The last Province

​NEWFOUNDLAND
The last province – and the youngest. It didn’t become part of Canada until 1949. It also is an island, so getting to this place can be quite costly. I didn’t think I’d be able to make it; if it hadn’t been for my sister-in-law, I probably wouldn’t have. But she was determined that I’d complete my goal of getting to every state and province in North America by the time I was 30. So she flew in from Ontario while I flew in from Indiana for the long Easter weekend in 1997.
It was an awesome time. First I had to get over how the family sent signed signs to celebrate, and also a world atlas to commemorate the event. Cindy booked a B&B for us in St. John’s. We spent most of the time there – the history is phenomenal and the area picturesque. But ooh, my, be prepared for aching legs. Again, this prairie girl isn’t used to the constant up and down of the rocks and hills that permeate St. John’s. The life is totally different there; fishing and water-related living is such a different concept to living in the prairies. The colorful houses almost looked like they’d fall on top of each other from a distance as each one is at a different level going up or down the hill.
Naturally, I had to get photos where “Canada starts” (Trans-Canada Highway), and the easternmost part of Canada – where I wasn’t positive I’d not be blown off before Cindy finally managed to thaw her fingers enough to snap the photo! Signal Hill was a must and touring through the Cabot Tower. I did get a bit squeamish on the narrow ledge as we hiked along the one trail that you took “at your own risk”.
Is 41:1a Keep silence before me, o islands; and let the people renew their strength... this verse kinda describes how I felt many times at the majestic-ness of the rugged rock features. We went for a drive out into the countryside and found frozen waterfalls. Such beauty. However, I do wonder how I’d survive living there permanently. It definitely has its own beauty, and there may be much more to it than I saw, but I do like my wide open spaces and colorful trees. Here things have to be squeezed in among the rocks. Of course, if someone offered me a trip over there I certainly wouldn’t turn it down! It was definitely worth a second visit.

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Look carefully at center photo and down 3/4. That's the narrow trail and ledge we hiked - a small section had a rope to hang on to 'cause your one foot was almost hanging over the ocean below! Freaky!

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