It was a RDF
day, according to our guide, Lucille. This means a Rainy Damp Foggy day. Our
luck held out though because it mostly was damp and foggy. Even though we
couldn’t see much at times, it was not raining, just misting.
Spence
warned us that Lucille was a hoot and boy was she! She kept us in stitches with
her jokes (some naughty) and her ribbing of several on board. Especially fun
was her ribbing of Jim for sleeping in the back and Bob with her promise of a
climax treat at the end. She had a lovely Irish brogue and with her red hair
and great stories, she won the hearts of all of us.
We drove by
a tribute to the USA for establishing a military post during WWII to help
Labrador protect the harbor from the Germans.
Our first
stop was in the village of Quidi Vidi where we did a “walk about.” Along with
learning about the village,
She pointed out some blueberry bushes along the road which Joe proceeded to pick!
Luckily the
fog was such that we could see the village and the harbor as opposed to the
view on top of the Signal Hill where she assured us that there was a beautiful
view of St. John’s harbor.
We had to take her word for it. We did see a well
done film in the visitor center about the French and English occupation and use
of Signal Hill to protect the harbor.
The women were dressed appropriately and with the exception of Bill, all the men wore jeans (even Roger).
Lucille also told us a great expression for having a bad
hair day, “My hair is like a birch broom in a fit!” Remember the birch brooms
being made at the Acadian Village? We could all relate to the expression.
Next stop was St. John the Baptist Basilica and Convent.
Lucille grew up in that church so that made it special for her and us. It was
very beautiful and when we saw the sculpture of the Veiled Virgin in marble, we
all were in awe. 
We had all worked up an appetite by then so had a great meal
at the Red Rock bar & grill. There were mussels, salad, rolls, chicken
alfredo, spicy meatballs and Asian veggies over rice. It was a wonderful
variety of tastes. Of course there was also a large selection of desserts.
Yummmm
After lunch we headed out to Spear lighthouse and cove. The
fog lifted a bit when we got there but let me tell you, the fog horn and
working lighthouse were on duty! You could feel the horn in your belly when it
blew. Some of us made it to the top of the old lighthouse (all 216 steps!) She
told us it was 95 but Alan and I counted each one (it helps to keep your mind focused
on counting and not on how tired you are).
I think everyone walked out to the eastern most point of
North America. I’m sure everyone took a picture by the sign. These folks were
with us so a tourist took our picture before we raced back to the bus. (We had
4.5 minutes to get back according to Sheila so we walked fast)
Back on the bus we drove to Petty Harbour for a bit of a
“walk about.” We sampled ice cream in the little store in the town and
according to Roger, it was almost as good as Cows from PEI. It was made
locally.
There were a few gifts in the store and Lucille and Madi
entertained with the traditional sticks made with mops, bottle caps, and an old
shoe. We passed on buying one as the price was $79. I think Gretta will make
one for much lessJ.
Our final stop was the Lieutenant Governor’s House.
Lucille had a last bit of fun with sneaking up on Jim who
was sleeping in the back of the bus and giving out prizes for the correct
answer to her questions. Lots of
frivolity on the way back to the park. Spence said at the end, when he was
thanking her, “ I warned you that Lucille was a hoot and now you see what I
meant.” He was certainly right.
Submitted by:
#6 Shannon & Alan Jones
