Yesterday we headed toward The Dungeon. But the road seemed too rough so we retreated and went to the Bonavista Lighthouse.
In the morning we decided to give it a try. Driving slowly over the bumps we did ok. Looking into the sun gives a black and gray photo.
The Dungeons is a very unusual rock formation, a sea cave eroded by the sea.
Sea side of The Dungeon.
A breathtaking sight and time to soak it all in!
Finally dawned on me, we are not seeing tall buildings. The towns are so inviting and peaceful.
Ryan's Premises National Historic Site commemorates 5 centuries of commercial fishing on Canada's east coast.
John Cabot said the new seas he visited were "swarming with fish.
The fishermen thought the supply of cod was inexhaustible. But in 1992 a moratorium of fishing North Atlantic put 40,000 fisher and plant workers out of work.
Salt shovel used to layer salt on the fish to preserve them on the boat till they were cleaned and processed.
In the early years fish stages, a wooden structure was built over the water to allow unloading and cleaning of the fish. The fish stage could be taken down and moved or stored over the winter. In the early years if the fishermen didn't return to Europe for the winter they built "winter homes" inland from the sea.
After the men split the cod, the women did the washing and drying of the fish.
Drying racks for the cod.
Rinding shim used to remove the bark from the tree. The bark was placed over the fish as it dried to prevent sunburn.
As the industry grew merchants got involved. They set up "Premises" or "Plantations" or "Rooms" where the processing and selling of the fish and other commodities were done in one central location.
The cod has a healthy appetite. It will eat other fish, tin cans, even dentures have been found in the stomach of a cod.
Ahh, Cod liver oil was used for many ailments. It is high in vitamin A and D. The livers were saved and processed separately.
Seal harvesting was another major industry. The fishermen were able to have food when their supply over the winter had dwindled. Seal oil was used to make soap, for lights in mines, lighthouses, homes and city streets. It was also used to tan leather. Seal pelts were used for bicycle seats, saddlebags, making margarine and chocolate.
Early snow shoes. The seals were hunted in cold, wintry March when the seals were migrating.
When we left the Historic Ryan's Premise we could see storms clouds rolling in. We had lunch in our RV and drove in the on and off rain to Grand Falls/Windsor.
The sun came out for part of the drive. It's amazing to see the beautiful landscape. Just marvelous.
We are staying at Walmart parking lot at Grand Falls/Windsor. Went to Subway for supper. Had a Lobster roll. Ok. Once is enough. Another full day!!!
Location:Bonavista Peninsula, NL
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