Roamings

2010-09-21T17:18:00.001-04:00

New Year's Eve

Dec 28, 2008
Post a comment

The present profile picture was taken on New Year's Eve, 1992, in Darrell and Isabel's home in Ottawa.
Jannich and I loved to visit them over the years when they were there
.
We discovered many different areas downtown that we made our places to revisit.
We both had a love of seeking out unique items, new food, museums, coffee shops, chocolates, book stores and on and on....memories.

The thing that I miss the most is the emotion intimacy that develops with one's best friend over the years.

Family-21

Moving...

Dec 16, 2008
Post a comment

As of December 17th my internet and telephone service will be discontinued and started again on December 23rd.
I will send individual emails with my new telephone number.

The Winding Road...

Dec 7, 2008
Post a comment

Following is a blog entry from this past August...

I wonder when these awful days will end...

Jannich & Ruth-1989

Aug.2008

Today, the realization came to me that even with all of the help and the support that my family and my friends give to me I still have to walk that lonely road by myself.

Whether the road winds up or down depends on me.

Today it is uncertain.

Daily,I ask God to help me.

Sold!!!

Dec 5, 2008
Post a comment

Yesterday, December 4th the sale of my house was finalized!

Due to the present market, the amount was not what I wanted but that is OK as we have done well through the years on other sales ie. Victorian Manor.
The realization has been impacted on me that material things do not result in happiness!

Saturday, December 6th a memorial service for all of the loved ones who were committed to the care of the McCulloch-Watson Funeral Home,Durham in 2008 will be held at 7 PM followed by light refreshments.

Four of the Peter/Dewar family are attending.

Still Hard to Believe!

Nov 28, 2008
Post a comment

On the American Thanksgiving weekend in 2005, Jannich and I left Ontario with our new Dodge Ram and RV with nothing but the open road ahead of us and adventure as far as we could see!!!

Jannich has been gone for five months now.

One never knows!

#1- North to Alaska- #2- Alaskan salmon we caught and smoked- #3- Edisto Beach, SC- #4- Newfoundland.....

All previous posts
Our photos

Sunday Visit...

Nov 25, 2008
Post a comment

Considering the busy lives that most people lead in 2008.... having the great aunts and uncles get together with their extended family in Woodbridge on Sunday was an exceptional feat.
Visiting, catching up, story telling and eating were the chosen activities.

Michelle and Darrell are missing from the photo at the table...they are to the left.

All previous posts
Our photos

Woodbridge-7

Lots of fun!

Are You Ready?

Nov 22, 2008
Post a comment

Pictures of Bellevue Beach and Bonavista, Newfoundland.-2007

Remembering Darwin...

Years ago, a farmer owned land along the Atlantic seacoast.

He constantly advertised for hired hands. Most people were

reluctant to work on farms along the Atlantic. They dreaded the

awful storms that raged across the Atlantic, wreaking havoc on the buildings and crops.

As the farmer interviewed applicants for the job, he received

A steady stream of refusals.

Finally, a short, thin man, well past middle age, approached

the farmer. "Are you a good farm hand?" the farmer asked him.

"Well, I can sleep when the wind blows," answered the little man.

Although puzzled by this answer, the farmer, desperate for help,

Hired him. The little man worked well around the farm, busy from

dawn to dusk, and the farmer felt satisfied with the man's work.

Then one night the wind howled loudly in from offshore.

Jumping out of bed, the farmer grabbed a lantern and rushed

next door to the hired hand's sleeping quarters. He shook the

little man and yelled, "Get up! A storm is coming!

Tie things down before they blow away!"

The little man rolled over in bed and said firmly, "No

sir. I told you, I can sleep when the wind blows."

Enraged by the response, the farmer was tempted to fire him on

the spot. Instead, he hurried outside to prepare for the storm.

To his amazement, he discovered that all of the haystacks had

been covered with tarpaulins. The cows were in the barn, the chickens

were in the coops, and the doors were barred.

The shutters were tightly secured. Everything was tied down.

Nothing could blow away. The farmer then understood what his

hired hand meant, so he returned to his bed to also sleep while

the wind blew.

When you're prepared, spiritually, mentally, and physically,

you have nothing to fear. Can you sleep when the

wind blows through your life?

The hired hand in the story was able to sleep because he

had secured the farm against the storm.

We secure ourselves against the storms of life by

grounding ourselves in the Word of God.

We don't need to understand, we just need to hold

His hand to have peace in the middle of storms.

Graphics by Linda Fitzwater

Looking into the Future...

Nov 12, 2008
Post a comment

This entry was written last December as we waited for more tests.

Remember, we had our fifth wheel parked in D&I's driveway not knowing what direction our uncertain future would take.
We had no house and all of our belongings were stored!

Jannich's death has taught me that we do not take anything with us.

That is easy to say but hard to understand!

Something I felt that day last year....

What is the measure of a man? Presently, that is something that we are considering. What matters? Where are we going? - More hugs, more connection, more deep breathing in of our surroundings- Total connection with our maker- Life is so short! Just a breeze in the wind, a puff of smoke, here today and gone tomorrow.

Live each day as if it were your last.

I grieve today for my beautiful nephew, Darwin, and for the near future of my husband, Jannich.

All previous posts
Our photos

Remembering Darwin...

Nov 9, 2008
Post a comment

Darwin went to be with his Lord and Saviour on November 21st, 2007.

His aggressive brain tumor was diagnosed September 7th, 2007.

Darwin, forever young...

( click on Our Photos - page #6 - for Peter family photos of Darwin )

All previous posts
Our photos

Darwin and Lisa - 1990

First Child

At R&J,s Wedding in Orillia

Darwin & Lisa

Visit to Mom & Dad

Rx for recovery...

Nov 7, 2008
Post a comment

Jannich & Ruth-1989

No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.

This advice from the last blog entry was exactly what my family physician told Jannich and me to do several months ago!!!
As he said "You will last longer and have a better quality of life."

After Jannich died, the doctor added, " Go somewhere every day."
Some days I have just driven around the back roads crying, but I went out...

Life Goes On

2010-09-04T11:30:00.000-04:00

Life Goes On...

Jul 21, 2010
Post a comment

Hospital Drama Continued

A friend of mine is waiting to have her ovaries removed as she has an eight cm tumor in one.
She is in constant pain.
She is waiting to have her surgery,which was canceled in July, rescheduled.

Following is a letter which I just received.

Hi there,

I got up all my nerve and phoned the doctor's mean old secretary today and got a recorded message saying that the office is closed for this week as they are on holidays....Don't leave a message as it won't be picked up....If you are having a baby call the labour room....If you are having gynecological surgery and have a problem ...go to emerge.

I think I'll just forget about the whole darn thing until one year when they find my name on a list and call me back!

This summer weather is too nice to miss anyway.

Love xxxx

A new year and a new look....

2007-12-08T10:47:00.000-05:00

Posted by Jannich...
A new year and a new look...

All future blogs will be posted at
NEW BLOG ADDRESS please go there and copy the address to your bookmarks...

If you can not get there send us a message and we will send you a link

Tribute Slide Show for Darwin Dewar

2007-12-03T19:31:00.000-05:00

Posted by Ruth....

Ruth returned December 2nd from Edmonton where she attended her nephew's funeral. The Church on 99 prepared a slide show of his work and family. Over one thousand people attended his funeral at the church where he worked. A memorial is being held in Vancouver this weekend as that is where he attended University and worked with campus ministry and as a Pastor at a church. He had been in Edmonton since 2003. It was difficult to see Darwin's five year old son, Jeremy helping to roll the casket down the church aisle. He loves to help just as his father did.

One more scan...

2007-11-29T19:55:00.000-05:00

Two CT scans were booked for me at Owen Sound Hospital on Thursday November 29th -a head and neck and a total bone scan. The bone scan is re-scheduled for the 11 Dec. They were out of nuclear matter!!!!! It was explained that there is a world shortage due to a manufacturing problem!

The appointment with the Surgeon is still on for this Monday Dec. 3rd.
We will keep you posted;;

One Day at a Time

2007-11-21T18:58:00.000-05:00

Posted by Ruth....

Today we found out the date of Jannich's meeting with the specialist in Owen Sound. He is presently on vacation so the appointment is set for Monday, December 3rd. There are a number of tests which need to be completed before that date.

We are in communication daily with Ruth's sister and brother-in-law in Edmonton. We just received word that Darwin passed from this world to be with his Heavenly Father at approximately 5:55 pm. (local time) No more pain, no more tears, just joy forever.

And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. Romans 8:28

Now we know...

2007-11-20T14:47:00.000-05:00

Posted by Ruth....
After considerable prodding of the staff at the Walkerton Hospital where the CT scan was taken last Thursday, the results were finally read today and sent to Dr. L. in Durham. To quote him: It does not look good and an appointment will be made with the Pulmonary Specialist in Owen Sound for later this week.

We are thankful for the persistent and astute Doctor that we met in Quebec in September.

The time has come to winterize the RV

This blog will be updated as the results become known.....

-
Our photos;

Update

2007-11-14T18:35:00.000-05:00

Posted by Ruth....
With all of the different stress surrounding us at this time we have lost our stomach for blogging trivia.

Ruth's nephew is experiencing a very low time the past few days.

Jannich will be having his CT scan November 15th- then we will wait for the results. Ruth's sister and brother-in-law, who are in Edmonton, have kindly offered their home to us.

Most RV parks are closed or have turned off their services. We spend a lot of our time in the RV as it is our home and it is parked in their driveway. If we spend much longer in Ontario we will have to have it winterized. We still plan to go south in a couple of weeks! Will keep you posted.
-
Our photos;

Recalled..........

2007-11-01T22:27:00.000-04:00

Posted by Ruth....
Jannich enjoyed two and one half days of fellowship while working on Habitat for Humanity homes in Waveland, Mississippi. His job was painting, which he loves! He was working with Titanium owners and church groups from Colorado. Ruth and Winston kept the home fires burning. Monday we became aware of the urgency of a medical issue that had been simmering since our breakdown on the Trans-Canada Highway east of Quebec City.

As soon as we have the rest of the tires replaced on our RV we will be leaving Mississippi to return to Ontario.

The problem with which we need to deal involves Jannich's health. The Doctor we saw in an emergency ward east of Quebec City contacted our family doctor in Durham in the middle of October. At the time that he treated Jannich's presenting problem (mid September) a number of tests were conducted. (We spent that night in the hospital parking lot.) The symptoms related to Jannich's chest and lung areas. Jannich saw our family doctor October 3rd., was prescribed antibiotics and a inhaler with medication and saw his heavy cough clear up to a certain degree. Thinking all was well we left Ontario. The Quebec doctor emailed us and Dr. L. with his concerns after he had examined the x-ray a second time. The Durham doctor has suggested that we return for further tests.

________________________________________________________

The above section was written on October 30th. After speaking with our family Doctor on Wednesday, October 31, Dr. L. Suggested that Jannich get some chest x-rays in Bay Saint Louis and perhaps save a trip back. This AM, November 1st. when Jannich checked our computer he found an e-mail telling us to return to Ontario ASAP. Dr. L. saw a "mass" in Jannich's lung, in the x-rays that had been faxed to him. With no time to get new tires we will trust God to get us safely back to Durham.
He coughed and hacked all the way from the Gulf coast while battling the interstate traffic.

Tonight we are back in a park north of Birmingham, Alabama, well on our way north!!!

On the road again

2007-10-17T18:57:00.000-04:00

Monday, October 15 we left Ontario with Bay Saint Louis, Mississippi being our destination. We must have fit the profile for that day at the US customs as we cooled our heels here at the border for over three hours. Our potentially "Mad Cow" infected steak and dog food were confiscated as was a plant that had already been to the US for a trip as well as two months in Alaska. It was yes sir/no sir all the way. The dog and all our currency had to be removed from the truck and RV before the inspector left us at station and searched our vehicles unaccompanied. That night we stayed in an Ohio RV park surrounded by corn fields. Very peaceful!

Tuesday we were determined to make up some time. On an eight lane interstate going through Louisville, Kentucky at more than 100 clicks, Jannich noticed a large enough bulge in a tire of the RV that he could see it in his side mirror. He worked our way to the right, hoping for a truck stop at the next exit! NO, this exit led into a residential area. Scanning quickly, he saw a parking lot big enough in which to turn around: the Seventh Day Adventist Church and school lot. Very quickly we found ourselves parked peacefully behind the church. Three hours later we pulled back on I-65 and made our way to the first RV park we could find. We were thankful that we had not caused a major accident, that the church office made a phone available and that the road service came fully equipped. (One day we will tell the story about our breakdown on the Trans-Canada Highway east of Quebec City in the heart of rural Quebec!) While we were waiting for repair Jannich caught up on some reading while Ruth and Winston had a sleep. Much better to be behind the church than on the side of a highway.

Wednesday transpired without any unusual events. We are camped just north of Birmingham, Alabama. By mid day tomorrow we hope to be in Hattiesburg, Mississippi where we will spend a week before traveling to Bay Saint Louis to meet other Titanium owners. A week will be spent there helping to build Habitat for Humanity houses. The temperature here is 32 degrees celsius. This not the level we normally experience in October...

On Tuesday, September 11,

2007-10-17T18:53:00.000-04:00

we received an email informing us that Ruth's nephew had been diagnosed with an inoperable, fast growing brain tumor. He is 43 years old and has a wife and three young children. They are presently pastors at a downtown Edmonton church.(churchon99). It has been a roller coaster of emotions since we got this unexpected news. Only by the grace of God and prayer has the family survived so far. To read about Darwin for further details. We realize now how insignificant small irritations are.

Keep him in your prayers.

West Coast Explorations;

2007-09-11T15:17:00.000-04:00

We traveled from Port aux Choix to Rocky Harbour and stayed in Gros Morne RV park. From here we visited coves in the area: Norris Point, Woody Point and Trout River. We decided that Trout River seemed to be the most isolated area we had traveled through in the province.
The landscape in the Western area is so different from the Eastern and Central sections that we felt that we had entered a different province.
We traveled to the Marble mountain ski area just east of Corner Brook and stayed here for one day. Stephenville was our next stop. While there we traveled 80 km. west of the town to the tip of the cape. In our opinion, this area comes second to Trout River in the category of isolation.
With extra time due to not going to Labrador and the western coast not taking as long as we anticipated, we decided to go back to our favourite place, Fogo on Fogo Island. The trip from Stephenville to the ferry to Fogo only took us 5 1/2 hours so we decided that the drive was worthwhile.

Wednesday September 12th we will start making our way toward the Gulf ferry at Port aux Basque. We have a summer full of memories to take with us.

Internet is very sporadic here.
Our photos;
-

Port aux Choix

2007-09-03T20:33:00.000-04:00

On September 1st when we drove to where the ferry leaves for Labrador we made a second decision to turn around. The first one was south of Ferryland on the Irish loop. Heavy rain and wind played a role in this decision. We travelled south to Port aux Choix,which is known as the the capital of the shrimp fisheries in Western Newfoundland. Our camp was at the Oceanside RV park. We enjoyed a very nice seafood dinner near the waterfront Saturday evening and we spent Sunday, a beautiful day with sunshine, walking on the rocks along the shore. The wind is enjoyable when the trailer is not being towed!Walking along the beach we found many fossils in the rock. Here are a couple of pictures. To show the size we placed a penny in the picture.
Our photos;
-

Exploring....

2007-08-31T17:07:00.000-04:00

During the five days we have been staying at the Viking RV park just outside L'Anse aux Meadows we have explored many small settlements. From Rawley and Burnt Cape to Quirpon (rhymes with harpoon) and Hay Cove we have admired the beautiful coastline and tried the local food in small restaurants.

Shops are set up to in a very upscale, slick manner to serve the hundreds of visitors from across the USA and Europe. One re-enactor at Norstead told us that on a regular summer day they will have between 300 to 400 visitors. At this time with the temperatures dropping and many days of rain, large buses full of tourists, rental cars and every type of camping unit can be seen in the parking lots and on the roads.

In spite of all these people here, it is very quiet as this is an extremely isolated area . We have made two trips to St. Anthony which is the only centre for banking, hospital and other needs. Almost every community has a small convenience or grocery store but St. Anthony is the only place to shop without traveling south out of the Northern Peninsula.

Saturday September 1st, we leave here to catch the ferry to Labrador.
Our photos;
-

NORSTEAD, Viking Village and Port of Trade

2007-08-31T13:45:00.000-04:00

Norstead is also located in L'Anse aux Meadows near the UNESCO site. It is a replication of a Viking Village and Port of Trade. Norstead Village is a not for profit organization that was created in 2000 to mark the 1000th anniversary of Leif Erikson's journey from Greenland across the North Atlantic. Norstead extends this story by presenting the typical life in a
more permanent settlement.
The interpreters are quite colourful and love to entertain their visitors.

The Snorre, which is on display at the site, is a 50 foot copy of a Viking cargo ship found in a bog outside Roskilde Denmark. This ship was built in Maine, USA, then transported to Greenland and was sailed to L'Anse aux Meadows in 2000.
Our photos;
-

L'Anse aux Meadows

2007-08-31T10:50:00.000-04:00

As the site of the first European settlement in North America more than 1000 years ago, L'Anse aux Meadows is among the world's most significant archaeological properties. Tuesday August 28th we visited this site.

The outlines of Norse encampments can still be seen at this UNESCO World Heritage Site. There are replicated sod huts in order to let one experience what it would have been like inside the buildings. Walking trails give dramatic views of the ocean. Jannich found it interesting to chat with a Viking re-enactor who helped to re-create life as it was in this harsh environment.

Our photos;
-

From Horse Chops to Cow Head

2007-08-29T19:15:00.000-04:00

By Saturday August 25th. we had left Clarenville, travelled through Grand Falls-Windsor, turned off the TCH and had gone north towards Gros Morne National Park. After driving through stunning scenery and small mountains we reached the flat area that threads along side the ocean. Near the north end of the park we turned off the main road into a little place called Cow Head. Here we booked into a RV park with an ocean view. This is the home of Gros Morne Theatre Festival which runs from May until September. Because of this there are many B&Bs, a big motel and restaurants. We tried out chowder and fish and chips on Sunday. We have had better.

Every small cove is different! We do not know why it is called Cow Head either..............

Continuing north on the Viking trail we plan to arrive in St. Anthony on Monday August 27th

Our photos;
-

Horse Chops

2007-08-26T15:15:00.000-04:00

When we got back to our RV after our trip to English Harbour and checked in the tourist guides we found that this narrow gravel road was one where people should walk!
We had driven for about two kilometers (no shoulders and no guard rails) along this bumpy road that went along the top of a cliff toward a point, when we decided to turn around when we still could.
We got out of the car to to let Winston have a little exercise and to take in the view. We were surrounded by stunning scenery as we were at least 80 to a 100 feet above the ocean. In the distance we could see a boat near the shore. Using binoculars we realized that this was a whale watching boat. Then we turned our attention to the water and we were in for a treat. With practically an aerial view we watched whales diving, spouting and swimming close to the surface. What a wonderfully un-expected sight as we were in a premier whale watching site and did not know it.

We left uplifted and happy we had taken this road and never did find out what was at the end. We read in the tourist guide that the road we had been on was called the road to HORSE CHOPS. No explanation why it was called that.

Our photos;
-

Random Passage, film set

2007-08-23T14:59:00.000-04:00

The next day we drove back to Bonaventure which is a typical out-port community with an active fishery, and finally on to New Bonaventure. We stopped for coffee and a snack in a converted school house and walked about 1/2 km to the film site.
This site was constructed in 2000 for the filming for the international TV mini series, "Random Passage". Here you get an opportunity to imagine the life of the people in the early 1800s in a typical fishing outpost. We had an excellent guide to show us through the houses, church, school, gardens and fish flakes. First she gave us a run down on the story line, then in the pouring rain fed us interesting tidbits in each building. The tour was approximately 1 1/2 hour in length and we left with a deepened respect for the people of Newfoundland.

Making our way home we decided to check out two more coves. Champney's and English Harbour. English Harbour seemed to be the end of the road but we saw a narrow gravel path leading out of town toward the sea so we decided to see where it led.

Now, to find out what was at the end of the road check the next blog.

Our photos;
-

Trinity

2007-08-23T14:55:00.000-04:00

We were on the way to take a day trip to New Bonaventure when we noticed a small town called Trinity. We decided to go in and take a quick look. What a surprise! Here we found an extraordinarily picturesque community nestled at the bottom of the cliffs of Trinity Bay. This town was full of tourists and there were no lack of places for them to visit. The gift shops were upscale and extremely expensive. Artisans were predominant and substantial historical houses filled the downtown.A well known professional theatre, Rising Tides Theatre runs dramas all summer. This theatre does an outdoor historical pageant that takes one through the lanes of Trinity. All of the buildings are restored at a historically correct manner. No vinyl siding is allowed even on private resident dwellings. Sea kayaking, whale watching, walking tours and mussel farm viewing are available as activities. At the Dock Marina Restaurant we had the best seafood chowder and fish and chips we have ever eaten.

Needless to say we spent so much time here that we did not get to Bonaventure that day.

Our photos;
-

Susie's Cafe

2007-08-23T14:52:00.000-04:00

From Bonavista we took a day trip down the west side of the peninsula visiting the little coves along the way. We went off the main road to check out Duntara. We had noticed Susie's Cafe on the way out and on our return trip we stopped in for lunch. This very small restaurant specializes in traditional Newfoundland food. That day Jannich tried Fish n Brewis and Ruth had Cod au Gratin. For dessert we tried their wonderful homemade blueberry cheesecake and blueberry puff. We are both having a bit of trouble with the high amount of salt in the main courses and the very sweet desserts we are served.

The flipper pie we bought at BIDGOOD'S store earlier on our trip was cooked in our RV one evening while we were at Belleview Beach. The odour of it cooking was unusual so we decided to give the pie to our neighbours at the camp, who were from Newfoundland. They told us that seal is an acquired taste. We probably will not acquire it. The server at Susie's cafe told us that the people ate seal out of necessity but they prefer steak and pork chops when given the choice.

Our photos;
-

OUTPORTS

2007-08-21T13:01:00.000-04:00

A day trip was taken to two out-port coves, Elliston and Maberly. Maberly has magnificent panoramic views of the rugged north Atlantic. We noticed isolated saltbox houses that were being restored by their new out of province owners.

Elliston is known as the "Root Cellar Capital of the World". It has 134 documented root cellars with some dating back to the 1830s. More than forty have been restored to optimum storage condition for the benefit of the tourists. The people of this region of Newfoundland tried to become self sufficient to ease the grip of the mercantile firms. One historical plaque states that a poor crop of turnips, potatoes and carrots was as devastating as a poor fishing year.

Our album:
-

The Mockbeggar Plantation

2007-08-21T12:52:00.000-04:00

The Mockbeggar Plantation is thought to be the oldest fishery plantation in Newfoundland. The wooden salt box fish-store is believed to have been built around 1733, making it the oldest surviving wooden structure on the coast. Over the years it has served as a salt fish store, salmon packing house, salt store, fish dryer, barter shop, residence of owner, temporary Methodist Church (1871), headquarters for the newly established Salvation Army Corps (1886), and miscellaneous warehousing purposes in more recent years. From 1939 to 1966 the property was occupied by F. Gordon Bradley, a lawyer and politician who, after playing a significant role in the move to bring Newfoundland into Confederation with Canada, became Newfoundland's first representative in the Canadian cabinet, and later served as a member of the Senate.

Joey Smallwood and Gordon Bradley had many meetings in the ornate library of this house.

Our album:
-

The DUNGEON.

2007-08-21T12:47:00.000-04:00

Just before our dry camp area one could drive through the community pasture to a very unusual rock formation known as the Dungeon. It is a twin entrance sea cave with a collapsed roof which has been carved into the cliff face by the incessant action of the sea.

Our album:
-

Cape Bonavista Lighthouse

2007-08-21T12:36:00.000-04:00

When we arrived in Bonavista we could not find a RV park that could accommodate our trailer so we made a winding trip through the downtown to the information kiosk. We were told that we could dry camp in an open area close to the Cape. We stayed here five days and were continuously buffeted by high winds. We were told that the Cape is the most windy spot in Newfoundland. Two trips were made to the lighthouse where we participated in a guided tour.This lighthouse was in use from 1843 until it was decommissioned in 1962 when the light at the Cape was automated and placed in an exterior steel tower. During both trips we admired the hundreds of puffins perched outside their burrows and flitting about. We would have loved to have spent more time watching the puffins.

Our album:
-

A BONA VISTA!

2007-08-21T12:26:00.000-04:00

A Bona Vista, Giovanni Caboto (John Cabot) has been quoted as saying in 1497, when he sighted land and claimed New-Founde-Lande for Britain. He noted the plentiful cod stocks and for the next several hundred years people arrived from England, Ireland, Portugal and France to fish.

With the growth of Bonavista's population, merchants soon established mercantile centres to buy the planters' (people who established the new community) fish and to sell them goods.
Many exporting firms became very wealthy as can be seen in the reconstructed Ryan Premises. It is a National Historic Site of Canada which commemorates five centuries of commercial fishing on the east coast. Bonavista became the principal mercantile centre on the northeast coast during the mid eighteen hundreds. Houses and outbuildings were built on land well back from the water making use of narrow paths which eventually became became lane ways and roads threading in every direction across marshes and over hills. We enjoyed these narrows winding roads as we took photos of different kinds of architecture and fences.

Nearby is a full scale replica of John Cabot's ship "The Matthew". It was built by Newfoundland shipwrights and can be toured.

Our album:
-

Roadside BAKEAPPLE purchase

2007-08-15T11:15:00.000-04:00

After a trip to Arnold's Cove for groceries we decided to stop to buy some Bakeapple preserves from a roadside vendor. Many people sell preserves and knitted goods at the roadside.

We met Mary from Chance Cove who supplements her income by selling preserves and home knitting along the TCH. She makes the jam but she stated that she didn't have the legs to walk on the bogs anymore. Someone else picks the berries for her. Families look after each other as Mary continues to live alone in her own house with her sons' help.

Our album:
-

The RELOCATIONS!

2007-08-15T11:09:00.000-04:00

In Placentia, Ruth visited the O'Reilly House Museum while Winston and Jannich went for a walk. It was too hot to leave Winston in the truck.

Here a second re-location process was discovered. Joey Smallwoood decided in 1957 to "urge" people in the out-port coves to "relocate" to "growth centres". If 80 percent agreed, everybody had to move. In this area, Placentia and Arnold's Cove were two of the growth centres.
After this museum tour, Ruth decided that the people in the out-port Coves in Newfoundland have been used to achieve the goals of other people without much consultation.

This re-location process continued until 1977.

We ate lunch at Belle's restaurant which is located in a historic home.

Our album:
-

Ship Harbour.

2007-08-15T11:01:00.000-04:00

On a battle ship off the shore of Ship Harbour Roosevelt and Churchill met in 1941 to sign the Atlantic Charter. They also celebrated the building the Air/Naval base at Argentia,

Our album:

Caplin still running...

2007-08-15T10:56:00.000-04:00

Saturday August 11th, Jannich noticed large numbers of sea gulls flying and dipping over Trinity Bay near Bellevue Beach. Upon investigation he saw waves of caplin still coming on shore so that they could spawn. Many people were watching this as caplin continue to be seen spawning in August is very unusual.
Normally this process ends by mid July.

The next day as we sat on this same shore enjoying the view, the wind and the sun we were treated to some whale activity. One large and one small whale surfaced numerous times as they made their way across the cove.
They were enjoying the caplin too.

Our album:

Irish Loop

2007-08-15T10:48:00.000-04:00

Setting off at 1 PM on August 8th from St. John's for the short drive to Witless, Mobile and Ferryland, we stopped at Bay Bulls' tourism information centre to find out the location of RV parks. We were informed that the two parks on the East side of the peninsula did not have electric and water hook ups. The guide said, "Just haul over to the side of the road and park in a gravel pit!"

We had planned on spending over a week in The Irish Loop area. After traveling to south of Ferryland without finding a suitable place to stop, as well as the long miles of driving through wilderness that we could see ahead of us, the decision to turn around 85 kilometers south of St. John's was made. This is not easy towing a large trailer.

We returned to the TCH West and booked back into Bellevue Beach Park. It was like coming home.
Thursday August 9th, high winds and heavy rain soaked most of Newfoundland. We were happy not to be camped in a gravel pit beside the road.

Our album:

The Rooms, St. John's

2007-08-15T10:39:00.000-04:00

"Soaring into the skyline of historic St. John's, The Rooms combines twenty-first century technology with a striking visual reference to our past.

In our new rooms, you'll find collections, exhibits and programs that tell our stories and interpret our natural world through art, artifacts, archaeology, architecture and archival records."
This quote is from the visitors' guide for The Rooms.

This is a showplace of modern architecture and interactive displays while honouring the seafaring past of this area. We capped our visit here with lunch in the fourth floor cafe. A window seat with a 180 degree view of St. John's and of the harbour, excellent service and food and fine table linen completed the impression of the diversity of this historic city.

Our Album:

Cape Spear

2007-08-07T19:16:00.000-04:00

Since 1836, the Cape Spear lighthouse has guided ships along the coastline of St. John's.
It has been recognized as a National Historic Site of Canada.

Visiting here made a perfect end to our time in the Capital City. The rugged beauty and the power of the ocean are awesome. All of this history and beauty are accessible and close to St. John's.

As we were arriving at the Cape parking lot we could see the fog moving in. It was just like a big grey blanket. Hearing the fog horn as we climbed to lighthouse was an experience in itself!

Cape Spear is the most eastern point in North America.

Wednesday August 8Th we will be taking the Irish Loop south to Witless Bay.

Our album
-

Unique and Historic

2007-08-07T19:10:00.000-04:00

Enjoy these photos of the downtown historic and colourful sections of St John's. The one shot contains the new Museum/Provincial Archives /Art Gallery called "The Rooms". therooms.ca

In the fishing communities' past, families came together to process their catch in groups of steep roofed buildings.
This state-of-the-art cultural facility is a new unique landmark named to remember these collections of small buildings that can still be found throughout the coves.

Our Album
-

Pippy Park, St. John's NL

2007-08-05T15:29:00.000-04:00

August 2nd we made the short drive from Bellevue Beach to Pippy Park which is located in the centre of St. John's. Signal Hill, Water St. and Bidgoods in Goulds have been visited. Tonight, Sunday August 5th we are returning to Signal Hill to watch an 18th century military drill (TATTOO).

Winston was a big hit with everybody on Water St. The panhandlers used him as a lead in to get our attention. A Busker's festival was in progress here. At Bidgood's Cove we purchased several food items to try: Flipper pie (seal flippers), salted caplin and salted beef to make an Jigg's dinner.
We tried a touton with molasses at their cafe.

Between salty and sweet,
Our taste buds are in for a treat.
Ruth Peter-Nielsen

The photo shows part of the view of St. John's harbour from Signal Hill.

Our photo album
-
-

Tropical storm Chantal

2007-08-05T12:13:00.001-04:00

Monday and Tuesday July 29 and 30th severe winds brew across the inlet at Bellevue beach. Tuesday night and Wednesday were a night and day of steady rainfall. Our RV was surrounded by huge puddles and a ditch full of water. They were large enough to have waves and a current. Our TV reception was limited so on Thursday we decided to find out what had occurred.
Six nearby towns had declared a "State of emergency" as they were cut off by severe wash-outs. 184 mm of rain fell on Dunnville and Placentia in a twelve hour period.
The ferry from Sidney NS to Argentia NL was re-routed for 2 days as there was a very limit way in and out of this coastal area.

Many asphalt driveways looked as though they had been picked up and shaken like a rug leaving drainage pipes and boulders strewn about.

As one can see in the photos the water is still swirling and boiling through these small villages. The houses are perched on the side of rocky areas leading down to the shore and water makes its own route....

Our photo album
-

Argentia at war

2007-08-05T12:06:00.000-04:00

After viewing the storm damage we drove out to the ferry docking area in Argentia.
Here we viewed something we had never read about in the history books in Ontario.
A vast, empty, abandoned area of airplane runways, ammunition bunkers and deteriorating military buildings made up the village of Argentia. A stop at the tourist bureau cleared up some questions and created others.

Apparently some sort of deal was struck between Newfoundland and the USA in 1941. (Newfoundland joined Confederation in 1949).

People were relocated-not a nice word- houses burned and very little compensation given to them for their cooperation. Here a self-sufficient village that had thrived through the depression found their generational homes taken to build a naval/air base. Three cemeteries were disinterred and taken away. The cemeteries were moved at night and in the end the houses were bulldozed first and then burned because the local residents became too upset.

These people had to find their own way with their belongings to the next village or to other relatives in Newfoundland so that they could start their life over. Relocation...

Why was a US air/naval base being built in Newfoundland before the attack on Pearl Harbour?

Our photo album

Vinland...

2007-08-01T12:38:00.000-04:00

The couple who live near the entrance to this park has provided not only security and a peaceful atmosphere but is a wealth of knowledge about the area.

A methodical researcher, Neil Vinding from Denmark believes that the sheltered bay at Bellevue Beach, was where the Vikings brought in their “knarr” around the spit from Trinity Bay. Here they found tall mature spruce trees mixed with maple, birch and oak. They could be used to build boats. (Trees of such stature are not available in Greenland). With further exploration large quantities of wild grapes were located. Many trips were made arriving empty and departing with hardwood and grapes. Leif Eriksson named the area where he found the grapes, Vinland.

The researcher concluded that a ballast would have been needed for their trip from Greenland when they had no cargo. He arrived at a fairly exact description of a ballast stone, which would yield maximum weight in the narrow space between a knarr's bottom and floor, stay in place even in very rough weather, and not be heavier than what two men could carry when it was taken onboard or thrown overboard. The stones would be thrown overboard when the knarr would be loaded with valuable wood.
There would likely be forty or more ballast stones close together where they had been thrown, near the low tide mark.
He and his wife pinpointed the northeast corner of the lagoon, behind the highest point of the sandbar toward Trinity Bay. Here they began to search and among thousands and thousands of stones, one that appeared to be a ballast stone was found. Clearly this stone had been worked on by man and matched perfectly the predicted size and shape. All of the other stones nearby were rounded by the sand and other rocks as they were moved by the sea. No second ballast stone could be found. The researcher decided that they may be in deeper water or buried by the sand. A piece was chipped off the stone and sent to Denmark for analysis. Unfortunately this research did not prove or disprove his theory.

This type of stone, basalt, which may very likely be found in Greenland – but could be from Newfoundland as well. If only one more similarly shaped stone could be found, credence would be added to his theory.

In the photo, Jannich is sitting beside the ballast stone that was found.

Our Photo album
-
-

South to Bellevue Beach

2007-07-31T12:07:00.000-04:00

Another well kept secret spot, Bellevue Beach was our next stop on July 26th.
After one night we decided to stay for one week. On that day we saw our first traffic light in two weeks. Fogo Island may have spoiled our Newfoundland get away experience. The bustle of traffic, with large trucks and drivers who are in a rush along with the smell of exhaust, hit us between the eyes on TCH #1. (Trans-Canada Highway)

From our RV we can see the gravel beach which is part of a sheltered bay while from an over a one kilometer long spit to the left, the sound of the waves from Trinity Bay carry across the park.

Friday July 27th we back tracked, with the truck, to Clarenville to use the internet and to shop for groceries. Along the way we took several side trips into small villages and coves.
The photo of the filleted cod drying on a flake was taken in Little Harbour. Here there was no sign of life or activity except for three people who looked surprised to see someone they did not know. This village, less than 10 km. from the Trans-Canada Highway, looked like it was in limbo.

Arnold's Cove was checked out as was the Come-by-Chance oil refinery. Arnold's cove showed the influence of steady paycheques from the refinery. The fishing village character was overpowered by a large subdivision that could have been “anywhere Ontario”.

Our Photo album
-
-

Let's stay one more day...

2007-07-31T11:49:00.000-04:00

We did not leave Fogo island until Thursday July 26th on the 1:45 P.M. ferry. One final trip was made to the Island Bake Shop in Shoal Harbour where this time we found the cafe full of local people who were eating lunch. Delicious cod chowder was enjoyed while bran muffins and a tray of very sweet squares were purchased for the road.

Two more remote communities were explored; Island Harbour and Deep Bay.
Over the top scenery with enveloping peace can be experienced here. We stopped in Deep Bay to talk with a couple who were just returning home. At the mere mention of patchwork quilts Ruth suddenly found herself inside this “spotless” home examining about a dozen quilts, each one more eye catching than the one before! Given the labour required the prices seemed fair, but we are in the “getting rid of things mode”.
All but one quilt were quite similar to the ones that were made by Ruth's mother and Aunts over the years.

Enjoy our final photos of this remote paradise.

Our Photo album
-

A special goodbye

2007-07-25T13:30:00.000-04:00

The cable to repair the bedroom slide arrived Tuesday, July 24. Jannich enlisted the help of Kay's son to direct him to a local mechanic who was willing to work after hours. The whole job was trying. Kay works at the Lions Club RV Park, booking in vehicles and helping campers feel at home.
We feel she could probably assist no matter what the dilemma – she has connections.

Two other women, Anne Marie and Karla, Kay's granddaughter also work here organizing the Brimstone Head Folk Festival. These are the three accommodating women who helped us when we arrived.

Knock, knock on our RV door Tuesday- knowing that we had planned on leaving the next day they had a special goodbye before they went home from work. Taking us completely by surprise, Anne Marie sat down by our picnic table and began to play her accordion - true Newfoundland music – for the love of it.
Kay danced a little jig and Jannich ran to get the camera.

Pictures do not capture the smell of the sea, the sound of the wind or the joy on the faces of the friendly people who love to share.

These women had previously showered us with pickled mussels, shrimp, cod fillets and tongues. Kay has supplied us with a vast amount of Newfoundland reading material by giving us several issues of downhomer magazines.

Our photos;
-

Sad to leave

2007-07-25T13:21:00.000-04:00

One evening as we sat outside enjoying the quietness, broken only by the sound of the wind, we saw several whales blowing sprays high into the air over the water.
On the horizon an iceberg could be seen. With just a slight glance to the left, hikers climbing Brimstone Head could be observed. These particular hikers were people who had pitched their tent near the shore. They were on the last part of their Newfoundland exploration before leaving for home in Holland.

Turning again slightly to the left a bake apple picker walking over the rocks and bog could be watched as he picked these berries for his wife.

Very strong winds sweep beside Brimstone Head from the ocean and continuously rock our RV. We have been told that these winds do not compare to the immense strength of the winds during the winter.

The air is cool, the wind is gusting but the sun is warm... life is good!

View our album
-

Marconi wireless station

2007-07-25T13:11:00.000-04:00

Between 1912 and 1933 a Marconi wireless relay station operated from a 300 feet above sea level area on the south side of the town of Fogo. Over the years several primary operators and their families lived in a house beside the tower. One purpose of this station was to maintain communication between fishing and sealing ships. The Fogo station was the second place to pick up the distress signal from the Titanic. The telegraph center was closed in 1933 as this method of communication became outdated.

Using local labour a finely crafted interpretation center was completed in June near the site of the old tower. The inside of the entire two storey building is finished with narrow tongue and groove pine boards. A panoramic view of the town and harbour of Fogo can be appreciated from a wrap around, covered outdoor deck. As always in Fogo a stiff wind blows up and over the rocks and whistles through the low bushes and flowers. The third, most difficult hiking trail starts from this area.

This island is a nature lover's paradise! For one week the view that we have had out the back window of our RV has been one of low rocks, marsh, bog and small ponds filled with lily pads. Many individuals have been picking bakeapple fruit in the last few days in this area. These small wild berries are made into jam. Rubber boots and patience are a necessity as these berries grow in bogs, are rather small and are found close to the ground.

Island Bakery

2007-07-24T13:29:00.000-04:00

A visit to neighbouring villages was on the agenda for Saturday, July 21. After driving through Fogo Central, where the modern Health Care Center, school and tourist information drop in are located, we stopped at an isolated roadside bakery. What a surprise! Here we found a very well supplied shop. A fragrant aroma of fresh baking and coffee could be noted while the shelves filled with bread, squares, muffins and pies tempted the taste buds. Upon peeking into a second room, which faced a cove, we found a tastefully decorated cafe area. Calling into the kitchen, we ordered coffee and muffins. We were alone in a room that would seat twenty. New furniture and a small gift area completed this spotless bakeshop.We will be back.

Magnificent view

2007-07-24T13:22:00.000-04:00

From Garrison Point at the foot of Fogo Head we saw several icebergs on Wednesday without the need of a boat tour. On Thursday Jannich saw two whales from the top of Fogo Head.
The town of FOGO.

National Historic Site

2007-07-24T13:13:00.000-04:00

Joe Batt's Arm, named for a deserter from the crew of the explorer James Cook, who charted this coast in 1736, was our next stop. After driving around the narrow, gravel streets of this very small settlement we drove on to Tilting. It has been designated a National Historic Site of Canada. Here the Irish Heritage is evident through the many small stick fences, predominant shamrocks and Irish names. We have never seen two more isolated settlements.

We took a tour of the Historic Dwyer House. Two happy, cheerful teenage girls were in charge of this site. After seeing through the austere house we were shown across a walkway made of the same small sticks, over the water to a small building where cod were hand processed. We learned about the flake where the cod were laid to dry and were shown their gift area. It was refreshing to note the pride and the sense of community displayed by our guide! We decided as we left these areas that they were too isolated for us.

Our photo album

-
-

WHAT IS A CAPLIN?

2007-07-20T14:00:00.000-04:00

During our stay in Twillingate, Jannich went toward the lighthouse to watch people fishing for Caplin. These 4 to 6 inch fish run in schools in the evenings and are caught with cast and dip nets from the shore. The fish seem to be similar to smelt which are caught in fresh water streams in Ontario. The local people place these fish in five gallon pails with one cup of coarse salt and let them sit for three days. After this the Caplin are rinsed and laid on nets to dry in the sun. These fish make a delicious winter snack.

Where ever Caplin are plentiful whales can be found. Caplin are a GOOD SNACK ALL AROUND!!!

Our photo album
-
-

Extended Town of Fogo stay!

2007-07-20T13:47:00.002-04:00

We had planned to stop here for several days while taking day trips to other areas. When Jannich set up the RV and put out the slides one of the metal cables in the bedroom slide started to growl and grind – half frayed and ready to snap. We are parked close to the Lions Community Activity Centre and they kindly offered the use of their telephone. After a few phone calls a new cable is on its way from the RV factory in Ontario.
Jannich will have to install it upon arrival. We are not expecting the part until Monday. No problem, we are not in a hurry and have no deadlines. This extended stay will give us time to explore the magnificent system of hiking trails this town has developed. Difficult sections of climbing have been fitted with pressure treated lumber steps , railings and viewing platforms. See pictures.

The community built all of this during the off season fishing months. Apparently, the women carried fairly large rocks to mark the paths up these inclines in buckets while the men of the town fashioned the steps and handrails.

Garrison Point is the beginning of the trail to Fogo Head ,which is 338 feet above sea level while Brimstone Head is 300 feet. We have been told that the third trail is far more difficult! This concentrated, cooperative effort is one more indicator of the depth of detrmination one can note of the people of Newfoundland.

Our photo album
-
-

Road to the Isles Adventure Continues...

2007-07-18T10:32:00.000-04:00

Our ISLES experience continued on Tuesday July 17th when we left Twillingate and traveled to catch the ferry to Fogo island. We had one last glimpse of the iceberg as we left town.

The ferry trip to Fogo island was less than one hour and Winston was allowed up on deck with us. On our trip from North Sidney to Port aux Basque he was put into a kennel with several other barking dogs around him. Not a good experience.

When we arrived at the only RV park in Fogo Proper three very accommodating women helped us. One said that we did not need to pay until tomorrow in case we did not like our site. The second women said that she would cook and bring over some freshly caught mussels.
Fogo Island is a mere 25 km wide, and was first settled in the 1680s. The area remained relatively isolated well into the 20th century. The Town of Fogo, or “Fogo Proper”, is the largest on the island. It was most likely not named for the North Atlantic fog, but after the Portuguese word “Fuego” for “fire”, which were the signs of Beothuk encampments frequently seen by early settlers. The community was used as a fishing station by the French, Spanish and Portuguese during the 16th and 17th centuries.

Our RV is parked at the foot of Brimstone Head. (It is the reason we cannot get a satellite signal for our TV viewing). This significant landmark is considered to be one of the “Four Corners Of The Earth” by the Flat Earth Society. Hope we do not drop off when we walk up there later!

Our photo album
-
-

A day of rest!!

2007-07-16T16:20:00.001-04:00

We decided to rest and relax today, July 16th.

About 11 A.M. we drove to Durell, a small neighbouring village, which is at the top of Twillingate Island. At the end of the paved road Jannich suggested that we take the dirt road to see where it went. When that ended a sign informed us that any further travel would be dangerous we chose to walk. After walking, skirting prickely bushes and stepping over spongy wet ground and admiring the many species of magnificent rock hugging flowers for about ¾ of a mile, we decided to climb to the top of a rocky lookout.
We were on the tip of the peninsula but still not at the edge of the sea. Did we mention the blistering heat, stiff wind and Winston huffing and panting? After Ruth and Winston climbed to the top of a bluff Jannich yelled, ”How did you get up there wearing sandals?” “Pull on the shrub branches to give leverage.” was the answer.

Purple miniature marsh iris grow here in abundance. Ruth has bought these previously for our garden pond area only to have them die. Southern Ontario does not have a hospitable climate.

The beauty of the provincial flower, the Pitcher Plant could be admired, with its shades of burgundy and yellow, throughout this tundra like area.

On the way to our mobile home we purchased “cod tongues” for dinner.

We were told by a local merchant that the iceberg we saw yesterday was just an icecube compared to the ones that came through here in June.

Tomorrow we are leaving for Fogo Island to take in a Tilting festival. WE WILL NOT BE THE SAME WHEN WE RETURN TO ONTARIO!

Our photo album
-
-
-

Worth the drive!

2007-07-15T19:10:00.000-04:00

Saturday July 14th we arrived in Twillingate Newfoundland and booked into an oceanside RV park for several days.

Twillingate extends into the iceberg corridor of the north east coast of Newfoundland. This is a historical and very picturesque town.

After traveling the approximately 100 miles by ferry from North Sidney, NS to Port aux Basque, NL we arrived at 6:30 P.M. Friday in such dense fog that all we could see were rocks covered by low spreading bushes. Saturday we traveled east and north on the Trans Canada Highway (TCH) to central Newfoundland then left this highway to go north to Twillingate. What an experience! It is surrounded by low foreboding rock outcrops, white houses and docks that are perched on the edge of the sea. This is Newfoundland.

On the highway into Twillingate we spotted an iceberg glistening and shimmering in the 28 degree C sunshine. That evening a meal of traditional Newfoundland cooking was enjoyed with dessert being a "partridgeberry" sundae.

Sunday July 15th at 1 P.M. we left on a boat tour to get up close and personal with an iceberg. This was the same one we had seen from the highway. Twenty meters extended above the ocean as it glistened from the ice water running down its sides. This berg was stuck in a large bay, landlocked on 3 sides and will melt there.

When we arrived back at our mobile home, where Winston had spent the afternoon alone, we were tired, sunburned and happy.

Our photo album

_
_

The village of Baddeck

2007-07-12T16:10:00.000-04:00

After a restful morning, we drove and walked the streets of Baddeck. In spite of the presence of many large, magnificent Inns, outdoor cafes, advertised kayak trips and inviting B&B's we did not see many other tourists.
It appears that Baddeck is a stopping point while en route to and from Newfoundland or the Cabot Trail Tourist Areas.

Beginning in New Brunswick and continuing through Nova Scotia multi coloured Lupins could be seen growing wild along the roads. Beautiful...

"The traveler sees what he sees.
The tourist sees what he has come to see"

G. K. Cherterton

This appropriate quote is from The Newfoundland/Labrador Tourist Guide.

Heading towards THE ROCK... Newfoundland that is.

2007-07-12T08:17:00.000-04:00

Well, here we are... just steps from the Cabot trail in Cape Breton.

When one could pull buckets out of the sea filled to the brim with cod, John Cabot dropped anchor in 1497. Fishermen came by the boat load from England, Ireland, Scotland, France and Spain and began to feed on the fish of the New World.

Our 3rd night on the road is being spent in Baddeck Cabot Trail campground.

This area was chosen for our last two nights' stay in Nova Scotia as it is only 45 minutes from North Sidney where the ferry to Newfoundland will be boarded.

To get into the groove of traveling again we stayed at an RV park, the River Place, not too far from our home.
After two weeks in this park we left Mt. Forest at 9:30 A.M. on Monday July 9th and traveled to Drummondville, Quebec.

This town is located between Montreal and Quebec City on the South shore of the St. Lawrence River. This was the most beautiful, peaceful but expensive park we have ever frequented. Oh well life is short... fish hard (an old saying from Alaska). The second night was spent in a park on the North side of Moncton, New Brunswick. It was okay but we would not return due to crowded sites and the unwarranted high cost. Truck stops and Wal-Marts are not an option in 32 degree C weather.

In Baddeck the temp is 18C/65F degrees and there is a refreshing breeze with a tinge of the sea in it. At last we have escaped the heat and humidity of Southern Ontario.

After Jannich set up the trailer and the satellite dish he picked up fried clams for Ruth from the on-site restaurant.

Thursday we are going to explore the town of Baddeck. From our first quick viewing this town appears to be similar to Niagara-On-The-Lake with respect to inns, B&B, dining areas and gold leaf signs. This is not what we expected after driving hundreds of miles through the dense bush of Quebec, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia.

Our photo albums:

Kingston Titanium Reunion.

2007-05-24T15:48:00.000-04:00

Kingston Titanium (trailer) Reunion. was held over the May long weekend in Rideau Acres RV park, Kingston. The weather was cool, the friendships were budding and the park was peaceful and uncrowded. It was quite a sight to watch the various models of "Titanium RVs" being pulled in by heavy duty trucks. The owners, the trailers and their classy dogs could be compared to cruise nights at the A & W. Hose reels, tire brakes and fancy Bar B Ques were the order of the day for discussion.

From a full pancake breakfast, through a communal pot-luck dinner to evening (chilly/cold) gatherings around the campfires , friendships were forged and renewed.

Jannich met a couple from New York state. A stogie smoking inventor holding 2 patents in the field of mechanical engineering and her editor husband left on Sunday for their trek home.

A new friendship was developed with Russ and Lesley from Orillia as we talked about the city we still miss. However the city we remember is not the one that exixts now. You can never go back.

View our pictures from Alaska

Home again

2007-05-04T19:45:00.000-04:00

The next day we arrived back in Durham, Ontario. Due to the need for some medical tests we decided to purchase a house in the area. Note the early snowstorm in October. This is our new temporary home.

The trailer had a winter's rest and Winston got a coat for Christmas! Over the long weekend in May we will be travelling to Kingston, On to attend a Titanium Rally. Will keep you posted.

Alma NB

2007-05-04T19:36:00.001-04:00

The beauty of fall in New Brunswick is magnificent. The scent of crunchy maple leaves in our park near Hartland reminded us of walks in Algonquin Provincial Park. St. George N.B. on the shore of the Bay of Fundy was our original destination. There the B&B in which we were interested proved to be a disappointment. Between Alma (just north of Fundy National Park) and St. George we viewed about fifteen properties. Between appointments we enjoyed clam chowder in bay side cafes and many orders of fried clams from roadside take outs. Everywhere was set up for the crush of tourists who visit the Fundy National Park area each summer. Our offer on a B&B in Alma was accepted, however in less than twelve hours “ buyer's remorse” set in. That day we packed up our RV and travelled to west of Montreal (approximately 1100 km.) Conditional offers are always wise.
This is a picture overlooking Alma and the Bay of Fundy.

We did take time to tour St. John. This is the oldest established market in Canada.

Scenic New Brunswick

2007-05-04T19:28:00.000-04:00

Pulling a 39 foot trailer through the multi lanes of heavy traffic across the city of Montreal, Quebec sets one's teeth on edge almost as much as travelling the Pack Trail out of Dawson City, Yukon. At least in the Yukon we would have only ourselves or an animal to blame while in Montreal the aggressive Quebecois drivers are another story.

As we drove through scenic New Brunswick we started looking for property to purchase. A home and grounds that overlooked this historic covered bridge were snatched up before our offer could be entertained.

Crossing Canada

2007-05-04T19:22:00.000-04:00

Travelling at a steady pace across Alberta, Saskatchwan and Manitoba, we skirted across Northern Ontario while enjoying a continously emerging fall season. Note the photograph of the flocking pelicans that were spotted just west of Winnipeg. Yes, pelicans! Apparently the Foam/Quill Lakes area is a summer destination for them.

Alaska: We will be back!

2007-05-04T18:46:00.000-04:00

After saying good-bye to the bears near Hyder, Alaska and to the many glaciers along the Hyder-Steward access road we travelled East through isolated Northern British Columbia. A day was spent in the resort town of Jasper, AB as we became tourists. On our way to Edmonton, Alberta wildlife could be spotted from the highway.

Unfortunately the buffalo were in protected farms and the small herd of Mountain Sheep were not afraid of people trucks and cars. They are a common sight in the area of Jasper.
(They are extremely well adapted to the elevations of the Rockies. They are almost as agile as the mountain goats in steep terrain but they can move much faster because or their characteristic leaping and bounding, reminiscent of a deer). Guess we are edging back into common civilization.

The two weeks spent with family south of Edmonton were enjoyable. In the just over three months since we had been there previously the construction growth in the greater Edmonton area was remarkable. We wondered when the prices of the homes would hit the ceiling.

View all our pictures from Alaska

Dinnertime

2006-09-11T02:13:00.001-04:00

A bear viewing platform is a wonderful place to see wildlife. We saw eagles and lots of fish struggling for a place to spawn. They swim miles to this area.
During the summer people visit here from all over the world to see bears feeding on the fish. Along the viewing platform people hang out with their telephoto camera equipment to get that wonderful shot. People have traveled into north western BC along Glacier HWY for about 68 km. Then they go through Stewart across the border into Hyder, on gravel/mud roads for about 4 miles to wait for a bear to come out to feed. Some people were here from Holland and Germans in tour buses come here every summer. (the instruction signs are written in English & German)
We talked with a couple from California who have been coming here for at least 7 years with taking BEAR photos as their main reason.
Note the photo of the bear paparrazzi!

The Fish Creek experience.

2006-09-11T01:33:00.000-04:00

We were told by different people to go and see the fish and the bears! We found a bear watching platform on our way to view the glacier.

A terrible odour of rotting fish came into the truck as we were driving. Shortly after that we found the viewing platform. We saw hundreds of large salmon trying to swim upstream to spawn. This was the end of the cycle of life and the beginning of a new one. This platform and elevated walkway was used for spectators to view the bear feeding area. (see the following blog).

Temperate Rainforest

2006-09-11T00:56:00.000-04:00

Stewart and Hayder are located at the head of the Portland Canal, a narrow saltwater fjord approximately 90 miles/ 140 km long.

Stewart has a deep harbour and is Canada's most northerly ice free port. The climate is "maritime" with warm winters and cool rainy summers. Heavy snowfalls occur in the winter. The area is well known for its several glaciers.
We traveled 24 km on a very treacherous road to view the Salmon Glacier (the picture). After having waited a fairly long time the cloud cover lifted and we took this photo.

The area is considered a temperate rain forest. We noticed moss hanging on the trees many miles north of Stewart.

Glacier Road.

2006-09-09T21:49:00.001-04:00

We drove south west off the Cassiar highway on a paved spur road called The Stewart-Hyder access road. The locals call this road Glacier highway because several glaciers can be seen in this area. This truly is an isolated area. Stewart is in BC and Hyder is just across a landbridge in Alaska. The economy is driven by tourism, forestry and mining. Between 30 and 50 thousand people visit this area every year however we saw signs of a decaying isolated area. Stewart is far more prosperous than Hyder. It has paved streets.
Hyder is all mud.

Scenic - quiet - MOUNTAIN SHADOW RV park.

2006-09-09T20:59:00.000-04:00

The condition of the Cassiar highway improved as we traveled south from Jade City. After a full day of travel we arrived at Mountain Shadow RV park. It was a tough road and we were happy to put the legs of the RV (and ours) on the ground. The only sound we could hear was the wind in the trees. Later we heard a couple of owls.
This is by far the most isolated area in which we have traveled. We drove for miles without seeing any activity of any kind. It was a good plan to stock on groceries at Costco in Anchorage. There are signs on the highway telling you to make sure you have enough fuel for the next 150 km.

It should be noted that we were told that a lot of wildlife could be seen while driving the highway. We saw 1 fox, a ground squirrel and 3 bears disappearing into the woods. Does the ground squirrel count as wild life?

The owners of the RV park had seen a wolf earlier in the day.

Ruth is enjoying the view.
Note her new Jade earrings. All we wanted to spend on jade was LIFESAVER size.

Cassiar Highway South.

2006-09-08T00:20:00.000-04:00

In Yukon, at the beginning of our trip back to Ontario via Edmonton we decided to take a different route from Watson Lake. We went south on Hwy 37 (Cassiar Highway). This highway was recommended by several people and was stated to be a scenic route in northern British Columbia.

Here we go again with bumpy, wavy pavement, gravel sections, washboard, no shoulders, very few guard rails and steep descents and grades with many gravel and logging trucks using the highway. These road conditions lasted all the way to Jade City. This isn't exactly a city but rather 2 stores that sell Jade and other precious stones that have been mined in the Cassiar Mountain Range. The Jade mined here accounts for 75% of the world's supply.
The Jade is mined and shipped out to New Zealand and other places to be fashioned into many different products.

Skagway-Carcross Road

2006-09-07T22:46:00.000-04:00

When we left Whitehorse we decided to take a sidetrip on the South Klondike Highway (Skagway-Carcross Road). We stopped at Carcross which is a historic town and has the old White Pass and Yukon Route train station as their Visitor Reception Centre. Cruise passengers take a train trip or bus transportation between Skagway and Whitehorse, with Carcross as a stopping point. By taking this trip they can say that they have been in both the Yukon and Alaska. Historic Carcross was formerly known as Caribou Crossing because the large number of Caribou that traversed the narrows.
Carcross became a stopping point for the Gold Stampedes on their way to the Klondike goldfields. It was a major stop on the White Pass and Yukon Route rail road from 1900 until 1982 , when the railway ceased operation. Passengers and freight transferred from rail to stern-wheelers at Carcross. One of these stern-wheelers was a historic site here in town until it burnt in 1990.

Crews laying track for the White Pass and Yukon Route from Skagway met the crew from Whitehorse at Carcross.
A golden spike was set in place on July 29 , 1900.

We visited the oldest General store in the Yukon which is Matthew Watsons General store.

Fall in The Yukon

2006-09-06T00:09:00.000-04:00

During our short drive to Whitehorse Tuesday, September 5th the meadows, regrowth fire burned forests, the red fireweed along the roadside and mountains were drenched with sunlight.
We arrived before 1PM. Enjoy the photos however they do not paint a true picture!

When we arrived in Whitehorse we checked the fish ladder but it was closed as the fish had all completed their treck to spawn.
(Read a selection by Robert Service, a Whitehorse, Yukon poet)

The arrangements have been completed to have our halibut and salmon shipped to Durham, Ontario and stored in our family's freezer. We will be having a dinner of freshly caught fish when we return to Ontario in October.

Back in Canada!

2006-09-05T21:27:00.000-04:00

On Labour day we traveled from Glennallen, Alaska to Haines Junction, Canada. It was a perfect travel day as there was very little traffic and none of the road construction projects was active. A narrow winding section of the Alaska Highway was followed around Kluane Lake. This beautiful lake is the largest in the Yukon covering approximately 154 square miles/400 square km.
This route is well known for its abundant wildlife sightings: bears, Dall sheep and Trumpeter swans. We were not disappointed! We spotted approximately two dozen of the graceful white swans on small lakes and some flying with the backdrop of the dark mountains with the sun shining on them. What a beautiful sight!

These three bears crossed the highway in front of us and then proceeded to casually drink from a small pond. The curious cub picked up a plastic bag for further investigation while the other cub went along with their mom..

The pictures are taken with a 300 mm lens a handheld camera from inside the truck.

Leaving Alaska with Mixed Feelings

2006-09-05T11:56:00.000-04:00

On Sunday, September 3rd., a beautiful, sunny day we travelled from Anchorage along the Glenn Highway to Glennallen. The scenery along this road was spectacular so we made frequent stops to bask in the sun and the glory of creation! The road wound between mountain peaks to the north and to the south and gave us a view of the Matanuska and Nelchina glaciers. The Nelchina glacier winds downward through a cleft in the Chugach Mountains.

Iron oxide gives several of the mountains an unique colour. Fall is here as the expanses of treed areas leading one's eyes up to the mountains are a mix of yellow, with red ground cover dotted by black appearing, tall and thin evergreen trees.

As we absorbed this glory we are saddened to think that we may never be this way again.

Culture shock - Anchorage; again!

2006-09-03T20:16:00.000-04:00

Well, here we are in Anchorage again! Are we in the same city? The last time it seemed so different! No, the city has not changed but we have as we are in the same park as we were on our way to the Keni Peninsula. Somehow the park is not as peaceful or as appealing as it was two months ago. This is the park where we found the German Tourist bus to be our only divergence and the ulu knife was unique and interesting. In June we visited the ulu factory which is thinly disguised as a cultural destination but is a tourist purchasing outlet. How two months in an isolated village can change one's outlook.

Since the beginning of July a very peaceful, quiet, fishing village has been our home. The change from the serene landscape of Ninilchik to just 200 miles North is overwhelming as we sit in our mobile cabin and listen to the roar of motors and to the pounding sound of blasting music and have a pit bull running loose through the area scaring our little boy, Winston. This is not a large city so we realize we have some mental adjustments to make as we travel back to Ontario. If we had our choice we would stay in Ninilchik. Ruth has always longed for a cabin in the woods with no phone or junk mail.
So, in a reasonably isolated area, Alaska (remember the localized news & weather) if we find the crush of city activities too much after two months in an accessible small village we marvel at the adaptability of the native people over the past hundred years.

Last Day at The Alaskan Angler RV Resort

2006-09-01T23:57:00.000-04:00

September 1st 2006.

Our last day in Ninilchik has been a beautiful, sunny, calm day! We have had many cold ones with high winds and steady rain. A fellow camper (Alaskan) told us that this summer is the kind that used to be experienced every year! We are looking forward to another radiant sunset by 10:00. Tomorrow by 10:00 AM we expect to be on our way to Anchorage which will be our first stop on our way to Tok and then the Canadian border.

Today was also a good day for the three boats that went out. An unusually (for regular daily catch) large halibut was snagged by one person. Jannich got a photo about five minutes before the support (the top beam) holding the fish broke in half. We guess the post had too much use over the summer!

The sunset tonight was nothing to write home about so here is one 3 days old! It depicts Mt.Iliamna.

All Reason Trucks.

2006-08-31T00:45:00.000-04:00

As we have travelled through the Yukon and Alaska we have noticed many fine vehicles however the ones that stand out are the trucks! There has been a wide range of ages and states of decay. For some reason they just keep on keeping on! Perhaps salt is not poured onto the roads the way it is in Southern Ontario or the safety standards for road worthy vehicles are not as stringent. These trucks have character! Another key feature is the open box riders. The one pictured has an exceptional view.

Roadside Eagle's Nest

2006-08-30T17:37:00.000-04:00

While returning to our mobile cabin from one of our trips to Homer we spotted something very large high in a tree. We could hear a loud screeching. It was an eagle with two quite large chicks! As Jannich walked through the ditch to get a closer shot of them she decided to swoop and circle above us. "Beautiful and graceful".

Short Summer, Beautiful Flowers part 2

2006-08-30T17:16:00.000-04:00

Most of these photos were taken in the Homer area. This town is just a short thirty miles south of The Alaskan Angler RV Resort.

Short Summer, Beautiful Flowers part 1

2006-08-30T17:02:00.000-04:00

From Fairbanks, through the Denali tourist area, past Anchorage, Soldotna, and Ninilchik, to Homer the flower beds of Alaska are remarkable!
With long days of sunlight, no wilting heat and high amounts of humidity and rain the flowering plants both natural and cultivated are lush. The people of this area must delight in watching them grow as in every nook and cranny, cozy arrangements can be seen. From hanging baskets, large landscaped beds, strawberries growing from lidless teapots to sprouts dangling down the sides of old boots nailed to posts, this part of Alaska is a colourful sight. Fireweed, white daisies, and blue lupines grow wild. They cover the sides of the road and the high banks leading up from the shore. This entry has two parts as there are so many photos to share.

The HOMER SPIT!

2006-08-30T00:33:00.000-04:00

Tourists in all kinds of recreational vehicles buzz up and down the 226 miles of highway between Anchorage and Homer. This small town is at sea level to 800 Ft. in elevation. Winter temperatures occasionally fall below zero F. but seldom colder. The Kenai Mountains on the north and east protect Homer while the Cook Inlet provides warming air currents.

Jutting out for nearly 5 miles from the Homer shore is the Homer Spit, a long, narrow bar of gravel.

In 1964, after the earthquake, the Spit sank 4 to 6 Ft. requiring several buildings to be moved to higher ground. The Homer Spit has a deep water harbour that can accommodate 344 Ft. vessels making it accessible to cruise and cargo ships.

Homer calls itself the "Halibut fishing capital of the world".

Kenai Landing Cannery

2006-08-29T23:40:00.000-04:00

At the mouth of the Kenai river is an authentic 1920's era salmon cannery which has been renovated as a resort community. There is a mix of arts, history, entertainment and sport fishing combined with lodging and restaurants. This is all accomplished at the waterfront setting without changing the exteriors of the buildings. One can browse through the shops and galleries in a restored 1922 market place, eat fresh Alaskan seafood or watch the fishermen unload the day's catch. We drove down cannery road from a main highway and were pleasantly surprised to find this restored harbour. Unfortunately not many people were visiting and the merchants with whom we spoke were discouraged with the lack of tourists. There are a lot of tourists here in Alaska but this landmark is bypassed. There are restrictions on roadside signs in Alaska so many people are not aware of this interesting side trip. This lack of pervasive signage is a welcome change. We are not looking forward to going to the lower 48 where you are bombarded by signs you can see for miles.

Alaskan Sunsets

2006-08-29T23:06:00.000-04:00

The view from our RV contains peaceful expanses of sky line, the tops of several mountains and sometimes beautiful sunsets. This is an unhurried area where people stop to let you walk across the street even if it just looks like you might want to cross. The buildings in the foreground are state road maintenance structures. We noticed that the snow removal equipment was moved in last week.

Going for the big one!

2006-08-25T01:34:00.000-04:00

Last week we left the Alaskan Angler RV park at shortly after 4 in the morning ( a rather early start for us) and drove to Seward to connect with our salmon charter at 7 AM. Just a light drizzle was falling as we left the dock with low clouds covering the tops of the mountains. We arrived very quickly at our first fishing hole, learned the technique needed and proceeded to drop a bright neon jiggler with a piece of herring as bait for a depth of up to 100 feet. The line had to be reeled back up quickly as salmon are attracted to a fast moving object. This turned out to be the easy part of the day as it was raining and cold for most of the time. It was not good fishing that day. Among the 7 of us we only caught 11 fish (the limit is 6 per person). Jannich caught a very nice fish and Ruth had 2 big ones on the line but they got off again. This gives new meaning to "YOU SHOULD HAVE SEEN THE ONE THAT GOT AWAY".

As we traveled slowly from fishing hole to fishing hole we saw some awesome scenery, 2 sea otters and dozens of puffins. As we fished in the steady rain further and further out in Resurrection Bay towards the Gulf of Alaska small broken off pieces of the glacier and tiny icebergs floated by the boat. The deck hand used a net to scoop up a piece of ice. It was crystal clear. While fishing with the pelting rain with the ice floating by we almost expected sleet to start.

We arrived back at the RV after 8 PM and were chilled to the bone. However it was an experience we would not have missed.

Picturesque Seward

2006-08-24T21:15:00.000-04:00

Picturesque Seward is a small community between high mountain ranges on Resurrection Bay.
Resurrection Bay is well known for sport fishing , kayaking and glacier cruises. Coho (silver) salmon, king salmon, halibut and cod are caught in this area.

Historically Seward was an important transportation hub for Alaska's mining, exploration, fishing and trapping industries. The Iditarod Trail was surveyed in 1920 as a mail route between Seward and Nome. The 938 mile long trail-now a National Historic Trail-is probably best known for The Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race that is run each March between Anchorage and Nome, but the trail starts in Seward.
The city was named for the US Secretary of State William H. Seward, who was instrumental in arranging the purchase of Alaska from Russia in 1867.

Resurrection Bay, a year-round ice free harbour, made Seward an important harbour and fishing port as well as a strategic military post during WW ll. This bay was named in 1791 by a Russian fur trader and explorer who found unexpected shelter here from a storm and named the bay Resurrection because it was the Russian Sunday of Resurrection (Easter).

We visited Seward to go on a silver salmon charter.

Friends of Israel.

A Tale of Six Boys.

2006-08-13T02:36:00.000-04:00

This is a letter I just received from a friend of ours whose son went to Iraq in the beginning of 2006. Her name is Marilyn Fry. Please read the article and reflect upon the need to continue to fight for our freedom!

Sent: Friday, August 11, 2006 11:02 AM
Subject: Fw: Six Boys

"A Tale of Six Boys"

Each year I am hired to go to Washington, DC, with the eighth grade class
from Clinton, WI where I grew up, to videotape their trip. I greatly enjoy
visiting our nation's capitol, and each year I take some special
memories back with me. This fall's trip was especially memorable.

On the last night of our trip, we stopped at the Iwo Jima
memorial.This memorial is the largest bronze statue in the world and
depicts one of the most famous photographs in history -- that of the six
brave soldiers raising the American Flag at the top of a rocky hill on the
island of Iwo Jima, Japan, during WW II.

Over one hundred students and chaperones piled off the buses and
headed towards the memorial. I noticed a solitary figure at the base
of the statue, and as I got closer he asked, "Where are you guys from?"
I told him that we were from Wisconsin. "Hey, I'm a cheese head,
too! Come gather around, Cheese heads, and I will tell you a story."

(James Bradley just happened to be in Washington, DC, to speak at
the memorial the following day. He was there that night to say good
night to his dad, who has since passed away. He was just about to leave when
he saw the buses pull up. I videotaped him as he spoke to us, and
received his permission to share what he said from my videotape. It is one
thing to tour the incredible monuments filled with history in Washington, D.C., but it is quite another to get the kind of insight we received that night.)

When all had gathered around, he reverently began to speak. (Here are his
words that night.)

"My name is James Bradley and I'm from Antigo, Wisconsin. My dad is on that
statue, and I just wrote a book called "Flags of Our Fathers". It is the
story of the six boys you see behind me.

"Six boys raised the flag.The first guy putting the pole in the
ground is Harlon Block. Harlon was an all-state football player. He
enlisted in the Marine Corps with all the senior members of his
football team. They were off to play another type of game. A game called
"War. "But it didn't turn out to be a game.

Harlon, at the age of 21, died with his intestines in his hands. I
don't say that to gross you out, I say that because there are generals
who stand in front of this statue and talk about the glory of war. You
guys need to know that most of the boys in Iwo Jima were 17, 18, and 19
years old.(He pointed to the statue) "You see this next guy? That's Rene Gagnon from NewHampshire. If you took Rene's helmet off at the moment this photo was
taken and looked in the webbing of that helmet, you would find a photograph... a
photograph of his girlfriend. Rene put that in there for protection because
he was scared. He was 18 years old. Boys won the battle of Iwo Jima.
Boys.Not old men.

"The next guy here, the third guy in this tableau, was Sergeant
Mike Strank. Mike is my hero. He was the hero of all these guys. They
called him the "old man" because he was so old. He was already 24. When
Mike would motivate his boys in training camp, he didn't say, 'Let's go
kill some Japanese' or 'Let's die for our country.' He knew he was talking
to little boys. Instead he would say, 'You do what I say, and I'll
get you home to your mothers.'

"The last guy on this side of the statue is Ira Hayes, a Pima Indian from
Arizona. Ira Hayes walked off Iwo Jima. He went into the White House with
my dad. President Truman told him, 'You're a hero.' He told reporters, 'How
can I feel like a hero when 250 of my buddies hit the island with me and
only 27 of us walked off alive?' So you take your class at school, 250 of
you spending a year together having fun, doing everything together.Then
all 250 of you hit the beach, but only 27 of our classmates walk off alive.
That was Ira Hayes. He had images of horror in his mind. Ira Hayes
died dead drunk, face down at the age of 32, ten years after this picture
was taken.

"The next guy, going around the statue, is Franklin Sousley from
Hilltop, Kentucky. A fun-lovin' hillbilly boy. His best friend, who
is now 70, told me, 'Yeah, you know, we took two cows up on the porch
of the Hilltop General Store. Then we strung wire across the stairs
so the cows couldn't get down. Then we fed them Epsom salts. Yes, he
was a fun-lovin' hillbilly boy. Franklin died on Iwo Jima at the age
of 19. When the telegram came to tell his mother that he was dead, it
went to the Hilltop General Store. A barefoot boy ran that telegram
up to his mother's farm. The neighbors could hear her scream all
night and into the morning. The neighbors lived a quarter of a mileaway.

"The next guy, as we continue to go around the statue, is my dad,
John Bradley from Antigo, Wisconsin, where I was raised. My dad lived
until 1994, but he would never give interviews. When Walter
Cronkite's producers, or the New York Times would call, we were trained as
little kids to say, 'No, I'm sorry, sir, my dad's not here. He is in
Canada fishing. No, there is no phone there, sir. No, we don't know when
he is coming back.' My dad never fished or even went to Canada Usually, he
was sitting there right at the table eating his Campbell's soup. But we
had to tell the press that he was out fishing. He didn't want to talk to
the press.

"You see, my dad didn't see himself as a hero. Everyone thinks
these guys are heroes, 'cause they are in a photo and on a monument. My dad knew better. He was a medic. John Bradley from Wisconsin was a caregiver. In
Iwo Jima he probably held over 200 boys as they died. And when boys died in Iwo Jima, they writhed and screamed in pain. "When I was a little boy, my third grade teacher told me that my dad was a hero.. When I went home and told my dad that, he looked at me and said, 'I want you always to remember that the heroes
of Iwo Jima are the guys who did not come back. Did NOT come back.'

"So that's the story about six nice young boys. Three died on Iwo
Jima, and three came back as national heroes. Overall, 7,000 boys died on Iwo Jima in the worst battle in the history of the Marine Corps. My voice is giving out, so I will end here. Thank you for your time."

Suddenly, the monument wasn't just a big old piece of metal with a
flag sticking out of the top. It came to life before our eyes with
the heartfelt words of a son who did indeed have a father who was a
hero. Maybe not a hero for the reasons most people would believe, but ahero
nonetheless.

Let us never forget from the Revolutionary War to the current War
on Terrorism and all the wars in between that sacrifice was made for
our freedom. Remember to pray praises for this great country of ours
and also pray for those still in murderous unrest around the world. STOP and thank God for being alive and being free at someone else's sacrifice.

REMINDER:
Everyday that you can wake up free, it's going to be a great day. Great story - worth your time.

Please pass it along.

News Junkie Withdrawal!

2006-08-12T01:31:00.000-04:00

After packing up our satellite dish when we left Edmonton mid June we had no idea that we would not be assembling it again! During our two weeks of traveling we had no access to television programs and other than feeling that we were in another world we did not miss the endless rehashing and analyzing of the current events.

This is amazing as Ruth has been a news addict for most of her life. She switched back and forth through several channels every evening and watched documentaries, history programmes and daily analysis.....as if her job depended on it. She seemed to need to hear from Bill O'Reilly, Anderson Cooper, H&C, Nancy Grace and Greta VanSustern every day. This was in addition to a wide range of local Canadian programmes.
June 30, when we arrived in the Alaskan Angler RV Park we discovered that we could not set up our dish because it could not be placed high enough as a temporary structure. Placing it on the ground would not allow it to receive from the satellite in the southern sky.

Mid July we cancelled the satellite service!!!

We watch 4 local channels using the antennae on the roof. Even the weather reporting is very localized with us only getting snippets of news from the LOWER 48 and nothing from Canada. The war between Lebanon and Israel had been in progress for 2 weeks before we realized the seriousness of this engagement and this was only because we moved to a new site where we could get Fox news on the RV park cable.

Friends of Israel.

Nina part 2:

2006-08-03T23:47:00.000-04:00

Nina only has seating for 8 in her cafe. The cafe and gift store are called SAMOVAR:

Click on the link for a full description of the menu. We had everything and it was delicious!

Russian cafe.

2006-08-03T22:15:00.000-04:00

During our visit to Nikolaevsk we saw the sign CAFE painted on a rock and Ruth said "lets have a cup of coffee before heading home to our RV". COFFEE!

We had no idea what kind of an experience we were about to have. If we thought that the Crab Shack on Tybee Island Georgia was eclectic then this place was way over the top. As we looked for a place to sit in the closed in porch, Nina, the owner yelled at us through an open window to come in here. When we entered the second room a sight met our eyes that only pictures can describe. There were gift items everywhere: nesting dolls, barrettes, broaches, books, cotton scarves, lacquered boxes, wooden spoons, bowls, beads and vases in all price ranges. There were racks and racks of clothes to dress up in for photographs and then there was Nina herself.
It was almost as if we had stepped into another country.

Russian Old Believer's Village

2006-08-03T21:02:00.000-04:00

The Russian Old Believer's village of Nikolaevsk is 9 miles east off the Sterling highway which connects Homer at the southern tip of the Kenai Peninsula to Anchorage in the north. This isolated community is one of several on the Kenai peninsula where these traditional Russian Orthodox people live. Nearly all of these people speak both Russian and English with the woman and girls wearing scarves and ankle length dresses. Note the attention to detail in the construction in the church and the colourful painting of a tree outside the cafe. Other than these two colourful spots the rest of the village has the appearance of abandonment and desolation.

Drift boat fishing, what an experience

2006-08-02T22:11:00.000-04:00

August 2nd 2006.
Wake up at 4:50 A.M
On river Kasilof at 6 A.m.
Pole fishing using roe for bait.
Captain Bob guides us to his favourite fishing holes on the fast flowing river.
Ice blue from glacial run off.
Two moose cross the river behind the boat.
Fish limit 2 per person.
Excursion lasts more than 6 hours.
Fish till everyone has his limit.
Wind and rain and cold weather for the duration.
Pictured is Ruth's catch, 2 silver salmon. The moose crossing and the boat being taken out of the water.
A delicious salmon dinner was enjoyed in our cabin. Many pieces were vacuum-packed for later enjoyment.

Wildlife Alaska style.

2006-07-20T22:27:00.000-04:00

Every time we drive the 30 miles north to Soldotna to shop we spot moose along the road. As a matter of fact a moose hangs out in or close to our RV camp (we will try to take a picture).

Trips to the beach have resulted in many sightings of bald eagles, and a sea otter floating on its back. Jannich also noted puffins bopping close to the charter boat.

Clamming

2006-07-20T20:03:00.000-04:00

Razor clams are a delicacy. Last week during the Minus Tide which is an extremely low tide that happens twice a month, the three of us went clamming. Winston and Ruth stayed on the beach as we did not want our black dog to be a muddy brown. Jannich worked hard and walked quite a distance from shore, digging approximately two doz. clams. Cleaning them turned out to be the worst part of the job. This took at least twice as long as compared to digging them.

Ruth made fried clams and clam chowder. The owners of the RV camp gave us several recipes for cooking clams. The clam chowder was so good that Ruth suggested that Jannich go out the next day to dig more and he really was not too keen on that idea! In the picture below Jannich is to the right of center in the yellow shirt, on his knees digging with his hand.

(Note Mount Redoubt in the background. it is fifty miles away across Cook Inlet and it is 10.197ft high).

Ninilchik, Charter Fishing.

2006-07-20T19:43:00.000-04:00

We are staying at the Alaskan Angler RV Resort. Here four fishing boats go out on twice daily charters in the Cook Inlet. Jannich had the opportunity to go along one day and his fish are displayed here 2nd and 3rd from the left He is also pictured here being shown how to fillet halibut.

The water was very choppy and a couple of the other people on the boat got sea sick. The fishing expedition is at least 6 hours in length and when people return they look like they have had a full day.

Ninilchik is a well known area for salt water king salmon fishing and record halibut catches. A record sport-caught 466 lb. halibut was pulled from Cook Inlet at Ninilchik. Jannich was happy with his catch. After filleting them they weighed 53 lb. Ruth is planning to go fishing with one of the boats on a salmon charter out of Seward and a halibut trip from Ninilchik. (After she picks up a supply of gravol).
Many people leaving on charters use the motion sickness patch plaster behind the ear.

Ninilchik AK

2006-07-19T01:01:00.001-04:00

186 miles south of Anchorage: This is a fishing community that lives up to its Russian name, "peaceful settlement by a river".
The old Russion Orthodox Church, built in 1900, and the historic cemetery overlook the entire rustic village, and share the sunset skyline with Mount Redoubt and Mount Iliamna which are situated across Cook Inlet.

Beaches, rivers and boat launches provide access to Cook Inlet for world-class salmon and halibut fishing.

Ninilchik lies on the east coast of the Cook Inlet.
We arrived at Alaskan Angler RV Resort at the beginning of July and will be staying here till the beginning of September. At this point we are awed by the beauty of our surroundings.

Anchorage, Alaska

2006-07-18T01:47:00.000-04:00

Anchorage has sometimes been described as "Half an Hour from Alaska". An half-hour trip in any direction from the city offers diverse wilderness experiences, but this is a modern metropolis with features that make it uniquely Alaska.
It is a melting pot culture: Eskimos and Indians who first entered the area 6000 years ago, Russians who came for the abundant fur found in the area, prospectors who searched for gold and adventurers who established a city of tents. The name Anchorage was adopted because this is where the boats anchored for inland expeditions. It is located at the top of Cook Inlet.
We went for a walk along one of the many walking/bike trails and enjoyed a great view of the MUD FLATS as the tide was out. These mud flats are potentionally dangerous. There are warning signs along the edge to tell tourists not to walk out on them. A tidal bore here is second only to the one in Nova Scotia Canada.
We read in the Anchorage daily newspaper this week that a morning jogger had encountered an aggressive black bear on the same trail. All ended well as the jogger continued to jog. Grizzly bears are less aggressive than black bears we have been told. This is a picture of the Mud Flats at the top of Cook Inlet.

Mt. McKinley range.

2006-07-18T01:22:00.000-04:00

Our travels from Fairbanks to Anchorage took us through Denali State Park and past the spectacular Mt. McKinley Range. In this area there were numerous places where one could hike, canoe, kayak or raft in the back country.

Denali National Park is one of Alaska's major tourist destinations. We have been told that tourism is the number one industry in Alaska. Buses are ready to drive people into the back country and a wide variety of flight seeing tours are available.

Denali, "The Great One", is the name Athabascan people gave the massive peak that crowns this 600 mile long Alaska Range. This park is one of the world's last great frontiers for wilderness adventure.

Fancy German tour bus.

2006-07-07T01:56:00.002-04:00

We first noticed this tour bus in Dawson City, we saw it again in Fairbanks and took this picture in Anchorage as these German tourists just completing a 3 week vacation were preparing to catch a flight back home the next day. They traveled seated in the coach part at the front and slept in the compartments with the windows at night. As you can see the storage compartments are opened up and the stove is lit with the driver being the cook and chief bottle washer. He also did the mechanical work on the bus if needed. Click on the picture to enlarge it and note the bus driver behind the woman.

This kind of a unit certainly attracted the attention of everybody in the the RV park. When we saw it in Dawson City we noted that they arrived at 7PM, cooked and ate dinner, had a little time to sightsee, and were gone the next morning at 7AM. It certainly is a long way for them to drive for a 12 hour visit. These people were on a tight schedule and we feel certain that they slept well when they got home. In Anchorage a second bus arrived at our park with more German tourists who had been on the road for a month having boarded the bus in Toronto, Ontario.

A picture of a sidewalk cafe, Anchorage.

Alaska Highway to Fairbanks AK

2006-07-07T00:44:00.000-04:00

We stayed over for two nights in Tok to rest before traveling northwest toward Fairbanks along the Alaska/Alcan Highway. The Alaska Highway ends at Delta Junction ( the people of Fairbanks proclaim that the Alaska/Alcan Highway ends at Fairbanks at mile 1523).

Just outside Fairbanks is a small town by the name of North Pole. We visited a mega Christmas store which was complete with a cappuccino bar and every type of ornament you could imagine.

When we got to Fairbanks we did the tourist thing as you can see by the picture in front of the statue in the city square. We bought sweat shirts and hats as it is fairly cool here with the temperature being in the mid sixties.

We found a Pioneer Village with replicas of gold mining establishments.
Starting in Whitehorse and continuing through Dawson City to Fairbanks we noticed that many of the stores and houses were painted pastel colours and were trimmed with other pastel shades. We thought that this was to cheer them up throughout the long winter however by reading a tourist book we discovered something different.

The story goes that during the gold rush, house paint was in such demand in the booming town of Dawson that people took anything they could get-including "reject" colours that were not popular elsewhere. Almost every historic Dawson building is pastel.

Goodbye Dawson City.

2006-07-06T01:46:00.000-04:00

After spending 3 nights in Dawson City it was time for us to leave. We caught the ferry across the Yukon river before 8 AM. We didn't know that we were in for a tough 186 miles to Tok Alaska.
The only stops we made were at the US border, Poker Creek and at Chicken AK. Total driving time to Tok was 61/2 hours. We stopped at Chicken (Chicken was named by the original inhabitants because they could not agree on the spelling of the Alaska State Bird which is PTARMIGAN) to refresh ourselves as most of the highway was gravel with soft shoulders and wash-outs. This entire highway is closed from September to March. This highway winds along the tops of the mountains. The population goes from 6 in the winter to 26 in the summer.
I guess you would call the village people of Chicken..... "Chicken burgers"!

We arrived in Tok AK with the truck and trailer covered in mud, but we were happy to have the trip over.

Dredge #4

2006-07-06T00:48:00.000-04:00

After the original hand mining tools such as pick-axe, hand shovel and gold pan were abandoned on Bonanza Creek in favour of gold dredges, large "dredge tailings" that resembled huge stone caterpillars started to appear. Gold dredgers were half boat and half tractor.
They roamed the gold rich country like dinosaurs, tearing up the ground and hauling dirt into the machine with rows of iron buckets. Inside, the rocks and dirt were tumbled, in a deathly roar, and the gold was separated out. No grease was used on the bearings as it attracted the gold into a sticky mess.

While in Dawson City we took 1/2 a day to drive up Bonanza Creek and to tour Dredge #4 which has been declared a National Historic Site. The gold dredges operated until the early 1960s. We found it interesting that this "modern technology" still relied on an old timer SOURDOUGH on every dredge. He stood on the front platform and took samples of the gravel and dirt being dug up by the buckets. Using his gold pan he panned samples every few feet. When the SOURDOUGH held up 3 fingers it meant LOTS OF GOLD KEEP ON DIGGING, when he held up 2 fingers it meant enough gold but not much and when he held up 1 it meant NO GOLD SWING TO THE LEFT OR RIGHT.

Mining in all its forms remains the number one industry in the Yukon Territory.

Smoked King Salmon.

2006-06-24T02:05:00.000-04:00

Today we purchased some smoked king salmon from a local fish monger we met. We picked it up at his house. This is typical of the residences and the coloration that one sees in this area.

Some pictures of the area

2006-06-24T01:51:00.000-04:00

The Yukon and the Klondike Rivers join.

Sourdough Joe, Dawson City

2006-06-23T23:39:00.001-04:00

Sourdough Joe's restaurant is located on Dawson City's first lot.

August 1896, just after the historic Bonanza creek gold strike, prospector Joe Ladue staked not a claim, but a whole town site.
Joe Ladue sold lots for only $5.00 in the winter of 1896, but by the next summer he was getting $8000.00 for them. Dawson City's population grew from 25 to 5000 in less than a year. Within 2 years, the population exploded to 40000, making it the biggest Western Canadian city.

In 1897, Joe Ladue's home was also Dawson City's first saloon. At the height of the Gold Rush, $5.00 in Dawson City got you a plate of beans and bread with stewed apples and a cup of coffee. A meal costing $2.50 in Dawson City cost only $0.15 in Seattle Washington. 8000 people left Dawson in 1899, when the Gold Rush ended. Joe went back to New York a rich man.
Prices are still a little inflated here as 2 orders with 2 pieces fish and chips with 2 coffees come to $33 and change. We do not think that just because it was Yukon King Salmon that the price was justified.

Summer Solstice Yukon

2006-06-23T22:11:00.000-04:00

Awesome Yukon beauty surrounds us in Dawson City. We drove to a nearby mountain landmark called the "Midnight Dome" (elevation of 2964 feet). This is where Jannich went at midnight to see how summer solstice is revered in this area.

He found himself among many young people, hippies and others that were more into smoking pot and drinking. Needless to say he only stayed there till shortly after midnight. The picture with the people was taken on the Dome just after midnight and the picture of the RV park was taken at 2 AM.

The sun sets at 12:20 AM and then gets up again around 3:45 but it still does not get completely dark.