Signal Hill
Cape Spear Lighthouse
Cape SpearCity of St. John's

Today was such a scenic day, we had to post 4 pictures. It was such a nice sunny day and people told us it was the nicest day of the summer. Good timing - right before the kids go back to school. It has been a cool and rainy summer for the maritimes. We're hoping for a nice warm fall.

We started the day with a drive to Cape Spear National Historic Site which is the easternmost point in all of North America. The lighthouse is the oldest remaining in Newfoundland and Labrador and was built in the mid-1800's. The ocean is very rough there and the shoreline is treacherous. Every year a few people are washed off the rocks. We also managed to spot and watch some wales spouting and frolicking in the sea.

We then went to the Signal Hill National Historic Site where Marconi received the first trans-Atlantic wireless signal. Both sites were used for defence in WWII and still have some of the fortifications remaining. Signal Hill provides the magnificent view of the city of St. John's as pictured above. St. John's is the oldest city in all of North America. Although it is the oldest, all the old buildings have been demolished by numerous fires the city has experienced.

Jim's Notes. Coast to Coast. It was a long haul. It all started on the Trans Canada Hwy in Victoria, BC and and finished in St. John's, Newfoundland. For those of you that have been following along you know that the Trans Canada is the longest National Hwy. in the world all 7821km of it. I can attest to that. I have a ache in my neck and a fuel bill that could choke a horse. I can count my blessings though. Diesel is $1.20 a litre. Last year it was $1.48. The trip has been worth every litre. The 2 coasts of this country are the prettiest scenery Canada has to offer.

Canadiana: The Newfoundland dog has webbed feet. ( What did you expect from a dog living on an island.)

The waters off Newfoundland are home to over 5000 humpback whales.