A Post from Jim McCarthy:
Our tour guides have an arsenal of expressions to diffuse the unseasonal weather conditions we’ve experienced in Newfoundland and Labrador this summer but this story exemplifies my son Andrew’s ability to make every Newfoundland experience an enjoyable one. Last weekend I met him at the airport in Deer Lake where our tours overlapped briefly – his group was departing the province following a twelve day comprehensive tour while my group were flying in to start their adventure. We decided to combine forces so that we might spend some time together while shuttling our groups to and from the pretty little City of Corner Brook through the beautiful Humber Valley. We had a great day with our guests and it was rewarding to hear his group’s stories from the week and share our experiences with those just arriving.
On our last transfer of the day, two of Andrew’s guests were pleasantly surprised when they were greeted by my last two arrivals, friends from their home town in Saskatchewan where their daughters worked together in the local hospital. This was especially exciting for Andrew’s guests who had witnessed a number of chance / coincidental moments and meetings throughout the week as they now had a story of their own to carry home.
They marveled over “the chance” and “our small world” for a moment but as we all had commitments (flights to catch and a tour to start) they bid their farewells. Before departing though, one of my guests (in a lowered voice) asked about their friend’s trip;
“It was truly magical – exceeded all our expectations. We took part in everything Newfoundland had to offer, our guide was amazing – you’ve never seen anything like this place.”
“But, what about the weather? We heard it’s been awful.”
“Oh my no. No not at all. It was actually quite cooperative. We had sun when we needed it and we were especially grateful to have it when we saw the icebergs in King’s Point with the beautiful reflection on the ‘Glass Fissures’. We got to experience a Shawn McNevin morning in Gros Morne with the clouds rolling along the mountain’s hemline – she’s an artist who spends every summer in the park just waiting for days like that! It was calm on our ferry crossing to Labrador and the dark clouds on the horizon in St. Anthony made it far easier to spot the whale’s spouts. The heavy fog in L’anse aux Meadows brought a mystical element to the Norse discovery and the only time it rained was while we were travelling, and when it didn’t stop Andrew mixed in a few additional sights to allow the weather to pass. The wind blows constantly here – always with the promise of a better times ahead. No, I’d have to say the weather was just perfect! You’re going to have a great trip regardless – this place is beautiful under every circumstance!”
Talk about setting the stage for you. Like my own father often suggested us;
“There really is no such thing as bad weather in Newfoundland – just different types of good weather!”
