At least one of the ends. After a very enjoyable journey across the north Atlantic/Gulf of St. Lawerence, we arrived in Argentia. As soon a we got off the ferry, and we were one of the first RVs to exit, we drove to the nearest Visitor Center where we picked up information about Newfoundland. From there we headed into the town of Argentia. We passed the road, up the hill, to Castle Hill. Argentia is right next to Placentia which dates from the 17th century when the French selected the small fishing village of Plaisance as the base of operations for their Newfoundland and Labrador fishing fleet. In face, Plaisance used to be the capital of Newfoundland when it was under French control. Plaisance was an economic and military center for the French and was almost always in contention between the French and the British.
The real value was in its location near the Grand Banks and cod, which was the basis of economic operations in Canada. The Royal Colony of Plaisance was founded in 1662 during the reign of Louis XIV. Fort Royal, a massive fortification, was built atop a prominent hill overlooking the port and the surrounding countryside.
Under the Treaty of Utrecht the area was ceded to the British in 1713. The town was renamed Placentia and the hill on which the fort stood became known as Castle Hill. As we were driving into Argentia, we passed the entrance to Castle Hill, so up we went, to our first stop in Newfoundland.
One of the first signs coming off the ferry.
This is where we are tonight, in St. Bride's which is a town of 200 right outside this Reserve.
As you can see from the pictures above, the weather is foggy and blustery, although it is warm. We cannot see more than 100 yards. The campground is located right across the street from the entrance to the Reserve, but we haven't been able to go there. We have been told that the road in narrow and not in very good condition. With the fog, it just doesn't seem worth our while. We hope that tomorrow the weather will clear somewhat so that we can see the largest, most accessible bird sanctuary in the world.
The Newfoundland Information Center in Argentia.
The Outside in the fog.
Frederick demonstrating where to light the cannon. Yea! a fort!
Oh, look what you found, a library! And a fort!
ReplyDeleteI thought of you today as I was driving near the Birkshires and was passed on a narrow road by an airstream. I was in RV central but that was the only one I saw. Hope the fog clears, the cliffs look like they would be amazing