Thursday's Child: Twillingate, Newfoundland

Thursday, November 22, 2012

“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:

Rita said...

Never been to Newfoundland; it was in our plans but never worked out. Thank you for sharing your memories.
Rita

Choc Chip Uru @ Go Bake Yourself said...

What a beautiful place my friend, so many things to see and do!

Cheers
Choc Chip Uru

Stina said...

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.

Beth said...

Me too, Stina!

Anonymous said...

Oh, I'd love to head up that way, especially for all the Anne of Green Gables references later in the books!

Velva said...

So, so very beautiful. Thanks for sharing.

Velva

Angie's Recipes said...

A very beautiful and sweet photo of you and your daughters.

Jemi Fraser said...

Great pictures! I love the song too - now it's going to be stuck in my head all night!! :)

Food Gal said...

Ah, the pretty seashells make me think of summer even if it's chilly and gray now. Happy holidays to you and your family. ;)

chow and chatter said...

beautiful place always love your travel posts

Unknown said...

Lovely photos! I would love to visit Newfoundland ..someday;-)

Vi said...

Love the picture of the seashells and the beautiful seascapes :)

Anonymous said...

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!

Roz | La Bella Vita Cucina said...

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

Andrea_TheKitchenLioness said...

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!

Anonymous said...

Just gorgeous! Another place to visit!

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