We set off in the morning for Portugal Cove and the ferry to Bell Island, a few kilometers out into Conception Bay. The island was once the world's largest supplier of iron ore, and her harbours even targeted by German U-Boats during World War II. With easier iron found in surface mines in Labrador, Bell Island has been on steady decline since the 1960's.
We drove the roughly ten kilometer length of the Isle, and then we ventured underground into the former #2 Mine, where guided tours take visitors about 700 feet underground. The original mine went much deeper and well out into the Bay and under the ocean, though these depths have long since flooded. Our tour ended abruptly at the water's edge, kinda spooky when that is underground. This mine was the old room and pillar style, and gave me a whole new respect for Tolkien's Moria, especially when they should us the original extent of Bell Island's submarine mines that covered many square miles out under the Bay.
Managed to almost leave Jane behind. We were waiting in line for the ferry to depart the island, and clearly the line was longer than the ferry would hold. As we expected a 40-minute wait for the MV Flanders to cross to Portugal Cove and return, Jane decided to go get some famous fish and chips from Dick's on the Beach. Unbeknownst to us, the MV Beamont Hamel had also returned to service and was loading up within minutes.....meaning Juke had to go (or lose her place in line). The car and I boarded, as I implored the ferrymen that Jane had yet to return from the restaurant.....then I ran back to get Jane as they promised to wait. They waited.
Lance Cove
Candles used to light the mines
But now there are lights
No, not the bat signal.....this is the waterline in the underdeeps....
What's yours is yours....
....and what's mine is ours
Cut it out!
Rough day at the office
Portugal Cove
A room with a view
Bell Island beach
Northern tip of Bell Island
Stunning shoreline
Back to the mainland, er, bigger island
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1 comment:
What an excellent example of East Coast hospitality. I can't imagine Ontario ferrymen waiting for someone like that...
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