Cheating 'alittlebit'

I was invited to join a Zita organized party to Labrador in 2007. It was July, and still iceberg and whale season. I had not yet learned about blogging at that time, but had learned how to load photos into my computer.
The area around Fogo island is called iceberg alley. These bergs fall off the ice shelf in Greenland and float south. It was not iceberg and whale season when I visited Fogo this year. The first three images are 'borrowed' from the Labrador trip. The last photo is from last week on the ferry going to the mainland. That's me, Jonathan, Karen and Gabby. It was a wonderful trip.
Next adventure? "Vegas Baby!"
More soon, Doablah

Moving

When someone on Fogo wants to move, often they will bring the house. Zitas has a nice house house in Stag Harbour. (See map). She wanted to live in Joe Batts. She already owned uncle Als house. It had been 'parked' nearby for a few years. It took a few hours, but now it's next door the house that Karen and Jonathan stay when they are on Fogo.
Fogo island is mostly solid rock. Very few houses have foundations. They just sit 'on da locks'.

More oddz n ennz

Zita Cobb is the driving force of Shorefast, a non profit organization designed to reinvigorate the spirit and economy of Fogo island. With the collapse of the cod industry in the early 90's it's been very difficult for people to make a go of it. With the help of the provincial and federal government, Shorefast is implementing plans and projects to indroduce tourism to Fogo. One project is an artist in residencdence program. This is one of the studios that's been built. Another project is a luxurious destination resort. Ground was broken this spring.
There is evidence of Viking settlement in Newfoundland about 1200 A.D. Basque sailors fished for cod in the 1500's. There have been permanent settlements for 300 years.
This fellow made a workshop?, storage room in an old bus.

Oddz n enns

The wooden cross is the cradle for a boat anchor. I large rock is placed and lashed with rope through the holes drilled. Two sunsets. The darker one shot while walking to Nicoles for the 5 mile dinner.

More Fogo views

The white house shown here is 150 years old and is a museum. The views on Fogo are stunning.

Fogo views

The ferry from the mainland docks at the south west corner of Fogo. Joe Batts is on the north shore. Remember kids, just click on an image to enlarge it. These hanging cod need about six more days of hanging to dry. What about rain? The weather can change in a moment. Most people heat with wood. Think this family has enough for the winter?

More of the festival

One of highlights of the weekend was the Sunday afternoon square dance session. Here is the accordian player, the caller, the dancers and my sister Karen watching from the kids crafts area.

The festvial continued

A 'living' room was constructed in the ice arena to make the place more homey. Here is Amandas doll in the old stroller on display. Some folks enjoying the program.
This wooden boat is called a punt and has been the mainstay of sea travel for fishermen for many generations. Here is a display of a stage loft. This shows how fishing gear and tools are stored.

the Partridgeberry Festival

Many communities on Fogo island have local events. The Partridgeberry festival is the only no alcohol event. It is geared toward families and has many childrens activities.
The Partridgeberry is a small red berry that grows on a very short bush. It looks and tastes like a cranberry but smaller. But, don't tell a Newfoundler that! Wild blueberries grow there too, also on a very low bush.
Here is Zita Cobb singing a NFL folk song. Next is Pauline, the event director and Robert, the MC. Below is Miss Teen Newfoundland singing, and a local furniture mover.

NFL 4 Nicoles cafe

Nicole arranged for a dinner with all of the food served was grown within 5 miles. Pictured first are Jonathan, Gabby, Joe, Karen, and Nick. Joe and Nick are the architects working for Shorefast. They are managing the construction of the new inn. Next is chef Robert, and Gary, Shorefasts accountant.