Cape Bonavista
Scot Free III
Frank & Anne
Thu 21 Sep 2023 20:19
On Friday, sailed past Cape Bonavista in fog, so today decided to take a taxi there and walk back, perhaps a rash decision in 26 knot north westerly winds and 14 degrees. We were quids in though, there was a promotion on and entry was free. Impressed at how spacious and comfortable it was. Built in 1843 and operated until 1962, it is the fourth oldest lighthouse in Newfoundland. In 1962 it was replaced by an electric light on a nearby steel skeleton tower.  The last resident lighthouse keeper had eleven children so beds everywhere. The plus side to this lighthouse was that it’s on a peninsula and not a remote island, so a larger building could be built. We commented on the loud foghorn, a safety feature for us sailors, but a pain for anyone living locally and for the guides when it sounds ever 30 seconds.  The cab driver had kindly pointed us in the direction of the hiking trail to come back, much more pleasant than walking along the road, although drivers are very considerate here and give way to pedestrians. The path was very close to the edge in parts. Grateful that the 26 knot wind was blowing us inland and not over the edge.  Sheep are grazing on the island in the distance. Presume they’ll be brought back to the mainland for the winter. The Cape is a renowned spot for whale watching, iceberg spotting not to mention the puffins, although we have spotted the odd one out at sea. We’re here too late in the season, not sure whether disappointed or relieved regarding the first two.  A statue of John Cabot just down from the lighthouse, an extraordinarily rocky coastline on which to make landfall. |