The Island’s Experience

Good Morning, from Fogo Island, Newfoundland. As my time winds down into my final couple days, I figure it is time to drop a line and update you all on my travels thus far. 

The trip across the country was decent. I encountered some heavy rains as I left Slave Lake to drive to Edmonton Airport. There were some set backs and hiccups with flights but once all said and done, I arrived in Gander on time and with all luggage in hand so that was a win. During my stop over in Toronto, as I was boarding for my flight to Gander, I saw one of my oldest childhood friends, Alison, and her family board behind me. We chatted briefly before taking our seats and met up again in Gander and again in the ferry line up. I also ran in to friends Trevor and Terri in the ferry line up as well as cousin April on the ferry.  It was so nice to see every one coming home at the same time. It’s always nice to come here but the experience is far more enjoyable when others are here at the same time. 

 My first night here was an early night. Although there was a family get together next door, a week of night shifts, then an over night flight across the country had taken it’s toll and I had to sit that one out. I crashed hard but was up and ready to take on the day. Later that same day, my brother Jason, and his whole gang showed up. Within 24 hours, my parents house of two became a house of 10. My parents had their camper set up and my niece and her boyfriend Josh brought theirs as well. The homestead was suddenly buzzing with laughter and chatter. A years worth of life to get caught up on. 

 The next two weeks were some what of a blur. They went by so very fast. The first few days the weather was extremely hot so there wasn’t a lot of outdoor activities. We did some visiting, drives to soak up some AC and relaxing around the house. Once the weather was more suitable, we started doing some hikes, boat rides etc. The first was the Joe Batt’s Arm trail which leads out a Great Auk statue (pictured below). The Great Auk was native to Arctic and Sub-Arctic regions. They had a nesting ground on Funk Islands. Unfortunately they became extinct in 1844 when fisherman killed the last confirmed pair at Eldey Island in Iceland. Today, a pair of Great Auks statues sit facing each other, one in Joe Batt’s Arm and the other in Valahnukamol Iceland. I do this hike every Summer and one day hope to visit it’s twin in Iceland. 

Another hike I always look forward to is the Brimstone Head summit. Brimstone head is one the four corners or the earth according to the Flat Earth Society. Its a fairly easy and quick hike but boasts wonderful views of Fogo and the ocean. You can see across to neighbouring Change Islands as well as all the way over to Twillingate. At the base of Brimstone head is the home of the annual Brimstone Head folk festival. This past week end just saw it’s 39th year of the festival. 

On Saturday, August 3rd, the Bixby side of my family held a kitchen party affectionately known as “Bixby and friends”. Although we called it a kitchen party, we actually rented a hall as there were far too many people attending to fit in one persons kitchen. Many people brought delicious dishes and finger foods as one always does here. For entertainment, there was a number of family members and friends playing guitar, accordion, harmonica as well as singing. It was a great night of catching up over food and drink. One of the highlights for me was through a crazy chain of events. My Nieces boyfriend from Nova Scotia works with a guy (Jeff) from the island here. It turned out that Jeff (aka JJ) was a childhood friend of mine whom I haven’t seen since 1998 if I remember correctly. Since both co workers were here on the island at the same time, he was invited to attend the kitchen party and in turn, we were able to catch up. It is a very small world some times. Imagine, a long lost childhood friend ended up working at a specific place in Halifax, and then one of his coworkers/friends is the guy dating my niece. To add to that chain of coincidences, Jeff went to for an appointment in Halifax a while back and the one helping him was my cousin Sam. Unfortunately she was unable to attend the kitchen party. You just never know peoples connection to one another. 

 Another event we attended that I thoroughly enjoyed was a shed party at Arts Landing. This is a traditional Newfoundland fishing stage turned into a gathering place by wonderful hosts Pauline and Rex Brown. Through out the summer they have local talent perform local music. It is a free event but be sure to tip to help keep this event going. As I sat there in that stage, listening to incredibly talented folks, we were also treated to the one of the most beautiful sunsets off the stage head. It was a wonderful night. 

 The second week into the trip here the weather wasn’t as favourable. It rained almost every day at some point of the day. However during one of the nice breaks, we did yet another hike. The Lions Den trail in Fogo. Most definitely my favourite as it is the most scenic. The Lions Den trail passes through resettled communities such as Lockes Cove, Eastern Tickle and Lions Den. These were small fishing villages many years ago but eventually all resettled into bigger communities on the island such as Fogo. There is little left now to prove their existence  however nicely places placards dot the trail with pictures and written information. It is a must do hike for any one visiting the island. 

 Although I am mainly talking about the hikes and events I attended, a lot more was happening on the sides. I spent a lot of time visiting with family and friends who live here, as well as those also visiting here. Every day I make a trip, some times two, to a local coffee shop called Punch Buggy. This is a seasonal walk up window that offers delicious beverages and some foods. I enjoy their ice coffee, so much so that when I went yesterday, I was asked if I wanted the usual. Another spot I recommend if you are visiting here during the Summer months. 

 To keep this at a respectable length, I will end this here and continue with part two shortly. I am in my last 2 days here now therefore  packing up once again, getting in last minute visits and such. I will write part two once I am back in Alberta so I can include my trip back. Stay tuned!