Tag: boating

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A Wake at Last

Yesterday was a good – make that great – day in the Wonderful World of Whiteway – and one that I was afraid wouldn’t happen for us. It was the official kick-off of 10 more days of the food fishery (where individuals are allowed a small quota of fish each day) and boat troubles that have been plaguing us for the past several weeks made me worried we wouldn’t be able to go out and enjoy it.

But with a great thanks to Alf and Randy Peddle, we converted the boat from two Johnson motors to one 225 HP Yamaha! It was a challenging job made harder by the fact that shaft was 4 inches too short. We had to put an extension on the back of the boat at Woodman’s Welding shop in New Harbour. Craig Newhook and Sam Pitcher are experts and made the bracket in record time – which is just about how much time we had!

So we were able to join our neighbours and all the little boats of Newfoundland that took to the water …. and I caught the first fish – take that, Berry!

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Kayaking in Trinity Bay

We had two kayakers stay with us last week – Art and Don, both engineers, both from St. John’s. And they’re both my age or older, but you’d never think that looking at them – making me wonder if I should take up this sport! Anyway, they told us that this is a great place for kayaking – you can even go right through Shag Rock.

The Berry and I are thinking about getting canoes and kayaks to rent for next summer. Obviously I’ll let you know if we do!

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We Stand on Guard

Examine this picture closely – it’s not just a shot of Shag Rock. If you notice to the left of it, there’s what looks like smoke rising out of the water. And that’s just what our guest, Tim, saw on Thursday night while having a BBQ on the deck of The Blueberry, which overlooks Trinity Bay. Confirming it with binoculars, he realized a long liner was on fire.

Tim called me, I called Guardian Angel Alf, Alf called Clifford George (and told me to call the fire department). Alf and Clifford raced for Clifford’s boat to afford a rescue, if possible.

In minutes the smoke had turned to flame – from the shore we could see the inferno with our naked eyes. In no time, there were other boats coming from other closer communities, too. That’s what we do in Newfoundland – we can always rely on our neighbours in an emergency.

Alf and Clifford were second at the scene. They talked to the Skipper, who luckily (or by Divine Intervention) was towing a boat behind him (a standard safety precaution). He and the first mate (the only two people on board) barely had time to get in it before the flames completely overwhelmed their boat.

The fire started in the engine room, and the small crew only had time to get out one May Day before they were forced to abandon ship. The captain had to sit and watch his boat burn to the water’s edge.

Clifford came home and couldn’t get the scene out of his mind – so, as he is wont to do, he painted what he had seen to get some peace. He then brought the painting over to Alf as a memento of the near-tragic event.

Thank God no one was hurt. It makes us appreciate our view of the ocean even more – it allows us to take notice of what’s actually going on out there. And thankfully our guests can’t keep their eyes off it like we can’t. Since no one was injured, the story was just a little one on the news, but you can tell from Cliff’s picture below that it was a harrowing, unforgettable night for all involved. 

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Sharing the Wheel

Summer may be winding down, but that doesn’t mean our boat trips are – not if Alf can help it! Last week we got to take out a great group of people from Ontario (and, as a side note, we get some many guests for that province!), Veronica, Dick, Patricia and Mike. They spent two weeks at The Blueberry and loved it – and we loved having them! Always fun to see the appreciative smiles when people get to see Shag Rock up close and personal.

Alf of course was our intrepid captain – except when the women took the wheel!

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Old Man on the Sea

We were almost in trouble last week, as we’d promised Laura Beth and Greg, honeymooners from Orangeville, a ride out to Shag Rock as a wedding gift – only my boat is currently out of commission! Thankfully, Alf, my guardian angel, has a little more luck with his and took us out. Coming along for the ride was Don and Iris Vanderveen, celebrating their 41st anniversary. Don was dubbed ‘Old Man on the Sea’ by his wife (her words, not mine!). It was especially fun on this trip to see one couple with 41 years of marriage, and another just starting out – I hope it’s a memory that will last for them!

Later that day we had out Don and Iris’ daughter, Kathy, and Dennis Travis, who are here to help celebrate their 41st anniversary. We always love it when families use Ocean Delight as a venue for these get-togethers – it’s what we’re all about.

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Nostalgic Boats

I love little boats in the harbour – nostalgia, I guess. Yesterday I was in Green’s Harbour and had to get these shots. The setting was picture perfect, although I wasn’t close enough to get that perfect shot. Still cute though!Little boats for a little post!

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Ready for My Close Up

Usually I’m the one taking pictures of my guests – but yesterday I got some great shots from Jim and Judy, a couple we had out on the A Wake at Last about a month ago. They were very kind to pass them along, and now I’m passing them along to you!I especially like the shot they got of our Berry cottages – the ones in Whiteway. What great photographers!

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Loads of Cod

Of course, you can’t separate Newfoundland – our history, our identity, our triumphs and struggles – from the cod fishery. And somehow, despite – or because of – everything, cod is in our bones – and now, thanks to the current recreational fishery, on our plates and the plates of our guests every supper! For a few weeks now in the summer, and later in September, residents and non-residents alike are allowed to catch up to 5 fish a day, and we’re all taking advantage! The fishing’s good and easy, the fish are fresh and tasty, and I have an excuse to be out on the A Wake at Last every day – as if I needed one!

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This Blog’s for Donal

Here’s Julie, from Newfoundland, and Donal, an honest-to-goodness Irishmen, who stayed at our cottages a few weeks ago (we Newfoundlanders are quite proud of our Irish roots, and it was great to have a ‘native’ stay with us!). Donal couldn’t believe I blog everyday – but yes, Donal, I do, and I have so much to write about that I can’t keep up with it, which is why your post is so belated!

It’s always fun to take young couples out on the boat and help them have a good time. Julie and Donal were great – our guests are constantly reminding us how lucky we are to have this new ‘job’ (‘job’ in quotes because I don’t know if it’s fair to call something you love this much ‘work’!).

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Happy Guests = Happy Jerry

If you follow this blog you know I rave about this new life and all the opportunities to meet new people. Here’s another perfect example – our wonderful guests Gail and Rhonda, two fun and fun-loving gals we recently hosted. They loved the Blueberry Cottage – with all its color coordinating and complementary accents, it is a warm and inviting place. And they took to calling me and Joe Friday, ‘Buddy Wasisname and the other fella’ – too perfect.

Of course I had to take Gail and Rhonda for a ride and picnic on the A Wake at Last. I wanted their week to be ‘freedom plus’ from all the stress of the city – and I think it was. They told us they didn’t want to leave! I told them we have long term rentals!Shag Rock or bust!