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Cuban Vacation…Part III
After a whopping breakfast, which included Canadian Maple Syrup we headed for the train station. It was a delight to see a product of Canada, most likely produced in Quebec as it is the World’s Largest Producer of Maple Syrup. I made sure to have some on my miniature pancakes.
- 1926 Engine That Could!
We headed for the train station to board Train 1590 that was built in 1926. The locomotive was fed by wood, which would take us slowly, but surely to the sugar mills.I was quite excited on the journey as we had the opportunity to ride with the conductor near the train’s boiler.
The rural countryside offered picturesque views, yet also displayed the harsh realities that rural regions are used for the natural resources, primarily agricultural. It made me reflect on my love rural living. We are producers and providers of commodities, which enable larger urban areas to enjoy the standards they have as service centres. It is time to ensure that rural regions maintain a high standard of living and have access to essential services.
We climbed “Lookout Tower” at the cost of 1 C.U.C. to provide an aerial view of the once thriving sugar plantations.
I
t was an excellent opportunity to take some photo ops.
A view from the tower fo the nearby houses and fields in the background:
A street of vendors selling locally made craft product. There was an abundance of linens, such as lovely embroidered tablecloths for sale.
Someone even enjoyed a beer on the journey and left it on a wooden beam as we descended the stairwell.
The Tower had circular viewing holes. Here is one of the train waiting:
The train ride continued and so did the adventure of my Cuban vacation. Stay tuned for Cuban Vacation…Part IV.
Christopher C. Mitchelmore
Related articles
- Cuban Vacation – Part II (liveruralnl.com)
- Back in Rural NL after Cuban Vacation (liveruralnl.com)
- A Cuban Vacation – Part 1 (liveruralnl.com)
Live Rural NL retaliates against Ellen’s stance of “Stop Seal Hunting in Canada”
Dear Ellen Degeneres -
I am deeply disappointed that you have chosen to become the latest celebrity to advocate against the Canadian Seal Hunt, joining forces with PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals). You have joined a growing list of mis-informed celebrity predecessors, including Beatle Paul McCartney and Playmate, Pamela Anderson. We only need to remember then Premier Danny Williams taking on Paul McCartney and Heather Mills-McCartney on Larry King Live. Danny Williams not only illustrated how un-educated Paul and now former wife was on the matter of the seal hunt, he also embarrassed them in terms of knowing their Canadian geography. Mr. Williams invited them to come to Newfoundland & Labrador to see for himself. Paul remarked along the lines that he was already there when really he was in Prince Edward Island, another province.
PETA is an organizations that uses images of baby seals and presents mis-information to create a cash infusion. Their website states: “PETA is drawing global attention to the annual slaughter of tens of thousands of baby harp seals”.
This statement is false! Myth: The Canadian government allows sealers to harvest white coat seals.
Reality: The harvesting of harp seal pups (white coats) and hooded seal pups (blueblack) is illegal in Canada and has been since 1987. The seals that are harvested are self-reliant, independent animals. (Source: http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/fm-gp/seal-phoque/index-eng.htm)
Ellen your website states: Seal hunting is one of the most atrocious and inhumane acts against animals allowed by any government.
The Canadian Department of Fisheries and Ocean’s manages the seal hunt, which is sustainable. One only has to look at the harp seal population growth. In the 1970′s there were less than 2 million seals, now in 2011 there is more than 9 million harp seals. The government allocates an annual harvest quota that is supported by scientific research. The Seal Hunt is HUMANE, STRICTLY REGULATED and ENFORCED. How is harvesting seals any more atrocious and inhumane than the fish that is caught, cows, chicken, pigs, moose and other animals that are killed for human consumption? What about cattle that are ranched and grown strictly for human consumption? They have no chance for anything but ending up as some form of beef, maybe a burger? Unlike seals, they are self-reliant, independent that can fend for themselves.
The seal hunt has been around in Newfoundland and Labrador for centuries. Without the seal meat, oil and skin for clothing many people of the rural communities would be burdened with economic hardships and other woes. The sealskin boot has provided the warmth and protection from the elements of surviving in a difficult winter climate. The seal skin is water-resistant, protecting the feet from getting damp when cutting firewood to heat one’s home. Seal skin provided necessary protection that may have saved human lives.
My father was a fisherman, his father and his father before him. They have all harvested seals to aid them in providing for their families. My father had prepared seal skin to be made into boots. I still proudly wear them, as winters in Northern Newfoundland tend to be very stormy. I walk knee-deep in snow, many days throughout winter to reach my car. I understand the deep-rooted tradition and the necessity of the seal hunt to ensure life in rural regions could continue. How dare you make such uninformed comments that continue to negatively impact the fishers in rural regions.
I ask that you do further research on this matter and re-consider your stance on the seal hunt. I invite you to come to Rural Newfoundland and Labrador to experience for yourself first-hand the seal hunt. You should use your celebrity status to do good instead of blatant abuse.
Live Rural NL -
Christopher Mitchelmore
Interesting Facts About Newfoundland & Labrador
Newfoundland & Labrador, one of the first places discovered in the New World, boasts a rich history. St. John’s is considered to be the oldest city in English-speaking North America. With Cupids, being the oldest English Colony in North America, celebrating 400 years in 2010.
I’ve received this in an email forward and felt compelled to share. Here are some interesting facts about Newfoundland & Labrador…
WERE…
The first province to Respond to Titanic distress signal.
The first to vaccinate for smallpox.
The first host a trans-Atlantic flight.
The first to have a wireless communication in the world.
The first place to discover proof of the theory of continental drift.
WE HAVE…
The oldest street in North America.
The oldest city in North America.
The oldest rock in the world.
The oldest continuous sporting event ( Regatta Day rules! )
The largest university in Atlantic Canada.
The most pubs rep square foot in Canada ( George Street in St. John’s)
The longest running radio program in North America.
Caught the world’s largest invertebrate ( giant squid )
WE ARE…
The finest people in Canada ( ask anybody )
The Sexiest people in Canada ( MacLean’s magazine survey )
The only Province that has four identifiable flags.
The only Province to be able to land the Space-Shuttle ( Stephenville )
The most giving people in Canada ( Stats Canada )
The most sexually active people in Canada.
A NEWFOUNDLANDER…
build the world’s first artificial ice arena.
invented the gas mask
was once governor of northern Rhodesia
was with Abraham Lincoln at Gettysburg
WE ARE THE ONLY PROVINCE TO HAVE…
it’s own “encyclopedia”
it’s own “dictionary”
is own “pony”
it’s own “dog”
Our beautiful province is unique, as with any place. The dynamic people that live and populate this island enhance the natural beauty and add to the extensive culture, heritage that has been in existence for more than 5,000 years.
Think about where you live and consider some of the interesting facts and reasons you choose to live and experience your province, state or country.
Live Rural NL – CCM
