Know what a guide talks about on a rainy day in Newfoundland & Labrador? Why the rain of course! This is a watery paradise where we celebrate an abundance of precipitation and all its resource potential.
Newfoundland’s seasons aren’t defined by weather – rather what we see and experience when we wake and embrace each day with a celebration for change. Those with the right mindset will witness a beautiful world and all its many magnificent facets.
“… many magnificent facets…”
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1. Singing in the Rain – As has often been argued in support of Seattle’s “cool” music scene – inclement weather forces us to spend more time inside, with friends, and practicing our skill sets in every genre of the arts and crafts.
2. Power to the People – Nearly all of the electrical power in Newfoundland & Labrador is generated from dozens of small hydro stations we’ve located in naturally occurring ‘water sheds’ with enough rainfall to maintain a reliable supply of flowing water. So much for the expression; “Blue and green shall never be seen!”
“… small hydro stations…”
3. Water World – Nearly 50% of Newfoundland is covered in freshwater – a life source that supports recreational activities, a constant supply of food, and a bounty of aesthetic advantages. It takes a lot more than melt water to maintain all these aquifers – it is the gift of rain
4. Conversation Cure – While most will agree that weather is the safest conversation starter – sustained rain delays keep Newfoundlanders in doors and in close company with greater frequency and duration. We must therefore learn to communicate in ways that even the most sophisticated HR executive would envy.
5. Brook Water – We never have to carry water in the wilderness. With no agriculture, manufacturing or industry, our surface water sources are perfectly clean, naturally filtered and frequently replenished by rainwater.
“… naturally filtered …”
6. Mr. Clean – Newfoundland is not only colourful, this place is shining. At least twice a week the province is subjected to a wash and dry cycle that keeps everything clean and beautiful.
7. Scout’s Honour – Lord Baden Powell is likely to have coined the motto ‘Always be prepared’ on one of the many summers he spent in Western Newfoundland where weather planning is paramount to any successful outing.
8. Beauty Bubbles – Raindrops create amazing lighting effects for photographers, especially on leaves and petals where pooling water accentuates, colour, dimension, and shading.
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“… beauty bubbles…”
9. Tannin Tanning – Sunscreen is always necessary in Newfoundland & Labrador. We experience many varieties of rain, but none last terribly long (with the exception of ‘Wet Rain’). Even when the sun remains hidden, the fast-moving cloud cover offers little more than a transparent veil – allowing enough heat to burn, but hardly enough to cause a sweat.
10. Spontaneous Combustion – Rain inspires spontaneity, we plan for the best and prepare for the rest. We never allow weather to alter our schedule, instead choosing to keep an open mind to alternative activities – knowing that the worse case scenario is a game of cards and a few drinks in the shed.
11. Feeling Fresh – We have a lot of peculiar place names in Newfoundland & Labrador, but where else could you find a body of saltwater called ‘Freshwater Bay’? With so many feeder rivers and streams, the ocean waters off ‘Signal Hill National Historic Park’ turn “tannin” with the sheer volume of “brookwater” during a good “dousing”.
“… brookwater …”
12. Reservoir Dogs – We never worry about wasting water around here. Though there may be “dry” summers, we know that massive energy bombs will replenish our pools with every changing season. So long as the ‘Gulf Stream’ and ‘Labrador Current’ maintain their courtship along the coasts of Newfoundland & Labrador – we’ll marvel at two of the most significant climatic “influencers” on the planet.
This is an extraordinary environment, and it is a privilege to live and share our perspective. There’s no need for rose coloured glasses in Newfoundland – we prefer a clear lens and unfettered views.
