“I’se the B’y that builds the boat
And I’se the B’y that sails her.
I’se the B’y that catches the fish
And brings ‘em home to Liza.
“Hip yer partner, Sally Tibbo,
Hip yer partner, Sally Brown,
Fogo, Twillingate, Morton’s Harbour
All around the circle.”
It’s safe to say that every Canadian knows this folk song
from Newfoundland, our easternmost province. I remember singing it boisterously as an 8-year old, proud
that I could translate “I’se the B’y” as “I’m the boy”. Newfoundland’s psyche is wrapped up in
the sea, and many young boys would indeed sail the boat and catch the fish. (Take a minute and check out the song
on Youtube. I dare you not to sing
along.)
When we planned our family trip to Newfoundland in 2007,
there were a few things we couldn’t miss.
Ches’s Fish and Chips in St. John’s. The pageant in Trinity. And visiting one of those magical destinations that the song
alludes to – Fogo, Twillingate or Morton’s Harbour. I’m sure they’re all lovely, but we had the wonderful
fortune to visit Twillingate in northeast Newfoundland and to take its
marvellous Top of Twillingate trail.
This beautiful walk, part boardwalk and part forest trail,
took us through the wooded areas just outside of town. We climbed the lookout towers for a
wonderful vista over the whole area.
Ocean, trees, town and even a far-off iceberg (yes, in August!) were all part of the
view. The hike gave two lively
young girls a chance to stretch their legs after a long drive, and their
parents a chance to admire the natural beauty of this small town and the
wilderness that surrounds it.
And there may even have been a verse or two of “I’se the
B’y” sung on our way back to the house.
16 comments:
Never been to Newfoundland; it was in our plans but never worked out. Thank you for sharing your memories.
Rita
What a beautiful place my friend, so many things to see and do!
Cheers
Choc Chip Uru
The closest I've been to Newfoundland is Halifax. I'll have to go there one day. I just wish it didn't cost more to fly there compared to Europe.
Me too, Stina!
Oh, I'd love to head up that way, especially for all the Anne of Green Gables references later in the books!
So, so very beautiful. Thanks for sharing.
Velva
A very beautiful and sweet photo of you and your daughters.
Great pictures! I love the song too - now it's going to be stuck in my head all night!! :)
Ah, the pretty seashells make me think of summer even if it's chilly and gray now. Happy holidays to you and your family. ;)
beautiful place always love your travel posts
Lovely photos! I would love to visit Newfoundland ..someday;-)
Love the picture of the seashells and the beautiful seascapes :)
Beautiful! Newfoundland is on my list of places to visit someday. We went to Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island last month and enjoyed it!
I want to visit Newfoundland so much! Before marrying my husband, he taught summer school at a university there for many years. He is an 'honorary Newfoundlander' and has so many wonderful memories! Now following your lovely blog!
Roz
Beth, a lot of people rave about the beauty of Newfoundland and say that it is the perfect vacation spot for families and although I never had a chance to visit that Canadian Province, I can see from your lovely pictures that they are right!
Just gorgeous! Another place to visit!
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