Happily, the car continues to be fine – no noise. We are feeling more confident that it was some weird fluke and all is well (or we are kidding ourselves, but we can’t do anything until it happens again so we will continue enjoying Newfoundland).
We are quite pleased with our newest camping spot – Pippy Park. First of all, it gets high points for the alliteration in its cute name. Secondly, it is located right in St John’s, is wooded (with hiking trails) and has electricity -a great combination for us. The weather forecast continues to indicate clouds and some rain so electricity is important. Plus, it is chilly at night. We have a heater in our camper that runs on propane, but we also have a little electric heater that we prefer to run when possible.
Pippy Park is located next to a “Fluvarium”. I was initially alarmed when I saw the sign as I was concerned that they are incubating the flu virus there and I have not had my flu shot yet (OK not really – just had to make a comment about the name). It is actually an environmental education center that allows you to see an underwater view of Nagle’s Hill Pond. We may visit later this week.
We headed for Signal Hill after setting up camp (we’ve gotten really quick) -I’m thinking we should compete in the Camp Set-Up Olympics.
Signal Hill is a cool spot and particularly exciting if you are Tom – a wireless telecommunications engineer. In 1901 Signal Hill is where the first transatlantic wireless telegraph was received from 2100 miles away (SW coast of England). The letter S was received via morse code. Marconi conducted his experiment in secret and then went public after its success. Here is Tom at the birthplace of wireless telecommunication:
There is a great view of St John’s from the top of Signal Hill. It is, of course, much better if the weather is cooperating.
Signal Hill was also used to defend St. Johns so they have some old weapons there. Every day at noon they fire one of the pieces of artillery.
After our Signal Hill excursion we headed to Quidi Vidi – the name alone meant we had to visit. It is a small incredibly picturesque (even on a bad weather day) fishing village with an odd name that no one seems to know the origin.
We spotted a small Fish and Chips shack and grabbed some for lunch. It was LITERALLY the BEST fish and chips we have ever had anywhere in the world. We intend to return frequently.
Next on the list was the Anglican Cathedral of St. John the Baptist and George Street – both located “downtown St John’s”. On the way we admired the colorful houses in St. John.
We read that you could have tea in the crypt at the Cathedral on Wednesday. Given that we have never had tea in a crypt we were excited to do that. Alas, last Wed. was the last day for tea in the crypt as the tourist season is winding down. So, we admired the cathedral…..
… and they headed for George Street – known for having the most bars per capita in its 2 blocks than anywhere else in North America. The place was pretty mellow, but I can tell that Friday and Saturday nights is when it rocks. It may warrant a follow up visit.
North Atlantic Canada 2019 