Blog Archives
Firewood on the Hills – Grandois, NL
On January 24th, 2012 I returned to the quiet community of Grandois or St. Juliens (currently used interchangeably). In 1980 this community was connected via road to neighbouring Croque and to Main Brook – which remains today a 30 km gravel road craving some crush stone. Although, the blanket of snow cushioned the numerous potholes.
The view from the harbour is worth the ride. The tiny islands and hamlets showcase the remnants of re-settlement. During the summer a boat tour can be arranged to see the Ghost Towns that remain on these islands.
On this chilly day in January, one could see the chimneys burning, heating the homes. I stopped and took the photo of the tiers of firewood on the hill. A view of the community can be seen from here. There are very few homes, of which many are currently vacant. The closure of the cod fishery in 1992 – left the community, like many other outports struggling to survive.
The community of Grandois at its peak had 135 people. Today, those numbers have dropped drastically into the low double digits. Despite the population decline, limited water supply and lack of community services – the residents are extremely hospitable and a pleasure to talk about the past, present and future. We must savour the beauty this place offers the people who continue to call this place home. There is a wealth of history in this community on the French Shore. It may just be the next place you want to visit.
Live Rural NL -
Christopher Mitchelmore, MHA The Straits-White Bay NorthRelated articles
- The Lonely Harbour… (liveruralnl.com)
The Erosion of Rural NL
Rural Newfoundland & Labrador has suffered immensely with the moratorium of the cod fishery in 1992. In nearly two decades that would follow we would see the plight of our youth, transient families and the de-population of our rural communities – all leading to erosion of infrastructure and services that are inadequate to meet the needs of current residents and unable to create a climate to attract enough young people and families to live rural. There are better ways to serve our rural economies.
Let’s take a look at the region and we will see the drastic decline in population since 1991. The 2011 census will only reinforce the fact that our region is facing continued population decline and further aged population.
St. Anthony – Port au Choix Region Community Census Counts
| Community | 1991 | 2001 | 2006 | % Change 1991-2006 |
| St. Anthony | 3,164 | 2,730 | 2,476 | -21.7% |
| Port au Choix | 1,260 | 1,010 | 893 | -29.1% |
| Roddickton | 1,153 | 1,003 | 911 | -21.0% |
| St. Lunaire-Griquet | 1,020 | 822 | 666 | -34.7% |
| Flowers Cove | 372 | 325 | 270 | -27.4% |
Copyright: Stats Canada Census Counts (http://www.economics.gov.nl.ca/pdf2007/regionaldemographicprofiles.pdf)
The sad realities of our communal landscapes in Rural Newfoundland – images you will not see promoted by the Department of Tourism in our Award Winning ads.
Once vibrant fishing rooms, sheds, stages and wharves are now losing their bright red glamour. A fishing boat on the shore, not seeing the water for a while…
Once a vibrant family homestead that was painted brightly orange and trimmed with green. It has not seen life running around the kitchen in several years…
More vacated homes…
A not so happy jellybean row…
NDP Leader, Lorraine Michael argues Newfoundland and Labrador’s wealth from the offshore oil industry is not finding its way into enough pocketbooks, including rural areas in a recent CBC interview. (Read here: http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/newfoundland-labrador/story/2011/09/05/nl-oil-wealth-ndp-905.html)
In this region there are still roads that are unpaved, communities and regions that do not have broadband Internet coverage, cable options or cellular telephone coverage. And yet, we live in Canada? In the 21st century? What about community-based day care, providing meaningful employment, working with the Federal Government to address fishery issues and cutting red tape and regulations (rural areas do not require the same policy for development as required by larger urban centres).
We must take greater care for people. Some have forgotten it was the rural regions that provided the resources to enable larger centres to thrive whether the resource fish, timber or minerals – even the oil is offshore. The Government needs to be more responsible when sharing our wealth, resources and being enablers that can provide rural regions the ability to re-vitalize. Better decisions need to be made now or I only fear the bust our economy will face once we begin to experience life after oil.
We must work together to find co-operative solutions that will revitalize our rural economies. No longer can we stand for the mis-management of our resources, including the way we are treated.
Live Rural NL -
Christopher C. Mitchelmore
Related articles
Does Anyone Know the Story behind this Snowmobile?
A miniature replica of an old snowmobile was displayed on the yard in the Town of St. Lunaire-Griquet while I was searching for the Petermann Ice Island! I passed by this item, but was told to take a snap.
Does anyone know the history behind this piece of art?
Live Rural NL -
Christopher C. Mitchelmore
Twitter/LiveRuralNL
Related articles
- A Summer of Icebergs – The Giant Ice Island moves to St. Lunaire (liveruralnl.com)
World Renown Youth Choir Visits the Great Northern Peninsula
The Saltwater Joys – Tour of Newfoundland & Labrador presented by The Munich Youth Choir set the stage that drew a large audience at the Bird Cove Community Centre on Tuesday, August 2, 2011 at 7:00 PM.
It was wonderful to see nearly 200 people come out for this event that had limited marketing in the region.
They opened the event to all and accepted donations. It was nice to see the inclusiveness and variety of all age groups from a few years to the mid-eighties. I was fortunate to be able to sit in the audience. I have attended operas, musicals, theatres and other special performances in Europe; however, this was my first by youth. It was a very empowering experience!
A production that promotes the exchange and share of culture. We were greeted with German music, British, English, Japanese, Australian, African, Classical, Popular Culture and even tunes from Newfoundland & Labrador.
I was captivated by their rendition of “Yesterday” by the Beatles. For me this was completely unexpected. I really did not know the aptitude of this group and their talents. I was pleasantly surprised. They utilized different instruments, including a bone drum, tambourine and keyboard accordian. Celebrate Life made me smile, enough that I purchase their “Folk CD” and have played it in my car to and from work for more than 1 hour.
Music is the universal language - Re-quoted by Blair Gaulton, Tour Organizor
The Sister Act tunes really were upbeat! It was also a first hearing a song recited in Japanese. Although, I truly enjoyed hearing the Newfoundland Tunes of “Danny Boy“, “I’se da By’s” and one of my favourites “Saltwater Joys”.
They were impressive! It reminded me of being at the Opera House in Prague, Czech Republic watching a Grand Performance, when you realize that you are in Rural Newfoundland & Labrador at the local community centre. The World has come to us, to share with us their talents and we had the opportunity to share with this group from Munich the rural lifestyle. I have been on an exchange, lived, studies and travelled Europe visiting nearly 30 different countries and there is much value in meeting, learning and sharing ideas with others.
The Munich Youth Choir was given the opportunity to meet and hang out with locals, travel the peninsula, visit Icebergs and even meet Rose. Rose is a local resident, well – Crinkle Cove, I think? She provided some light hearted humour while the band played traditional Newfoundland & Labrador music including the “ugly stick”.
The group easily broke into dance with the group. There was much positive energy, harmony and happiness in the room with each others company. Rose lead the way to provide a re-vised version of the Screech-in, making each visitor an honourary Newfoundlander by dressing, dancing, eating, talking and drinking Purity Syrup and kissing a cod fish.
Pucker Up!
After 3 hours at the center, I was deeply rewarded for contributing my time and making a donation. In turn was exposed to music, art and culture from a very talented group of individuals. I had taken away many photos, a couple of cds and the cherished memories of being there for something wonderful.
Communities came together, people were happy and we have an opportunity for more growth. Rural Newfoundland & Labrador is a good venue beyond the large urban centres for culturally significant events and entertainment.
A special thank you to the Munich Youth Choir, organizers, sponsors and local groups such as the Big Droke Foundation. St. Barbe Development Association, Going Healthy Program – Bird Cove and the Town of Bird Cove.
For those of you that missed the performance, you can drop by sometime for a cup of tea from the Dark Tickle Company and listen to the music. There is opportuntiy for Rural Newfoundland & Labrador to exchange talents, hosting a multitude of learning vacations.
Live Rural NL -
Christopher C. Mitchelmore
Twitter/LiveRuralNL
Happy Anniversary Norstead – Eleven Years and more than Tens of Thousands of Visitors
Let’s rewind to July 28, 2000 – More than 17,000 people were on site during the unveiling of Norstead – A Viking Village & Port of Trade (www.norstead.com) as they celebrated 1,000 years since the Vikings were the first Europeans to re-discover North America. The Province did a tremendous job marketing this summer festival.
Can you imagine the excitement on site for this new addition - an open air museum; one which provides a unique approach to education and culture, where one can gain an enriched understanding of Norse life. More than 28,000 visitors trekked through this site during the first season alone.
I have to extend a big thank-you to the interpreters and all who work at Norstead – this non-profit just 2 KM from L’Anse Aux Meadows (UNESCO Site). Some have been on-site, showing tremendous dedication to the organization for the past 11 years.
It is a pleasure to walk through the gift shop, which has an array of local product – Dark Tickle’s Teas, Jams, Sauces and Syrups; Handmade Soap, Handmade Jewellery, Norse Swords, Norse Game – 9 Man Mills, Postcards, Local Art, Pottery, Knitted Items and more. The employees make products on-site and also during the off-season.
There is a wealth of knowledge from the employees and they are quite willing to share with you – creating a warm and inviting learning experience. You have the ability to try your hand at living like a Viking.
There is much opportunity to expand on this already wonderful gem on the Great Northern Peninsula. I see much potential to work with regional partners, develop further products, expand into Learning Vacations – live like a Viking (day, weekend or week-long stopovers), workshops and other activities. The future is bright for this not-for-profit entity.
It has added much value to our Rural Economy and also the travel experience of those who are fortunate enough to take the time to visit.
Norstead is a wonder we have, it is possible because f the wonderful people who show up and do their part every day. For that, I thank you.
Live Rural NL -
Christopher C. Mitchelmore
Related articles
- Norstead – Viking Village & Port of Trade (liveruralnl.com)
- Babe, Orson, Wilbur, Porky? ….All Famous Pigs, but this fellow’s name is Willie
(liveruralnl.com) - Deep Fried Ice-cream – A must have treat at the Daily Catch, St. Lunaire-Griquet, NL (liveruralnl.com)
- I AM A Viking at L’Anse Aux Meadows World UNESCO Heritage Site (liveruralnl.com)
- A day in the sun – L’Anse aux Meadows, Canada (travelpod.com)
- Viking settlement discovery celebrated (cbc.ca)
Trekking the French Shore with the Swiss – Conche, NL
Saturday, July 16, 2011 – The view from Sailor Jack’s Hill gives a powerful showing of the winding road leading to the Town of Conche. The stairs may be a little intimidating but are certainly well-constructed. My Swiss friend climbed them at record pace as she was quite excited to see so many icebergs to the right.
There are an abundance of icebergs in St. Anthony and St. Lunaire-Griquet. However, they can be easily spotted on the Northern Peninsula East nestled just outside of Conche.
We toured the picturesque Town. Below I’ve chosen some of the highlights:
I have been to the French Shore many times over the past couple of years. I usually make the loop from the Straits to Plum Point – Roddickton-Bide Arm – Englee - Conche – Main Brook – Straits. It is a full day, but each visit offers a unique experience. Although I have travelled many countries, there is something amazing about experiencing the beauty and offering of what you have in your own backyard. If you are just visiting, spend lots of time on the Great Northern Peninsula, as it has so much to offer. If you are lucky enough to live here – it is a lifetime of experiences.
The French Shore is one of many places to add to your list. If you’d like more information visit www.frenchshore.com.
Live Rural NL -
Christopher C. Mitchelmore
Related articles
- Caring for the Birds – Conche, NL (liveruralnl.com)
- News Release: The French Shore Historical Society To Launch The Centre For Textile Art (liveruralnl.com)
- Iceberg & Whale Watching Tour on French Shore (liveruralnl.com)
- Black Bear spotted driving ‘Cross Country Road’ (liveruralnl.com)
- Live Rural NL Celebrates 1st Anniversary! (liveruralnl.com)
- Radio Conche 105.9 Fm!!!!! (liveruralnl.com)
A Seal Flipper Foodstand?
Why are we not serving up Seal Flippers throughout the summer season?
Moose Burgers, Moose Stew and Caribou Steak have made the menus of some local restaurants and have made appearances at various festivals and special events throughout the summer. They sell like hot cakes. But seal meat does not make the cut? I have been hearing that seal flippers have been for sale recently at the waterfront at St. Johns, NL in a large supply over the local radio network. However, that is not Rural NL.
- Crepe Stand, Paris, France
After travelling to many countries, there always seems to be a mobile food service stand that sells something significant to the culture. In Paris there are crepes made at street vendors. They are incredibly delicious. In Switzerland and the Czech Republic at Christmas, roasted nuts appeared to be a staple. New York has their famous hot dogs and Belgium – waffles, of course.
Related articles
- Live Rural NL retaliates against Ellen’s stance of “Stop Seal Hunting in Canada” (liveruralnl.com)
- Moose Hunting at Gros Morne & Terra Nova National Park (liveruralnl.com)
- An Opportunity for More Rural Social Space – The Coffee Shop? (liveruralnl.com)
Fishery woes continue to escalate on the Great Northern Peninsula
The fishery continues to make headlines, unfortunately not the type I have an appetite for reading.
VOCM reported the following protest at Black Duck Cove, NL http://www.vocm.com/newsarticle.asp?mn=2&id=14203&latest=1
The Black Duck Cove Fish Plant has a ready, willing and able workforce. There is raw material on the Great Northern Peninsula being caught by local fishers. However, this material is being trucked away, along with it all the economic value it should add to the local economy. Sadly, it appears we are losing control of our natural resources, something that Rural Newfoundland & Labrador has in abundance.
If we do not act strongly on this matter we will continue to say good-bye to our jobs, not only of the plant workers but many others will be indirectly and adversely affected. There is a significant domino effect as small businesses and communities will be rationalized.
Continue your voice, co-operate and show unity my friends. Let this and other issues be heard by the Government. Get your MHA speaking up on this matter, representing his constituents and do meet with Fisheries Minister Clyde Jackman.
It is time for a better solution than what we have currently. I believe if we work together as a collective group, we can achieve as we have in the past.
Live Rural NL writing from Las Vegas -
Christopher C. Mitchelmore
Related Articles
- Change needed in how we run the fishery in Canada… (liveruralnl.com)
- Community Control of Resources Leads to Greater Success in Rural Newfoundland (liveruralnl.com)
- Escalating Gas Prices Continue to Leave Local Consumers Poorer, especially in Rural Regions (liveruralnl.com)
Newfoundland Firewood Ltd.
- Newfoundland Firewood
Any traveller driving the Viking Trail (Route 430) on the Great Northern Peninsula will see many piles of wood at roadside.
Related Articles
- Traditional Firewood to Heat our Homes (liveruralnl.com)
- Transition Towns?…the future for Rural Newfoundland (liveruralnl.com)
- Become self-sufficient in firewood – Telegraph (dddmacc502.wordpress.com)
Winter road to Roddickton-Bide Arm
Road to Roddickton-Bide Arm
The view from above
Related Articles
- Vernacular Architecture thrives in Conche, NL (liveruralnl.com)
- Conference Opportunity: Rural Revitalization from Our Forests (liveruralnl.com)
- Conference: Rural Revitalization from Our Forests (emergingleadersccednet.wordpress.com)
- Ski-dooing in Rural Newfoundland… (liveruralnl.com)
The Long Way to Muckross House
Pathway through Killarney...
We took the Long Way to Muckross House. My mom and I can certainly laugh about this mis-adventure. We parked in a vacant lot near a gate to the park. We passed a small home and trailed to the nice lake, followed a path passed an old church, cemetery and many fenced pastures that enclosed many cattle. It felt like an eternity, after already spending most of the morning on our feet.
Church & cemetary near Muckross House
Muckross House
Horse & Buggy Rides Available
Related Articles
- Killarney National Park – Killarney, Ireland (liveruralnl.com)
- Charles Fort, Kinsale – Ireland (liveruralnl.com)
- Where are our Local Farmer’s Markets? (liveruralnl.com)
- A quiet evening at the Pub – Cork, Ireland (liveruralnl.com)
