Newfoundland, Hodges Cove and outports, Canada

Newfoundland is soooo different from the rest of Canada. Small outports were the mainstay of this island that is only a recent province of Canada. Harsh winters and fishing families are the fabric of the outports - small coves that are sometimes accessible only by boat. And the scenery is beautiful. We were so lucky to stay with wonderful SERVAS hosts who had a relaxing haven in Hodge's Cove. Very fond memories of our time here with eagles, a cat called Nuuk, names of coves such as Little Hearts Ease, fiords, gooseberries and partridge berries, Trinity Bay. Each cove has a different personality - from the ghost towns to the most vibrant of communities. It's not a tourist area - picnic tables and other tourist needs are not evident. It's where the locals are. Most tourists hit the Twillingate circuit, Corner Brook on the west [although we met several people in St. John's who hadn't even gone west] and St. John's, where it's all happening. We were sooooo lucky to see the smaller aspect which is the real Newfoundland. Again, the accents are challenging at first, however - listen hard and soon you're talking just like them. :-)  We stopped at Badger and Gander - don't bother about Badger. We thought it a good idea since we live at Badger Creek in Australia. Not one of our best ideas. Gander is the home of aviation here. Famous for its role in 9/11 and other Atlantic assistant efforts, the airport is also a museum with the waiting area still left as it was in 1959. Gander also has the North Atlantic Air Museum - worth the visit. They say pictures tell a thousand words.... so here's our thousand: