travel – Page 14 – Ocean Delight Cottages

September 12, 2013September 12, 2013

Celebrate the S.S. Kyle in Conception Bay North

We like alerting readers to fun community events, and there’s a once-in-a-lifetime celebrating coming up this weekend in Bay Roberts that is not to be missed. They’re celebrating the 100 year anniversary of the S.S. Kyle, along with the culture and way of life in this beautiful part of the province. With lots of events planned, this is a great opportunity to learn a little and have a little fun.

This beautiful picture of the Kyle was taken by Margaret Ayad. I really recommend following her on Facebook to stay up to date with happenings on the Baccalieu Trail.

And wondering what’s happening this weekend? Events kick off tomorrow, with an evening of songs, music and stories about the Labrador Fishery at the Rorke Store Museum in Carbonear.

Saturday will be the 4th Annual ‘Swim the Kyle,’ when Libby Earle, daughter of late Captain Guy Earle, swimming to touch the bow of the Kyle. There will be poetry readings, author Pat Collins will be signing his book about the Kyle, a new painting will be unveiled, and the Battalion 201 Drum & Gloc Corps will provide music.

That night, enjoy a 3 course meal and entertainment at the Bay Roberts Hotel. Guests are welcome to dress in period costume.

On Sunday, September 15, come to St. George’s Heritage Church at 7:30pm, to enjoy Jim Payne and Fergus O’Byrne, stories of the Kyle and the Labrador Fishery, video interviews, the Vanda Maunder Dancers, and more.

For more information, please see this post, or visit the Town of Bay Roberts on Facebook. I’m sure it will be a fun weekend, and thanks to all the folks involved in organizing this great event.

September 10, 2013September 10, 2013

Tuesdays with Murphy: Hosting Our End of Season BBQ

Our great employees have worked so hard this summer that I convinced Jerry and The Berry that we needed a end-of-season barbecue to celebrate. We accomplished a lot this year, and laid a great foundation for next – and that deserves raising a glass or two.

I have to admit that sometimes hearing how gratefully Jerry and The Berry talk about their great staff, I can get jealous! But I know what they know – that the Shag It Cafe and Gift Shop, The Doctor’s House and our cottages just wouldn’t be what they are without this dedicated team.

And future guests, reading about an end of season barbecue, don’t sweat! We’re not closing down, not by a long shot. Things will be a little quieter like they always are in the fall, but we’ve got some great package deals – both at The Doctor’s House and at our cottages – that are great for couples, families, or friends looking to get away!

Big thanks again, to all our team, those still with us and those continuing on to new projects, and to all who came out help us celebrate this weekend!

September 8, 2013September 5, 2013

Sunset Sunday: Thank You, Leonard!

All I can say is wow. Leonard Howlett, a Crafts of Character carver whose work we are now featuring at the Shag It, is clearly an artist of many talents. This photo of his showcasing the sun setting over Shag Rock is second to none. Happy Sunday, everyone.

September 5, 2013September 5, 2013

Remember that Ditch?

Do you remember that ugly ditch we had on our property last year? Thankfully it was off to the side of our parking, but it was still an eye sore, and I could not let an eye sore stand! So we put in a lot of love and care, some landscaping, and some swing sets we got in Belize last winter. I’m really proud of it! So when John and his son, Matthew, played on the swings after an evening at the Shag It Cafe, I was thrilled to see someone using it just like I had hoped. Doesn’t it look inviting?

September 2, 2013August 31, 2013

Shag It Ladies

We have lots of fun guests coming to the Shag It and I’ve enjoyed playing host (and sometimes waiter). I particularly enjoyed these women, Betty, Pam, Joan, Gladys and Vangie, from CBS. Gladys emailed us that “We loved everything there. What a place! We have been braging about it ever
since.”

That’s the kind of feedback we’re working so hard for, and we hope to have them back for a night at the cottages. Gladys is also an artist, so I told her next time she needs to bring her brush!

August 24, 2013August 20, 2013

Budding Saturday: Rock Harbour

Another Saturday, another beautiful Newfoundland scene captured by the brilliant Bud Vincent. This was captured in Rock Harbour near Petite Forte, on the Burin Peninsula. Another classic!

August 23, 2013August 23, 2013

Minister of Tourism Visits New Restaurant and Inn in Newfoundland

We were happy that Terry French, Minister of the Department of Tourism, Culture and Recreation for the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, came to the Shag It Cafe this past Wednesday. He came to try Joe Friday’s famous cod au gratin appetizer, of course, and he wanted to see what we have done with the place, too.

I believe he was impressed with the breathtaking view at the Shag It and all the work we did to convert the apartment into the original Newfoundland café it is now. He was even more impressed with the fact that across all our properties on the Baccalieu Trail, we have gone from 3 ½ employees last year to 23 this year.

We were also proud to show off The Doctor’s House, which he loved as well. We had a wonderful BBQ, saw the ponies, trekked the property, and said hello to the first born on the farm since we acquired it (we now have 4 beautiful baby chicks – stay tuned for pictures!).

We spent the night telling stories of this remarkable province and all the potential we both see in the Baccalieu Trail. We talked about how we are trying to provide the experiences the government is promoting, including in all those beautiful ads we see on tv.

I also learned that Minister French has connections to this Wonderful World of Whiteway – lucky man. He has land here that was given to him by his Aunt Minnie Bishop, who was a resident. He is well known by the locals and related to the Harnums.

We also talked about my late brother, Jack, who I know really liked Terry. Seems like the feeling was mutual. Overall, it was a blessed night, and we were happy to share our work with someone who does so much for this province.

August 18, 2013August 11, 2013

Ocean Delight Sunset

Ocean Delight Sunsets – falling in love with this view is what started us on this journey, with Ocean Delight, The Doctor’s House, now the Shag It Cafe and Gift Shop. How can you see this and not fall in love, not figure out a way to spend more time here?

August 15, 2013August 15, 2013

My First Screech In

Last year, Joe Friday was our Screecher. I’ve now taken over, with one Screech In under my belt (a Screech In is a fun, irreverent way for outsiders to become honourary Newfoundlanders – kissing a cod may or may not be included!). Many thanks to Ann and Zofia, and Herb and Linda from Petawawa, for being our guinea pigs!

August 14, 2013August 11, 2013

Cod Tongues and All

With thanks to EDMO (Eastern Destination Management Organization), we had a film crew at the cottages from Travel Guy TV (TGTV) from Toronto . It was Frank Greco and his team, who are filming a new show to add to their series called ‘The Travel Guy.” This series is currently being broadcast on Discovery World HD.

They were here over 4 hours. Clifford was our ambassador. He cooked cod tongues and talked about Heart’s Content, Heart’s Delight, Heart’s Desire, Dildo, and other unique community names along the Baccalieu. It was an exciting day, we were excited and grateful for the opportunity to share our story. Stay tuned – we’ll let you know when it airs!