We finally arrived in St. John’s, the last leg of our tour. Boohoo. Home soon, but not till we see what is on offer. The only entrance to the harbor is through the The_Narrows,_St._Johns which are only 200 feet wide.
Signal Hill
Our bus chugged up the steep, intimidating hill. I thought we’d roll back any minute. What a surreal feeling! Not a good day for touring 400 feet above sea level. Walking was difficult as the paths, though paved from the parking lot to the Cabot Tower, are also vertical. What a spectacular view. The weather was blustery so the walking was not enjoyable. Other than the view and the inside of the Tower, there wasn’t much to photograph, except the view.

The puddle a defrosted glacier makes
The name Signal Hill did not come from Marconi. When people started to settle here, the merchants had their own ships. They had a person on the hill watching the flag on the incoming ship. The lookout, then put up a twin flag for everyone to see and set off the cannon. Ships came off Cape Race, dropped a canister with news inside and were paid $5.00.
Cabot Tower
Inside the tower are Marconi exhibits and of course, a bustling gift shop. Who knew? We saw numerous and huge ships in the harbor below.
Marconi
Marconi sent transmissions at predetermined times near Cabot Tower. The wireless system really worked, but people laughed at him. Even Thomas Edison scoffed at Marconi’s efforts. “It’s interesting, but I don’t think it will have any commercial value,” he said.
Marconi was responsible for saving 705 people on the Titanic (1,500 were lost). He signaled the Carpathia 584 kilometers south of Cape Race / 365 miles off the coast of Newfoundland.
Waterford
In Bowring_Park, a statue identical to the one in Pickadilly was shipped from England in memory of Sir Edgar Bowring’s granddaughter who drowned with her father.
Quick Facts about St. John’s
- The Four Sisters of Temperance Street
- A Canadian Legion Pub has a periscope on the roof from a wrecked ship
- Pier 17 where Terry Fox put his foot in the water
- Building new convention center capable of hosting anything and everything
- Population about 110,000 in St. John’s
- Huge university, add another 10,000 to 20,000
* * *
Next on October 7th – Out and About in St. John’s
© 2016 Tess @ How the Cookie Crumbles. All Rights Reserved.
For more related posts, click on Newfoundland / Labrador tab at the top of the page
September 30, 2016 at 5:24 pm
Incredible photos! Bravo!
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October 6, 2016 at 11:39 am
Thank YOU. Glad you enjoyed the photos. I had opportunities galore–at every turn. ❤ ❤
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September 30, 2016 at 5:37 pm
Your narratives are always fascinating, Tess. Lovely places. I’m sorry about the wind. Albuquerque was a very blustery place, so I know too well how a windy day can hamper your enjoyment. The photos are lovely though. Thanks for taking us along! Mega hugs.
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October 6, 2016 at 11:38 am
I’m tickled silly you are along for this trip, Teagan. Being 400 feet about sea level, I expect a little wind–now I do. Never thought of it before. Of course, the weather wasn’t the best our whole trip, but I still enjoyed it. ❤ ❤
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September 30, 2016 at 5:40 pm
Wow. Nice view. super photos as well
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October 6, 2016 at 11:36 am
Thank you, John. I’m surprised I took 134 pictures on Day 10 of this trip, yes in ONE day, which comprises many posts on my blog. I don’t know why I checked and can hardly believe I’m talking about ME.
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October 6, 2016 at 1:07 pm
Who better to talk about? At least that’s my opinion. 🙂
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September 30, 2016 at 7:59 pm
Tess, always like to travel with you! Great photos! Your write-ups feature interesting details and make the places come alive. 💛 Christine
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October 6, 2016 at 11:32 am
Thank you, Christine. Wonderful to see you. I enjoy sharing the excitement and hugely pleased you enjoy my tour. 😀 ❤
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September 30, 2016 at 8:04 pm
What a trip. I’m enjoying it.
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October 6, 2016 at 11:31 am
😀 😀 Well, I’m tickled if you enjoy this trip, Jacqui. Tickled, indeed. Thanks for coming along. Love the company. ❤
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September 30, 2016 at 10:52 pm
I always enjoy the armchair tour, Ms. Tess…you have a way with your travels! I love seeing this part of Canada, too, where I’ve never explored but heard all about. Have missed you and glad to connect with you again!
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October 6, 2016 at 11:30 am
Hi. Hi. Hi, SSM. It’s been a long time. Wonderful to see you too. Is the family doing well? ❤ ❤ ❤
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October 6, 2016 at 5:21 pm
Yes, indeed! We had a move cross-town this summer and survived all that, I’m just coming up for air now again! Missed you, girl!!
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October 1, 2016 at 12:43 am
Such beautiful views but to get those means those scarily steep inclines. Always more than delighted to travel with you Tess. Even if I have to huff and puff up the hills. 🙂
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October 1, 2016 at 9:20 am
Thanks, Sue. I huffed and puffed enough for the whole tour bus. 😉 😀
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October 6, 2016 at 11:29 am
Ha ha. You’re in much better shape than me. You can do it easily. I’ve never been this high above sea level. Of course, the bus driver did most of the work till we had to get out and actually walk around 😀 😀
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October 1, 2016 at 3:10 am
Fantastic landscape Tess, I’m looking forward to seeing what the town is like 🙂 Have you planned your next trip yet?
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October 1, 2016 at 9:22 am
It’s hush-hush and not till late spring.
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October 6, 2016 at 11:27 am
Shh. It’s under wraps. 🙂
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October 6, 2016 at 1:57 pm
Maybe you ‘re coming over the pond???
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October 1, 2016 at 3:58 am
Those views are amazing! Great photos, Tess 🙂
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October 1, 2016 at 9:24 am
Thanks. Is any credit is due it’s only to the landscape. ❤
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October 1, 2016 at 1:42 pm
And the photographer’s captures 🙂
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October 6, 2016 at 11:24 am
Ha ha. I am learning to talk in pictures. Always used to forget a camera or to take pictures. Duh. 😀 😀
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October 6, 2016 at 11:27 am
Ha ha. All I did is point and shoot. I’m no photographer, but thanks, Cathy. 🙂 ❤
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October 1, 2016 at 6:48 am
Reblogged this on Smorgasbord – Variety is the spice of life and commented:
We continue our virtual tour of Newfoundland with our guide Tess Karlinski and St. John’s Signal Hill will be fascinating for history buffs.. Before modern technology flags were used to signal comings and goings from the hill and then along came Marconi! Head over and read all about this important place in our tech history.
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October 1, 2016 at 9:26 am
Thank YOU, Sally, for your generous heart. XX
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October 1, 2016 at 1:36 pm
I am loving these views Tess.
And just out of curiosity what is the next adventure we will go on with you? 🙂
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October 6, 2016 at 11:26 am
Ha ha. My sister and I have booked one for May, but it’s hush-hush for now. Don’t tell anyone. 😀
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October 7, 2016 at 3:50 pm
Mums the word! 🙂
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October 1, 2016 at 1:42 pm
I lived in St. John’s for many years. I now have my two daughters living there and I’m hoping again next spring. 🙂 Awesome post!
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October 6, 2016 at 11:25 am
Oh. I replied to your second comment first. Nice you have family there. Did you enjoy living there? Did you work or find work hard to find?
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October 6, 2016 at 6:15 pm
I loved living in St.John’s. I went to university there, but I ended moving to find work. I still go back on a regular basis.😊
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October 6, 2016 at 8:18 pm
Hah. Yes, I heard, until we arrive in early September. 😀 😀 😀
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October 7, 2016 at 7:21 pm
The weather in NL can be very fickle.😊
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October 1, 2016 at 1:45 pm
I’m hoping to visit next Spring that is. I got ahead of myself with my last comment lol. 🙂
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October 6, 2016 at 11:23 am
Outstanding! I hope the weather is better for you. 🙂
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October 6, 2016 at 6:16 pm
Last summer the weather was great.😊
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October 1, 2016 at 3:09 pm
Gorgeous photos, Tess. Newfoundland has just made my bucket list! 🙂
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October 6, 2016 at 11:18 am
Thank YOU, Tina. I’m pleased you’ve enjoyed the photos. A pretty good bullet to add to your bucket list. 😉
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October 1, 2016 at 4:26 pm
I have yet to visit Newfoundland but when I do I will for sure go to Signal Hill. Great photos and story!!
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October 6, 2016 at 11:19 am
Thanks for the visit, Darlene. It’s a little windy up top but there’s lots to see. Hope you get there. 🙂
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October 1, 2016 at 10:17 pm
I want to tag along every time.
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October 6, 2016 at 11:22 am
Thank YOU, Linda. Glad to have you along. Nothing like good company. 🙂 ❤ ❤
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October 3, 2016 at 3:15 am
Odd isn’t it how we scoff at genius. Are we any better today, sneering at people’s efforts to built clean energy or develop efficient forms of transport.
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October 3, 2016 at 8:46 pm
Awful, isn’t it how anything new or innovative is judged so harshly. I was a little disappointed in Alexander Graham Bell.
The rest, well…
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October 4, 2016 at 4:29 am
Ha!
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October 6, 2016 at 11:21 am
😉
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October 3, 2016 at 8:10 pm
I’ll have to head over to the other side of the country and visit this special place, one day! Thank you for sharing it with us. Have a safe trip home ❤
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October 3, 2016 at 8:24 pm
Glad you like the tour and yes, by all means, go. I AM home. This trip happened a year ago. ❤ ❤
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October 4, 2016 at 6:20 am
Wow. What an amazing tour. Thank you for sharing your photos with us. I remember reading about Marconi when I read up on the Titanic sinking back in the early 90s, but I didn’t really fully understand what it was.
Stephanie
http://stephie5741.blogspot.com
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October 4, 2016 at 9:15 am
Thank you for reading and commenting. I didn’t make a good connection about Marconi either until this tour. We’re always learning, aren’t we. Life would be boring otherwise. 😀 😀
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October 5, 2016 at 6:24 pm
Every time I read your posts, Tess I want to sling a backpack over my shoulder and travel and even though I didn’t get as far as Newfoundland I did travel this weekend. And I also enjoy learning and traveling along with you. Thanks, off to share. 🙂 Big hugs. xox
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October 6, 2016 at 11:21 am
Wonderful to see you, Donna. You warm my heart. Thanks so much for reading and coming along. I have a soft spot for this place. Where did you travel last weekend? 🙂
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October 6, 2016 at 12:31 pm
To Toronto then to my brother’s home nearby. 🙂
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October 6, 2016 at 4:57 pm
What a beautiful (even if windy) place. Your photos took us there. By the way, what a fun Halloweeny header you have. 🙂
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October 6, 2016 at 5:21 pm
Fabulous looking place.
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October 7, 2016 at 4:53 am
Fantastic views (even with inclement weather) and thanks for the fascinating data about Marconi. Sometimes you have to ignore feedback and other’s opinions and keep going. Thankfully he did. Have a great weekend, Tess!
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