June 25 (Day 48): Ferry Day in Argentia, Newfoundland and a fond farewell to the People and Places that have made our month special

Just beyond Argentia lies Ship Harbour where on August 14, 1941 two battleships, one from the United  States with President Franklin D. Roosevelt aboard and the second from Great Britain carrying Prime Minister Winston Churchill met to discuss the war in Europe and the real threat to England and perhaps the United States from Nazi Germany.  That meeting generated a frank discussion about how peace amongst countries in the world might better be achieved and led to what became known as the Atlantic Charter, the basis for The United Nations of today.  The site is designated as Atlantic Charter National Historic Site.

The Castle National Historic Site

This place was also a major port and defense during the 18^th century for the French in their struggle to maintain control over the cod fishery in their conflicts with England.  They built a unique fortress here, now known as ‘The Castle National Historic Site’, to protect the harbor at Placentia near here. 

Jesse's wondering where we're headed...

We arrived at the ferry terminal a couple of hours before loading and were assigned to the front of our staging line.  We elected to leave Chaco and Jesse in our coach rather than crate them up in a small room with many other dogs since they would be at home.  Facing an hour after boarding before we sailed, a sixteen hour passage and an hour getting off the ferry we busily laid down painters plastic and tape over our carpet areas, closed off rooms where possible and hoped for the best when we returned to fetch them.  They do not allow any visits to the car decks during the passage.  We then adjourned to our cabin where after dinner we slept most of the passage away.  When we returned to our coach eighteen hours later in North Sydney, NS the two had nary an accident to the surprise of their proud parents.  Try that on a few beers!

Our month in Newfoundland has been simply outstanding in every respect and we will miss the Province and the people deeply.  A friend told me, “….who knew you could spend a month in Newfoundland?”  We could have spent more!          

One last vista of Newfoundland before we leave