I said yesterday that we’d notionally designated the national historic site of Signal Hill in St. John’s – which dramatically overlooks the narrow opening of St. John’s Harbour, and is the site of the Cabot Tower, and ancient battlements – as the “summit” of our trek, or the golden fleece, if you will, of our Odyssey. So it was a pretty cool moment (to be honest, a pretty emotional moment), after 7.680 kms of riding to that point from English Bay in Vancouver, to begin the climb out of downtown St. John’s, with the Cabot Tower sitting dramatically, even enticingly, atop the Hill ahead of us.
We got to the top. Characteristically, Jim was ready to ride the Harley through the barrier and right up to the steps of the Tower (always keen to get the best picture, and always wanting all 4 bikes to be front and centre in the photo). Alas, while the Knights of the Open Road had taken the Hill, one of the defending forces (in the person of a national Parks official) was pretty adamant about the barrier not being breached (the Knights have the grace to choose our battles – we knew we could take the barrier as well, but…). Recognizing the power of the Knights, she did yield to our demands that we be able to leave the bikes in a non-parking area in front of the Signal Hill sign while we took photos of the bikes, and us and – of course – Flat Stanley.
To digress for a moment, in the pretty freaky “it’s a small world department” – as I had just pulled to a stop at the top of the hill, and was taking off my helmet, I heard someone say “Hugh”, and turned and encountered my colleague Judge Tom Crabtree of Chilliwack, and his wife and our good friend, Brenda. They had been at a conference at Charlottetown and had heard that the Knights were assaulting Signal Hill, so had travelled to Newfoundland to witness the moment (O.K., so I made up the last part). It was great to see them, but looking back, I think I was a bit discombobulated by their presence. Tom very graciously acted as our photographer.
But returning to the Hill, reaching a summit is a good time to be grateful: all four of us have spoken repeatedly during this trip about our appreciation for our respective spouses’ (Lady Cathy, Lady Sheri, Lady Renae, and Lady Jo-Ann… I think the proper honorific for spouses of Knights is “Lady”) support in this venture. We’ve had a great time as a group, and having this “guys” time, but miss our “Ladies” and have spoken of the attraction of returning to favourite areas with them. On a personal note, I've been thinking a lot about my gratitude for all my friends at C6 and T15…
But there comes a time to move on in the journey. We rode to Argentia to catch the ferry back to Sydney Nova Scotia, where we learnt that the 13 hour trip is extended to 17 hours because one of the engines is down (reminiscent of the old story of the guy who hears that the 3rd of 4 engines on the aircraft has gone, and says to the guy beside him, “If that last engine goes, we’ll be up here all night…”)
On the ferry we were delighted to encounter terrific entertainers, with the unlikely name of “Bugs and Debbie”, but they really were great. Indeed, they were as good as the fellow coming the other way was bad. He plays (and plays really well) the guitar, mandolin, fiddle and accordion. With his thick Newfoundland accent, and endless joke-telling, you could imagine his music having grown with him from birth in a musical family. Anyway, a lot of fun.
We slept in berths in a long dormitory-styled row of berths, reminiscent of “steerage” in the old ships.
Really sorry to say good-bye – or at least a bientot – to Newfoundland. When we got on the ferry, we went to the Bar, and had a round of Newfoundland “Screech” (courtesy of our good friends Julie and Colin, who gave me a card before we left with some money to buy a bottle of champagne when we got to Newfoundland… I’m not sure they had Screech in mind, but I’ve told the boys we’ll get a bottle of champagne at what will be our first opportunity, being the first evening back in Nova Scotia).
To complete a true visit to Newfoundland, apparently you’re supposed to be “screeched” and to “kiss the cod”. We didn’t specifically do the latter, but one of the 5 seafoods we ate in Gander was cod tongue (really!) – so, does that count as kissing the cod?
Tomorrow to Halifax, and on to the beautiful South Shore …
We got to the top. Characteristically, Jim was ready to ride the Harley through the barrier and right up to the steps of the Tower (always keen to get the best picture, and always wanting all 4 bikes to be front and centre in the photo). Alas, while the Knights of the Open Road had taken the Hill, one of the defending forces (in the person of a national Parks official) was pretty adamant about the barrier not being breached (the Knights have the grace to choose our battles – we knew we could take the barrier as well, but…). Recognizing the power of the Knights, she did yield to our demands that we be able to leave the bikes in a non-parking area in front of the Signal Hill sign while we took photos of the bikes, and us and – of course – Flat Stanley.
To digress for a moment, in the pretty freaky “it’s a small world department” – as I had just pulled to a stop at the top of the hill, and was taking off my helmet, I heard someone say “Hugh”, and turned and encountered my colleague Judge Tom Crabtree of Chilliwack, and his wife and our good friend, Brenda. They had been at a conference at Charlottetown and had heard that the Knights were assaulting Signal Hill, so had travelled to Newfoundland to witness the moment (O.K., so I made up the last part). It was great to see them, but looking back, I think I was a bit discombobulated by their presence. Tom very graciously acted as our photographer.
But returning to the Hill, reaching a summit is a good time to be grateful: all four of us have spoken repeatedly during this trip about our appreciation for our respective spouses’ (Lady Cathy, Lady Sheri, Lady Renae, and Lady Jo-Ann… I think the proper honorific for spouses of Knights is “Lady”) support in this venture. We’ve had a great time as a group, and having this “guys” time, but miss our “Ladies” and have spoken of the attraction of returning to favourite areas with them. On a personal note, I've been thinking a lot about my gratitude for all my friends at C6 and T15…
But there comes a time to move on in the journey. We rode to Argentia to catch the ferry back to Sydney Nova Scotia, where we learnt that the 13 hour trip is extended to 17 hours because one of the engines is down (reminiscent of the old story of the guy who hears that the 3rd of 4 engines on the aircraft has gone, and says to the guy beside him, “If that last engine goes, we’ll be up here all night…”)
On the ferry we were delighted to encounter terrific entertainers, with the unlikely name of “Bugs and Debbie”, but they really were great. Indeed, they were as good as the fellow coming the other way was bad. He plays (and plays really well) the guitar, mandolin, fiddle and accordion. With his thick Newfoundland accent, and endless joke-telling, you could imagine his music having grown with him from birth in a musical family. Anyway, a lot of fun.
We slept in berths in a long dormitory-styled row of berths, reminiscent of “steerage” in the old ships.
Really sorry to say good-bye – or at least a bientot – to Newfoundland. When we got on the ferry, we went to the Bar, and had a round of Newfoundland “Screech” (courtesy of our good friends Julie and Colin, who gave me a card before we left with some money to buy a bottle of champagne when we got to Newfoundland… I’m not sure they had Screech in mind, but I’ve told the boys we’ll get a bottle of champagne at what will be our first opportunity, being the first evening back in Nova Scotia).
To complete a true visit to Newfoundland, apparently you’re supposed to be “screeched” and to “kiss the cod”. We didn’t specifically do the latter, but one of the 5 seafoods we ate in Gander was cod tongue (really!) – so, does that count as kissing the cod?
Tomorrow to Halifax, and on to the beautiful South Shore …
3 comments:
Hi Hugh,
I can't get to a computer every day, so I was so happy to get on today and see your summit bid and success!!! I am so proud of you. Have to admit I was tearing up. You all did an amazing journey.
A few days ago we came upon the oldest church in Colorado. It was a small Catholic church in a big quiet field not too close to anywhere. It was open so we went inside and lit a candle for the safe return of the four Knights. So may it be. Love and hugs, Dode
Uncle Hugh,
It is so exciting to hear and read about your arrival in Signal Hill! It is a place dear to my heart. I used to walk up there every week while I was there, and I just loved it. Reading about your trip has been wonderful. Congratulations, and lots of love to you as you make your way back across the continent! - Sam
We've been thinking about you too, Hugh, and are so happy for you! -Sally, CP6A
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