We came from away, we leave today, we shed a tear and that's OK, what can we say, a thanks and goodbye from Monique and dr j

Photos to be posted later today - driving, talking, singing and blogging is possible...downloading pictures, driving, talking, singing, blogging and driving is downright dangerous so I refuse to do it!

(well maybe just one or two for now.......)

Post SNM Tour Day #2

Leaving Newfoundland.....

Spent a nice stretch of time in Newfoundland/Labrador and now we will cross from Dildo to Port Aux Basque and be on a ferry heading off the island before the day is done.  What can I say about Newfoundland? This is the best kept secret in Canada! The landscape, the ocean views, and most of all the friendliness of the people of this province are unparalleled.  We are main-landers, come "from away" and yet we were treated so very well by so many people and families - this is the Newfoundland way and one which has slowly been eroded in the bigger urban centres of our own "peaceful and friendly" country. A shame.

We cannot say enough about the hospitality and support we received here in Newfoundland.  How well the people and province coped with the destruction of Hurricane Igor was amazing.  It is an absolute tragedy that so many islanders have been forced to be away from their family and land to work in places as far away as Fort McMurray Alberta. In honor of this province I had a meal of Fisherman's Brewis last night - cod, hard tack, scrunchions and molasses.  We will return some day - although I may never do the brewis again (sorry)!

A late addition to the blog - after I posted and before we left Nfld we met up with Melissa for one last goodbye. Of course how could we leave without just a bit more hospitality - a nice lunch/supper "for the road".  Thanks so much for everything. I tell you, some single 25 year old (or so) guy could be a very, very lucky man some day.......

a very rare shot of me out of SNM gear (by the way)
and thanks to Noreen's cousin Helen (almost like an aunt to Melissa) for the Apricot raisin cake - it will definitely be appreciated in the RV on the long way back - YUM!

Some more thanks are in order

To all my "informal board" members a great big thanks. 

You must understand that they were "asked" to be a part of "an idea" which we were trying to formalize - a difficult, if not impossible task.  

Tom - for the driving, all the quotes, the encouragement, the critiques and the openness and acceptance of it all

Joe - for everything over a lot of years. If Les is going to heaven because she is married to you, you are at least going to purgatory for putting up with me.

Les - for all the scientific reviews and background work, driving and being part of the road work through one of the most demanding parts of the tour

Rob and Dorte - for all the critical and candid words of advice and wisdom and for helping hold down the fort back in Calgary.  All the little things meant a lot!

Gab and Eric - if I say any more, people will start to think I'm just making it up, you have both contributed in so many different ways

Blair - your insight and professional wisdom was critical in defining the mission and message of the tour, your contribution early on was the foundation on which the whole tour was built.

(and honorary member David)- more about him later

A huge thanks to Corey Brennan of Green Acre Designs who did all the graphics design for the tour - media, web, correspondence, merchandise, RV etc., etc.  He was professional, immensely creative, open to our needs and suggestions, very available and extremely efficient.  More than all this he is an easy going,  great guy and one which we would work with again any day.  If anyone has any need for the best graphics designer in the country - look him up, you will not be disappointed.

A few more thanks tomorrow....... 

Tour Day Sponsors are Evan, Camille, Charmaine and Sullivan Strong of Calgary - thanks again so much for the encouragement and very very generous support.

(Not so) Random quotes of the day about Newfoundland and Labrador

"The place where land, water and sky
embrace like old friends." Newfoundland & Labrador Travel Guide

"The far east of the western world."
Where To Go, Newfoundland & Labrador Travel Guide

"A land with thousands of miles of coastline, endless forest,
and ancient mountains. Western Newfoundland runs from
Port aux Basques to the top of the Great Northern Peninsula." Western Region, Newfoundland & Labrador Travel Guide

"Our destination is the scenic coastal waters off
St. Anthony, Newfoundland - Iceberg Alley.
This area has the largest concentration of icebergs in
Newfoundland and is one of the best locations in
North America for whale watching. " Northland Discovery Tours

"Come enjoy the scenery and dance your cares away
with the friendly folk of the Festival Coast." Festival Coast

"...the original Red Indians of North America. Central Newfoundland
has several historic sites where you can learn more of these
remarkable indigenous people." Central Region, Newfoundland & Labrador Travel Guide