LET THERE BE LIGHT

As the month of November draws to a close and we file yet another photo folder in the storage bin, it gives us pause to review those pictures that didn’t make it to our social media site, as well as an opportunity to reflect on the amazing fortunes with which we are blessed here in Newfoundland.

 

“… reflect on the amazing fortunes …”

 

Just as Zita Cobb (founder of Fogo Island Inn) suggested in a recent article about the many unique seasons we enjoy in Newfoundland, certain themes tend to emerge in a month’s worth of photographs.

Some are quite obvious, as witnessed in the magnificent colours captured in October’s foliage, the brilliant array of wild flowers found in August, and the many majestic icebergs that dominate our lens during June and July. Other’s are not, and had you asked what we were shooting this past month, it would seem impossible to provide a definitive answer, let alone a suggested style or muse.

 

“… a suggested style or muse.”

 

November is a funny month in Newfoundland, especially for tour guides whose guests appear soooo… infrequently. The days are considerably shorter, the weather is most unpredictable, and with little excuse to wander, we spend the majority of our time in the office. Thus it was with some surprise that I reviewed this assembly of photographs and noted the sequences of shadows and brilliant colours that highlight the deeply textured cloud formations of our November skies.

I wasn’t alone when I first made this observation and my exclamations caught the attention of a dear friend, a noted historian and custodian of a vast knowledge base regarding almost any subject pertaining to our province. Thankfully he is not as easily excited, and characteristically dismissed my marvels with an element of disbelief regarding my ignorance.

Though agreeing that these photos were indeed spectacular, he simply suggested that it was to be expected at this time of year, reminding me that our world is like no other place on the planet during November for we are now witnessing; “A subarctic climate in a Mediterranean light”.

 

“… subarctic climate in a Mediterranean light.”

 

Perhaps the most poignant and eloquent explanation imaginable for a Newfoundlander – but one that may require some interpretation for those who are fortunate enough to visit us at this time of year.

Few people realize that Newfoundland sits in such a southern latitudinal position. When standing on Signal Hill, guests will jokingly wonder whether they can see Ireland or England. To which we most often suggest that their only chance might be Whales (groan), with a quick reminder that, if they could somehow stretch their sightline beyond the horizon, they would in fact be gazing upon Lyon, France – only 200 miles north of Marseille. Our light penetrates at the same angle as that experienced on the Mediterranean coast.  

Despite our southern latitudinal position (47 degrees), Newfoundland’s climate trends towards schizophrenia during November as the world’s most extreme ocean currents converge on our shores in a violent elixir of wind and waves. At no other time are the waters of the Gulf Stream and the Labrador Current so completely polarized, with their associated air masses stacked in dramatic cloud formations that defy every description in the meteorological world.

Let there be light takes on a whole new meaning in Newfoundland.

 

“… southern latitudinal position…”

 

Though I love to remind guests that “The best time to visit Newfoundland is right now!”, you should be warned; while the rest of the world celebrates 12 days of Christmas, a month of revelry starts down here on December 6th and you’ll want some stamina (and film) to keep up with our Christmas Lights.

Look forward to meeting you.

 

“… with their Christmas lights.”