Foot steps to the past

Hi every one. Well its been a great couple days here on Fogo Island since my last blog, not to mention, a busy one.
I will start by talking about the folk festival in my home town of Joe Batt’s Arm which is known as The Etheridges Point Folk Festival. Consisting of a line up of local entertainment, food and of course, beverages, The Etheridges Point festival makes for a great meeting place of all those people from our past who have long gone and drifted apart. As soon as you walk in the gate, you are guarenteed to see a friendly face, childhood friend of family member you haven’t seen in years. It is my favorite part of these type of events as you get to catch up with people without having to track them down. We were very lucky to have had great weather this year as opposed to many of the festivals in the past. In terms of entertanment, we were also treated to a reunion of the Fogo Island Accoridan Group. They saw much success back in the 90s but since then, the 5 female group had gone their separate ways however came together and played as one once again. It was a great treat for sure. There was also a “Screech in” which is the traditional ceremony held when making some one “from away”an honourary Newfoundlander. That consists of having the inductee’s speak “newfie” phrases, drink Newfoundland Screech and kiss a fish! Always a fun filled time while watching the foreignors try to say these phrases which always came second nature to us who grew up here.
Other than the festival, I have been very busy spending my days photographing the bountiful scenery around the island as well as wandering nastalgically around my childhood “stomping grounds” as we call it. Today I took some alone time and just walked the foot paths of my past, thinking of days gone by, when I would be roaming the hills and climbing the rocks by the ocean without a care on the world. All the good memories came flooding back today as I hiked around with camera in hand (pictures to come shortly) and the sun beating down on me. As if that alone wasn’t enough, the hills are just abundant with blueberries, ripe for the picking. I of course ate and ate……and ate. There is nothing more tasty than home grown berries. There is zero comparison as to what we buy and pass off as blueberries in Ontario. The experience as a whole was just the perfect moment, as if created in ones mind but yet, here I am, living it. I have been to many beautiful places in this world but there will always be something about home that just can not be beat, nor should it!
In addition to my journey down memory lane, I also visited some neighboring towns on the island and took in the scenery. If you are an outdoor enthusiest, this island is the place for you. The walking trails alone make the trek here worthwhile and that’s just one of many special attributes this island has to offer. It is quickly becoming a tourism gem and the increase in traffic here can vouch for that. There are days when the ferry system just can not keep up the traffic demand.
I have been mainly focusing on the scenery here so far but there is one very important ingrediant that has made this trip so great thus far, that is friends and family. Many of my friends and family have come home this summer as well and that can only make being home all the more special. There has been much catching up as most of them I have not seen in 3 or more years. We all just seemed to pick up where we left off and continue on enjoying each others company while updating one another on our lives and reliving the old days when things were easier and fun. There has also been talk about the future and where we go from here. Some have found their calling, but then there are those of us who are still searching for that perfect fit, some thing that will make us happy to share with every one the next time there is a trip home.
All in all, it has been a fantastic 3 days here so far. Very busy yet some how relaxing. I would be lying if I said I missed the traffic, smog and the “rat race” of living in a big city. I am not saying I am ready to move to a quiet town again, but I am saying I am immensly enjoying where I am now. As a traveler, I was not born for one corner, The whole world is my native land but this……..this is home! Join me again soon, Cheers!