I remember the excitement in Green Island Cove when the capelin rolled in the beach one summer around 1991. It was the year my father made my little dip net. With all the fuss we rushed to the shore to join other members of the community with our buckets and started filling them with our dip nets. You had to be quick, because it was only a matter of time and they would be gone.
My great-great-aunt Lavinia, who turns 98 years-young this year was on the beach that day. She arrived a bit later and didn’t quite have her bucket full, so we helped her top up her catch. She remembers that day and we have talked about it on occasion in my past visits. She’s a lady full of energy and she has a remarkable way of telling a story. I know from our conversations she was always up for a good joke or a bit of fun.
If you ever get the opportunity to see the capelin roll, it’s one of natures wonders. As they rolled around Logy Bay-Middle Cove-Outer Cove this past summer on the Avalon, it brought droves of locals and tourists alike, creating much traffic congestion.
The capelin – a small forage fish is often the lunch of cod. It is good to see them a plenty. I certainly saw much capelin coming ashore in Englee this past summer. The cod are back and there are giant cod-fish out there.
I have a capelin that was made locally, which I hang on my Christmas tree each year.
There are many opportunities to show off your talents. The College of the North Atlantic, St. Anthony Campus has a glass art studio and Norstead – Viking Village and Port of Trade, L’Anse Aux Meadows has a pottery studio available for us to make unique product. Why not carve and create a capelin mug, bowl, jewelry, Christmas ornament, glass coaster or pendant? We have so many opportunities, potential markets from local shops, craft outlets, on-line, Come Home Year celebrations and a number of cruise ships that visit the area. Now is the time to start marking product, be ready for those who visit and experience The Great Northern Peninsula.
Live Rural NL –
Christopher Mitchelmore, MHA The Straits-White Bay NorthRelated articles
- There’s Giant Cod Fish Out There… (liveruralnl.com)
Dear Assemblyman Mitchelmore,
I live in Silver Spring, Maryland, USA. Although I have never visited Newfoundland, I have yearned to do so for many years. At age 80, the chances of my doing so are slim, but I still hope. Anyway, I would like to tell you that I love your blog. It gives one a real feel for rural Newfoundland. Keep it up, and good luck in your public service in the provincial government
Hi Richard –
Thank you for taking the time to comment on my blog. It certainly brings a smile to my face knowing that you have an interest in visiting Newfoundland and have taken time to read my posts on the Great Northern Peninsula.
You are certainly welcome to make the journey. It would be a pleasure to meet you, if you come to the District. I have yet to visit Maryland, but may get there some day. There are many places in the USA for me to experience, as well.
Have a wonderful day –
Christopher
Awesome .
Cheers 🙂
Wicked Christopher thank you .for all the reminders I hope please god you’ll be blessed with all the best
Thanks for the comment Donna. The capelin rolling is truly a unique pleasure to experience. You’ll remember the feeling forever.