Green Point Lighthouse - Pleasant Way to Spend an Afternoon

Make a drive to Port de Grave a part of your Newfoundland island tour. 
Basil and I have been here over 2 1/2 years and we've barely scratched the surface of what there is to see in our little neighbourhood. Now mind you, every once in awhile, we do drive down to the Port de Grave harbour to look at the boats. Immaculately kept and well maintained, they are a treat to look at. Looking at these longliners, you can see the pride of ownership--many decorated with personalized paintings of scenes and family. 
But one thing I've never done is gone down to look at the Green Point Lighthouse at the tip of the peninsula, right at Hibbs Cove.

Whenever any of our guests let me know that they like hiking or walking trails, I've always recommended the lighthouse but had never gone myself. Basil has gone down quite often while I've kept myself busy cleaning, cooking, etc. So, the other day when all four of my rooms were staying two nights or more (no rooms to change over!), we jumped on the ATV and took a little drive for some us time. Now, you can drive with your car to a certain point, but as you can see, you'll have to park and do the rest on foot. But it's well worth it. This just looks like it's a road going to nowhere, but that's definitely not the case.

Built in 1883, the lighthouse was originally powered with kerosene and later converted to electricity in 1931.  A few years after that, it was decided that there was no longer a need to be manned and became automated. And today, it runs off solar batteries.
A unique feature of this lighthouse when it was first built, was an additional bank of lights that were to shine on some of the dangerous rocks that were located just offshore.

And even though dangerous to oncoming vessels, the area sports its own unique beauty with the rock and craters filled with sea water, seaweed and sea creatures.

We found ourselves a smooth boulder lodged along the edge of the cliff and just stared out at the ocean.

It was a relaxing afternoon and I sometimes take those for granted. We saw only one other person on our little adventure. It was like we were the only two people on the island.
And those afternoons are few and far between during our season. But, the next time I can get out of the laundry room and out to do some touring.....

You can be sure that I'll jump at that chance!

Our season has quickly filled up but we still have some openings available in July and August. Come for a visit to The Bayside Bed and Breakfast and discover your little out-of-the-way places.

The Bayside Bed and Breakfast

Once Upon A Time

I'm so fond of old Newfoundland buildings. Basil is too. I don't know how many times that we driven along somewhere and one of us will say to the other, "Look! Perfect picture!"

I'm by no means a photographer. I wish I could say it was a hobby, but I don't even spend enough time on it to make it a hobby. But I do love to take pictures. And, one of my favourite subjects is old Newfoundland buildings.

But I especially love old doors.

I have a long wall in my upstairs hallway that is a blank canvas that I'm determined to fill with pictures of old doors. 
However, it must be done just right and I need more old doors!

I'm sure I'm not the only one around that likes these old doors. 
I'm always thinking about the families that would have walked through these portals.

Where are they now?

Did the children all move away?

Do they live nearby?

With some of them, you can see the detail that went into installing them. 
What was once vivid colours, have now faded.
Wood worn with age, carved by the ocean wind. Cracking, splitting.

What would their previous owners think about them now?

Some of these doors haven't been abandoned. 
The one on the left is still used in the summer months when the previous occupant 'comes home' to visit. 

This is our neighbour's door.

Mr. Batten lives in Ontario now, to be closer to his daughters, but he still feels the pull of his family home. 
If all goes well, we hope to see him again soon. And of course, he'll come up the hill to have breakfast at The Bayside!

And then this last one.....


......is still being used daily!

Don't you just love it?

I sure do!















Why not walk through our door at The Bayside Bed and Breakfast?

Summer is quickly filling up so don't delay! Check our online availability today and book with us. Or, give me a call at 709-786-1500. I'll be happy to help you plan your escape to Newfoundland.

The Bayside Bed and Breakfast Online Availability

Kissing The Cod and All That Good Stuff

Or, kiss a bottle of screech and stuff the cod!
No, kiss the cod, drink the screech, stuff some squid, eat fish and chips and all that Newfoundland kind of stuff.
For all those Newfoundlander wannabes, this is for you.
Come on down and become an honorary citizen of the most beautiful province on your bucket list. 

Now, most Canadians have heard of a screech in ceremony and know it involves fish and drinking and leave it at that. All good.
I had the chance to be screeched in at the Toutons, Tom Cods and Tunes event at the Songs, Stages and Seafood Festival last year. 

Pucker up!

How does such an unimaginable tradition like this get started?

Many, many years back, when salt fish was being shipped to the West Indies, it was exchanged for rum.
It was unbelievably strong, but those early fishermen didn't care. My theory is that it kept them nice and warm and why fix what isn't broken?
When the government took over the trade, they didn't change the recipe, they just put it in a nice bottle so that it looked good on the shelf.

So, during the war years, the American servicemen came over and they got themselves a little sample of this lovely, coloured liquid. And the story goes, one of them just tossed one right back. Well, after breathing again,  he asked a Newfoundlander, "What the cripes is that ungodly screech?"


To which he replied, "'Tis the rum, my son." So, of course, everyone had to have a try and that's how the name stuck. (I'm sure there's other versions, but I found this one on the Screech site)

So, how do you get screeched in?

First of all, you must be a natural, born Newfoundlander to perform the ceremony. 
Andrea Maunder, owner and operator of the award-winning restaurant, Bacalao in St. John's presided at mine.
Pour the screech into a glass, or a red plastic tumbler as the above picture indicates. Or a boot, or a teapot--something that will hold liquid and not leak. Or if it leaks, stop up the leak with a few capelin for a couple of minutes.
Get your cod ready. It can be frozen or fresh. Mine had just been in a cod-splitting demonstration and so I had a handsome head at the ready.

Gorgeous, wasn't he?
Sorry he's a little blurry. I wasn't taking the pictures, Basil was. I think it's because he was laughing. Maybe crying. No, probably laughing.




Now, kiss the cod. Not good enough? Okay, another one. Not just a peck, one on the full mouth. 

Next, everyone in the room is supposed to recite something. Honestly, I don't remember that part at all. But here it is:

"From the waters of the Avalon, to the shores of Labrador,
We've always stuck together, with a Rant and a Roar,
To those who've never been, soon they'll understand,
From coast to coast, we raise a toast, we love thee Newfoundland!"

You're then asked, "Is ye a Screecher?"
To which you reply, "Deed I is me old cock, and long may your big jib draw!"
Translation: Deed I is--Indeed I am.
                   Me old cock--an old English Cockney term meaning friend of buddy
                   Long may your big jib draw--May there always be wind in your sails, a Mariner's saying meaning good luck.

This may need to be repeated a few times to make sure you say it right. And anyone who knows me, knows that I'm hard of hearing (I don't think I was wearing my hearing aid that day), so I repeated what I thought I heard them say. Let's just say, they made allowances in my case.
It's only at this point that you are allowed to down the Screech. And since they put me through the wringer with the kissing stuff, I asked for another shot. Yum, rum!
If you can survive this ceremony, you have now become an Honorary Newfoundlander.

And that, was my screech in ceremony. 

Last I heard, there were still some tickets available for the Songs, Stages and Seafood Festival. Act quickly before they're all gone. 
And yes, 10% off  when you show me a ticket from one of the events on your stay that weekend at the The Bayside.

And, it's your last chance to enter for a trip for two to Newfoundland. Enter the What's In A Name? contest right here and come stop by for a cup of tea. Or maybe a shot of Screech.

Songs, Stages and Seafood - What's Not To Like?

One of the best parts of any vacation? Why, it's the food, of course!
Who hasn't come home from a trip and begun to tell of all the tales of their travels far and near, and not ended the story by telling everyone of the little pub or café off the beaten trail where they found the best meal they've ever eaten? I still remember visiting Croatia as a small girl with my family and visiting the best bakery I've ever been to and the vanilla squares that floated off my plate and into my mouth! Now, that was a long time ago but it's funny how food memories are some of the strongest.

Now here's your chance to make some great memories.

Bay Roberts' 3rd  Annual Songs, Stages and Seafood Festival                                         June 11-14

Some of the best chefs that this part of Newfoundland has to offer, come together and make magic. 

The Town of Bay Roberts puts on a moving feast that has become more popular with each passing year. It takes place in different venues across the town. 
Some of the events taking place this year will be:

• Small Plate Evening with Live Traditional Music     June 12 7:00 p.m.
• Experience the Sea Luncheon - Live Music, Traditional Dance and Cooking Demo     June 13 12 noon
• Chef's BBQ Party with Live Traditional Music   June 13      6:00 p.m.       
• "Toutons, Tom Cods and Tunes"    June 14 1:00 p.m.                                                                                           ......and more!

Last year, we went to the "Toutons, Tom Cods & Tunes"
event with cod splitting demo and fiddle music.
It was held at the end of May last year and it was still a 'little' frosty. It took place on the popular Mad Rock Trail in the Red Fisherman's Shed, where they had the wood stove smokin' and the food served was deliciious! Mussels, cod, seafood salad and toutons served with molasses. We even had our own personal iceberg keeping an eye on the festivities.  










Where else could something like this happen, I ask you?





More events to be announced, so just check their website at
Songs, Stages and Seafood
Tickets are available for this event by calling the council office at 709-786-2126.

And an added bonus:    Book your stay at The Bayside for this event and get a 10% discount on your room by showing us a ticket for one of the events at this festival. There's still a few rooms available for that weekend but they won't last long! Just give us a call at
709-786-1500. 

Can't make it for the seafood festival but you can make it down to see us at a later date? Remember, you can always check our availability and reserve online using this handy link:
Online Reservations for The Bayside

Week #2 for What's In a Name: Food Edition
Enter here to win a trip for two to Newfoundland, sponsored by Air Canada and Newfoundland and Labrador Tourism
What's In A Name? Food Edition


Next time:  Ever been 'screeched in'? 

Who Likes Contests??

I miss my family and old friends. 
Now don't get me wrong. I love living here. I'm content, happy and satisfied. But, flying back to Ontario just isn't convenient whenever the whim surfaces. And, I don't expect family and friends to drop everything and just come here for a visit. So, when I heard about a contest--Win a Week for Two on this beautiful Island?? What's not to like about that!
Newfoundland Tourism is promoting a contest to get folks to see the beauty that can be found on our heavenly piece of the earth by getting potential visitors involved in some 'off-kilter' place names quiz.
Just about everyone that visits seems to be entertained by some of the names of fishing villages and towns that dot the landscape--Heart's Content, Blow me Down, Ha Ha Bay--you get the idea.

View from lovely Port de Grave

So how do you win one of four weeks for two?


Just visit this link:
Off Kilter Places
and play for your chance!
It's easy! 
Just wait for the page to load, (took less than 10 seconds for me) and play the little game they have set out. The contest actually started on Thursday. Each week, you have three chances to play for a different prize package:
Love, Food, People and Off-Kilter
This week, the Love Edition.
Winners will be announced on Newfoundland and Labrador's Facebook Page:
Newfoundland and Labrador Facebook
and other channels of social media.

Now, Air Canada is providing the air flight and different tour groups in Newfoundland will be providing the packages once you get here. Is The Bayside part of any of the packages? Unfortunately not, but a week just isn't enough time to explore our wonderful island. Stay awhile, and explore it a little further.
If you don't win, that's no excuse! Come and stay with us and we'll make sure that you felt like you hit the jackpot!

The Bayside Bed and Breakfast

Top Ten Reasons to Stay at The Bayside Bed and Breakfast - Part 2

#6
Next Door Neighbours to Beautiful Port de Grave

Nothing says Newfoundland more than a fishing village just around the corner. It's a quick, two-minute drive down the road, or if you need a good, cardio workout after that Bayside breakfast, it's a good hike up and down the hill. (Some days, it feels like you're only going up hill!)
Crab season is underway, but there's lots of activity going on right now with boats coming and going. Locals also use a section of harbour to launch personal crafts during the year. Our friend Robbie launches his boat from here and it's the starting point for us when we go cod jigging in the summer.

#7
Close to St. John's International Airport

The Bayside seems to be popular for our guests on their way back from touring the island when they're flying out the next day. Just an hour away from the airport, we're the perfect spot to end your Bucket List vacation. With our views, comfortable surroundings and relaxing atmosphere, end your travels on a high note and stay with us!

#8
Located on the Baccalieu Trail--and We're Mad Rock Crazy!

Looking for icebergs? Quaint fishing villages? Beautiful, scenic, ocean views? Photo opportunities galore? Looking to hike through fields of blueberries? I'm going to run out of room with suggestions! The Baccalieu Trail is a popular route that takes you along just one section of the Avalon. A 230 km drive takes you along some of the prettiest sights you'll see and you can start right in our backyard with the Mad Rock Trail. You can literally spend days exploring, tasting and photographing every little cove and beach. Newfoundland and Labrador Tourism even gives you an itinerary if you need a little guidance. Or, just drive and lose yourself! Don't try and rush it into one big day. Spend a few--there's just so much to see. You'll barely scratch the surface!

Scenic Touring Route for the Baccalieu Trail

#9
We're Open Year Round!

Visiting the island in the off season? Visiting family or friends and still want to experience a B&B? Are you here for business but would like something a little more cozier than a motel or hotel? Then look no further! The Bayside is open year round. Sure, we're busy in the popular tourist season, but there's more to Newfoundland than just staying in St. John's (and even that is only an hour away).

In the off-season, experience the warmth of a wood stove and a place to relax and recharge your batteries. 
Starting with November 2015, The Bayside will be offering a choice of evening meals that can be enjoyed without leaving the comfort of our B&B. Why go out when you can stay warm and toasty. We'll offer our home-cooked meals up until the end of April (with a few exceptions). I just love to cook!

#10
Our Hospitality!

Basil and I have been in the service industry for almost 50 years (combined, I'm not that old!), so we definitely know how to treat people. Opening a bed and breakfast was just the natural thing to do when we moved here and not a day goes by that I don't think about what a great move it was. In our former life, we loved to entertain our friends, cook up a storm and spend time in conversation with one and all. 
Everyone is welcome in our home, no matter who they are and we hope that you'll feel like a special guest. If you want to share a story, ask questions about the area or, just want to come and have a quiet time on your own, The Bayside can meet all of your needs.

So dear friends, these are my top ten reasons to stay with us at The Bayside Bed and Breakfast. 

What's your reason to visit?

Missed Part 1? Just click on the link below and see what you've missed!

Top Ten Reasons to Stay at The Bayside Bed and Breakfast - Part 1

Top Ten Reasons to Stay at The Bayside Bed and Breakfast - Part 1

#1
One of the best views on the Avalon Peninsula
As we're situated on the top of a hill, most times I can see cars driving into the lot, so I'm ready to greet our guests at the door. Once in awhile, they take so long to come in I wonder if they've lost their way or they've turned around and left! What's the reason? They are so taken by the view from our B&B that they'll stop and take pictures before they've even entered the door. I can't blame them. I live here and I still can't believe the beauty I see out my window every day.

#2
Beautiful Sunrises and Sunsets

Sunrise behind The Bayside

Sunset overlooking Bay Roberts

I just can't get over some of the colours that streak across the sky. I've been known to pull on my winter coat and rubber boots when it's cold just to get that perfect shot in the morning. Thank goodness we have no close neighbours that can watch me!
And at the other end of the day, I'll just jump in the car and stop alongside the road to drink in the evening beauty laid out on nature's canvas.
Speaking of  early morning sunrises, that leads us to....

#3
Breakfast- The most important meal of the day!
It's easy enough for me to see those early morning sunrises because I'm up extra early for my guests. There's nothing better than to wake up in the morning and smell something good going on in the kitchen and you'll find that here at The Bayside.

I love to bake and I have some favourites ( lemon-blueberry bread, best scones ever!, cracked-pepper cheese biscuits) plus I'm always adding to my repertoire. No one leaves hungry, but at the same time, this isn't your mom's house. You're allowed to leave some food on your plate ( but most don't!). I also serve a hot breakfast along with the fruit and baked goods. Chef's choice!

#4
A Good Night's Sleep
I had one guest tell me that I should include a crow bar in the rooms because then you could use it to pry yourself out of bed in the morning!
Egyptian cotton bedding, duvets, a pillow menu and a great mattress all combine for, hopefully, one of the best night's sleep you'll have in Newfoundland.

Grey River Room

Of course, it doesn't hurt that we're far enough away from any large city centre. Not isolated, but peaceful, just the way we like it.




#5
Business-Traveller Friendly
Some of our guests need to mix their pleasure with business. While work is the last thing on your mind when you step in the door, sometimes it's a necessary evil. We have excellent WiFi service with a copier/scanner/printer/fax machine available in our common area.

We also have a desktop computer available there for those travellers that need to check their itinerary or print off that report that needs to be submitted. It's been great to be able to offer this service and it's come in handy a number of times when there's been an unexpected monkey wrench thrown into a traveller's plans.

So, that's the top 5 reasons to stay at The Bayside Bed and Breakfast. 
Stay tuned for Part 2.

Online Availability and Reservations for The Bayside Bed and Breakfast