Farewell Newfoundland

Boat beached up at Swans Cove, Placentia

The time has come to say farewell to Newfoundland's Avalon peninsula, so let's take a look around and see what we'll be missing and why you should consider a visit yourself...

Jumbo sized ship model in Ferndale

 The greater Placentia area has a lot to offer, from scenic vistas to historic sites and don't forget that Cape St. Mary's Ecological Preserve is just a short drive away.  There you can view thousands of gulls, razorbills, common murres, black-legged kittiwakes, northern gannets, and double-crested and great cormorants nesting in the warmer months and 20,000 scoters, long-tailed ducks, harlequin, dovekies, thick-billed murres, and kittiwakes winter there as well.  We didn't have time for a drive out this visit unfortunately but it's at the top of my recommended list for others to go see.

Flowers at Wayne's mother's house

Newfie hospitality is unrivaled, so if someone asks you to come over for a meal or wants to give something away to you just accept that you are somewhere that the people want you to feel at home.  There's nothing quite like it anywhere else!

Traditional saltbox home in Placentia

There are plenty of places to stay popping up, I really liked the new rentals down by the marina at the bridge in Placentia.  Bright and cheery and the location can't be beat.  Check out Air BnB, there are lovely rentals available for under $100 a night!

Rental in Placentia by the bridge - come stay awhile!

See if you can enjoy some time on the water, whether you bring your kayak like we did or fish on a lake or charter a boat ride.

Swans Cove, Placentia

Castle Hill is a must, and you get views of Placentia where Wayne's family lives and views of Freshwater where my family lives!  Argentia lies on the other side of that big hill in Freshwater, so unfortunately you won't be able to see that, but now I wonder if there's a spot on Old Settlement Hill where you can get a view down on Argentia...I bet Uncle Matt knows!

View of Old Settlement Hill in Freshwater from Castle Hill

Lots of cemeteries to explore if you are into that.  I know I like taking a spin around a cemetery now and then to get an idea of who came before.

Freshwater cemetery from Castle Hill

Freshwater doesn't have the attractions that Placentia does, but is conveniently located 5 minutes from the ferry and if you're not staying at the Sunset RV Park in Argentia you can check out Castle Landing which is a renovated convent that has twelve ensuite rooms available.

Freshwater wharf

If you stop in Freshwater see if there's anything going on down at the La Fontaine Club, often there is live music and maybe you'll see some of my people hanging out there!

How many of the Griffin crowd here tonight?

That's where Leacey got screeched in.  To be an official Screecher you have to be visiting Newfoundland for the first time, prove you can speak like a Newfoundlander, drink like a Newfoundlander, and kiss the almighty Cod. She was a real sport about it! 

Who knows, maybe you'll even see us hanging out there.  After all...it's official that we're moving back next summer! Though we may be too busy to hang out at the club!

It's unclear where in the greater Placentia area you will find us, but just look for our RV or drop me a line on the blog if you want a tour of the area!  And you know how we love an adventure, if you're continuing on across the island we just may join you!