016 at 1:29 am
Lovely post, am enjoying your trip.
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June 7, 2016 at 5:38 pm
Thanks for joining me, Rosie. Wonderful to share with you. 🙂 ❤
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June 4, 2016 at 1:36 am
Tess, a lovely, place. Quaint colorful houses with white picket fences stand out! Interesting facts about mussels. The ring is quite nice! Enjoying your travels! 💛 Elizabeth
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June 7, 2016 at 5:37 pm
Pleased to see you come along. Quaint, well-preserved buildings. The old fashioned way. Great for tourists. 😀
I learned a lot of interesting things on this trip and enjoy sharing them with all my blogging friend.
The ring was a fluke. I don’t enjoy shopping but it roped me in. 😀 ❤
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June 4, 2016 at 2:27 am
Great photos, Tess. Enjoying the reads.Jx
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June 7, 2016 at 5:34 pm
Thank you, Judith. It’s great fun sharing what I saw and experienced. Glad to have you along. 😀 ❤
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June 4, 2016 at 4:01 am
Great pics.
Would love to visit Canada.
The ring is lovely.
Always think men should wash their hands BEFORE they pee.
think about it.
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June 7, 2016 at 5:33 pm
There are so many wonderful places in Canada. I should explore it more before I wander across borders.
I loved the joke too. I have more, but need to be sure I remember them correctly. I know, right? Wash your hands and then again. Ha ha ha.
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June 4, 2016 at 4:24 am
Reblogged this on Smorgasbord – Variety is the spice of life and commented:
Another of my weekend treats is to sit with my tea and read all about Tess Karlinski’s latest travels. We are on a trip to Newfoundland currently and this week it is Trinity and Port Union where we learn about mussel farming and lots of facts about Newfoundland and this particular area.. and yes Tess I thoroughly approve of the purchase of that stunning ring…
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June 4, 2016 at 1:36 pm
You’re an absolute doll, Sally. Thank you.
❤
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June 7, 2016 at 5:18 pm
Thank so much, Sally. I’m not much for shopping and usually don’t look for anything to buy. This was a fluke. ❤ 😀
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June 4, 2016 at 9:39 am
The ring is gorgeous! A good purchase. The pictures are wonderful and tell a good story. I love this trip!
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June 7, 2016 at 5:17 pm
Thanks for joining in, Darlene. I’m glad I remembered to take lots of pictures. Sometimes, I forgot; other times nothing seemed interesting enough.
I’m not one for shopping but am pleased this ring called to me. ❤ ❤ 😀
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June 4, 2016 at 9:58 am
Am enjoying your trip. Love the pictures, the commentary and the joke! Hugs.
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June 7, 2016 at 5:15 pm
Thank you for coming along on this tour. I’ve enjoyed it immensely.
Newfoundlanders work hard and like to enjoy themselves when not working. They sure had a lot of jokes. Oh my.
I’ve never been one for taking pictures but have learned when traveling, it a must. Better memories. 😀
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June 4, 2016 at 9:59 am
The building codes are paying off, Tess. What a cute village and lovely churches. And an interesting history as well. Thanks for the laugh at the end. Very funny!
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June 7, 2016 at 5:13 pm
Thanks so much for the visit D. I guess the idea is to preserve the old fashioned look–so attractive too–great for tourism. I love old villages, their churches and graveyards. So many interesting stories too.
Our tour guide was full of jokes. 😀 😀
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June 7, 2016 at 5:19 pm
It’s great when the tour guide has stories that bring a place or people to life. They earn their keep 🙂
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June 4, 2016 at 10:29 am
What a pretty ring, I really like silver, good for you treating yourself, but I understand about not wanting clutter!
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June 4, 2016 at 10:30 am
That’s more than most Canadians know about Newfoundland, Tess! It’s a very special place. Great post. Love the photos, especially of the church, interior, the bay, the ring.
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June 7, 2016 at 12:53 pm
Thank you for reading. We always travel to other places because they seem exotic, but we neglect to see what’s in our own backyard. So glad my sister found this tour. I’ll always cherish it. The memories are wonderful and the learning was fun. ❤ ❤ 😀
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June 4, 2016 at 11:14 am
Love the photography as usual Tess! And of course you had to buy a little ‘jewellry’ trinket too. I love the ring!!! And lol, to your little ‘dirty’ joke. 🙂 xo
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June 7, 2016 at 5:11 pm
I’ve learned to appreciate photographed memories because my little brain sometimes lies to me. I’ve forced myself to pay attention and remember to click-click.
I actually fell for another ring first but it wasn’t in my size. When I saw this one though, it was true love.
Jokes! We were told jokes galore. The trick was to remember them. I’m not usually good at that. The tour guide had us in stitches during gloomy, rainy drives. 😀
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June 7, 2016 at 5:58 pm
What a fabulous time you seemed to have had Tess. And I know all about the ‘I forgot’ moments, lol. And ahhhhhh to jewellery. 🙂
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June 4, 2016 at 11:21 am
Beautiful pictures! And love the joke 🙂
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June 7, 2016 at 5:08 pm
Thanks so much for the visit. I’m pleased you enjoyed the pictures. I’m sort of proud of them because I’m not much into taking pictures or remembering to do so.
We heard a lot of jokes. The idea is to remember them so I can share. 😀 😀
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June 14, 2016 at 12:37 am
Pleasure. I can relate. I take a lot of pictures but most of the time forget about them… Hehe! 🙂
Have a great day!
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June 4, 2016 at 2:57 pm
What fun little discoveries! And your banner picture is just terrific!
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June 7, 2016 at 5:06 pm
Thanks so much for liking my banner. I’ve become interested in taking pictures–not so much photography exactly. These are all my ‘discoveries’.
I hate shopping because I don’t NEED anything, but once in a while it’s worth been tempted. ❤ 🙂
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June 7, 2016 at 6:27 pm
I agree that we NEED very little, but sometimes it’s good to splurge just a little. 🙂
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June 4, 2016 at 3:18 pm
I’m loving your photos, Tess ❤ More of those fabulous houses. Lovely ring too. 🙂
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June 7, 2016 at 5:05 pm
I surprised myself falling for that ring–as if I need another one. Most of mine are costume jewelry. At least I don’t have to worry about this one.
The bright-colored houses got to me too. Gorgeous, rich colors. ❤
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June 4, 2016 at 11:51 pm
Oh what a relief to discover you had not overslept! Lovely to see you treat yourself to the ring. I like it too!
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June 7, 2016 at 5:03 pm
Is anyone great at setting unfamiliar clocks. Yes, indeed, breakfast missed might have ruined my day.
😀
I hate shopping and certainly don’t need anything, but temptation found a way to drag me to those rings. I’m pleased as bunch about this buy. Thank you. I bought another one on the west coast during our New Year’s trip for my sister’s 60th birthday. It cost twice and much and I didn’t find one as nice. 🙂
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June 5, 2016 at 8:51 am
You make me want to visit Newfoundland even more, and that’s a great joke.
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June 7, 2016 at 5:00 pm
Can’t take any credit for the joke. There are many in Newfoundland and our tour guide had so many to tell. Had us in stitches during boring, rainy drives. 😀 😀
When we were there last September, a lady was on her second tour in Newfoundland at the time. I had contact with the guide recently and he mentioned she had come again for a third time and had dinner with him and his wife in St. John’s. I wonder what she’s looking for.
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June 7, 2016 at 5:47 pm
Now there’s a story!
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June 5, 2016 at 9:39 am
Great photos, Tess…I love the houses and the the ropes for harvesting mussels. Fascinating. Yes, that’s a very lovely ring. 🙂
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June 7, 2016 at 4:58 pm
Hi Carol. Thanks so much for the visit. I did indeed learn a lot I wasn’t expecting. I love those houses too, especially the rich colors. The ring was a fluke. I had no plans to buy anything. Sheer luck. 😀 ❤
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June 5, 2016 at 10:05 am
These are real gorgeous photos 🙂
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June 7, 2016 at 4:56 pm
Thank you. Sometimes I ‘forgot’ to snap pictures; at others nothing of interest caught my eye. Had to remind myself these were my memories so I better hop-to. 😀 ❤
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June 5, 2016 at 10:31 am
I love looking at the structures and cemeteries of a town. I love imagining the era when a house was built. And when those folks in the cemetery used to walk their town.
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June 7, 2016 at 4:46 pm
Me too. I had no idea I’d grow to like these thing. Must have something to do with maturity. 😀 😀 😀
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June 8, 2016 at 10:30 am
Ah…….maturity. With which comes widsom. 😉
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June 5, 2016 at 11:12 pm
I’m a sucker for unique jewellery too. Pretty ring. 🙂
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June 7, 2016 at 4:47 pm
Thanks, Karen. I hadn’t planned on buying anything. What do I need more stuff for? Need to down-size but how much room does a ring take? 😀 Great to see you. Happy summer to you. ❤
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June 9, 2016 at 12:17 am
Same to you Tess. 🙂
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June 6, 2016 at 3:21 am
Love those colourful wooden houses!
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June 7, 2016 at 4:49 pm
I like them too, Andrew. Not only colorful but show pride of ownership. Anyway, I seem to remember Halifax also has brightly painted houses on the water–not so much the new sub-divisions farther in town.
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June 6, 2016 at 2:42 pm
Gorgeous and very picturesque. Love the churches. And good joke!
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June 7, 2016 at 4:50 pm
Thank you, Olga, and thank you for your visit. I like old buildings and am impressed by their preservation.
Some of the jokes, I cannot include. Ha ha ha. I like a good joke too and we heard a few and then some. ❤ 😀
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June 6, 2016 at 4:56 pm
Love the ring.
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June 7, 2016 at 4:51 pm
Thank you, Patricia. I do too. Had my heart set on another one, but they didn’t have i my size. When I saw this one, I was much happier with it and it FIT. ❤ ❤
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June 6, 2016 at 7:28 pm
Your pictures are beautiful. I hope you’re having a wonderful trip. Love the facts and the ending – smiling is good for the soul. Thanks.@sheilamgood at Cow Pasture Chronicles
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June 7, 2016 at 4:54 pm
Thank you for enjoying the pictures. I’m not much for taking them, but have had to remind myself these are my memories.
I took this trip last September and have been posting a little at a time. I’m enjoying it as much the second time around as the real time one. Thank you for reading, sheila. 😀
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June 8, 2016 at 10:30 am
My pleasure.
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June 9, 2016 at 4:16 pm
Wow- a lot of info here. Who knew about starfish and mussels? And that Newfoundland moms are so smart? 😝 Great photos, and I’d buy that ring too- very cool. 💜
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June 10, 2016 at 9:34 am
Thank YOU for coming along. Yes, I learned a LOT on this trip. Thank you. I like this ring a LOT. 😀 ❤
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June 16, 2016 at 8:47 pm
Lovely blog 😉
Sabrina 🌞🍓🌹
http://www.OrganicIsBeautiful.com
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June 16, 2016 at 9:20 pm
Thank you. Thank you for reading and for adding to the conversation. 😀 ❤
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