Stephenville
Friday, August 04, 2006
With good paddling conditions and plenty of warm sunshine, I made it to Stephenville today. I stopped here as I had a few errands to run, including finding a new inner tube for my tire in my kayak trolley that got a flat this morning.
I had set up camp on the beach on the outskirts of Stephenville, and then went for a walk into town. I saw a truck with a kayak on the roof rack, and asked about directions to the post office. I had the pleasure of meeting Dan and Betty Rumbolt and their two lovely daughters who were headed out for a short paddle this afternoon. Dan and Betty have offered me a place to stay and we shared great conversation and a delicious taco meal this evening. The people of Newfoundland never cease to amaze me. Newfoundland has a special place in my heart, for many reasons.
I had set up camp on the beach on the outskirts of Stephenville, and then went for a walk into town. I saw a truck with a kayak on the roof rack, and asked about directions to the post office. I had the pleasure of meeting Dan and Betty Rumbolt and their two lovely daughters who were headed out for a short paddle this afternoon. Dan and Betty have offered me a place to stay and we shared great conversation and a delicious taco meal this evening. The people of Newfoundland never cease to amaze me. Newfoundland has a special place in my heart, for many reasons.
6 Comments:
Just keep on keeping on. Only wish I could follow my whims like you!
Wendy, for the past few months I've been following your blog with great interest. Your reports have been fascinating. It's been truly remarkable how accomodating the people you've met have been. Opening their homes to you, providing you with solace, rest and nourishment. What a remarkable people Newfoundlanders are!
With but a few days left in your journey, I look forward to your follow-up and notes from your journal not mentioned on your blog.
It's been a great ride! Thanks Wendy!
Wendy,
Well done.Mollie here in Rocky Harbour.Stan,Marilyn and I have been monitoring your progress.
Your journey is nearing an end.Keep the good work.
The Port au Port Peninsulais filled with people with musical talents.If you get a chance sit in on a kitchen party.
Mollie
Cliff,
Life's too short not to be spontaneous and follow one's dreams. Am I glad I did this? Absolutely, even with the arduous paddling, as the experiences on land have mellowed the fatigue and hardships felt on the water.
Andy,
To kayak around the Rock has been an extraordinary experience, but not for the faint of heart. Newfoundlanders are an inspiration. Their helpfulness and generosity has made this journey simply unforgettable. And yes, when I close the circle, I'll take time to reflect and write some follow-ups.
Mollie, Stan and Marilyn,
I portaged the gravels at Port au Port. It loomed big and daunting and I ommitted more than 100 km of paddling with a 1.5 hour portage in total.
For once, I felt relaxed paddling, with endless beaches rimming the shore, no crossings, calm , sunny conditions and a shorter distance covered, about 26 km.
Hi Wendy,
I've been keeping track of you for my sister-in-law in Brig Bay.She says hello and keep up the good work.
Hey Wendy,
Great Paddling.. You're almost there. An amazing thing happened this evening. Dan and Graham are off on their kayak trek from Glovertown to Gander Bay and Sacha and I were hard pressed for supper (we were missing our chef:). So off we went to Holiday Inn and were seated in close proximity to three gentlemen having a wonderful chat about bands and music. Curiosity got the better of me and laying aside the manners my mother taught me I asked the gentlemen to please excuse me but that I couldn't help overhearing their conversation and wondering if they were a band and playing at a local event. One of the gentlemen stated indeed they were and when asked the name of their group, replied "Prairie Oyster". I proceeded to state my dear husband who was paddling on the south shore of this Island would not believe me. His interest peaked and after telling me he was envious of him paddling, I unfolded the story of Wendy Killoran who arrived on our doorstep and was kayaking around this rugged Isle of ours. So dear Wendy, as I type this analogue, I'm listening to the beautiful music and harmony of Prairie Oyster "Did you Fall in Love with Me" and thinking of you paddling around this rock and hoping another avid kayaker will connect with your website.
Cheers and safe paddling til you reach the shores of your home.
Betty Rumbolt
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