The first thing you need to do when you visit Newfoundland is forget about the forecast. Make your plans and carry through with them regardless of what the weather man says. Newfoundland is the nose of North America, jutting so far into the mid-Atlantic you might rightly suggest that it’s “stuck in the wrong place”. To the North of Newfoundland runs one of the world’s most extreme arctic ocean currents – the ‘Labrador Current’. To our south flows it’s near polar opposite (I know, I know), the tropical waters of the ‘Gulf Stream’. Needless to say the temperatures of the air masses associated with these ocean bodies are vastly different and depending on wind directions – can dramatically affect our immediate climate here on the island. Thus weather forecasting is a difficult science whose predictions and conditions can change and quick.
Certainly, we Newfoundlander’s are more than accustomed to the schizophrenic weather patterns and have created our own defense system to make the most of every situation. Many of the folks down this way will suggest “there is no such thing as bad weather, just poor clothing choices.” And my Grandfather would take this a step further and suggest, “There’s no such thing as bad weather in Newfoundland – just different types of good weather.” Meaning; you must be prepared to alter your schedule, you must carry multiple changes of clothing and you should be equally prepared to enjoy your time indoors as much as you would the wilds.
Of course, we Newfoundlanders are often the guiltiest when it comes to paying heed to our own advice and so my wife and I almost cancelled our trip to Bonavista this past weekend due to the inclement forecast. Fortunately it was my father in laws birthday so the obligatory visit encouraged us to press on. We packed clothing for every occasion, booked tickets to the St. Patrick’s day show at the ‘Garrick Theater’s’ new ‘Annex Pub’, called ahead with our plans and set off. And what a weekend we had. Yes, we were stuck in a monstrous snowstorm for a couple of days and yes I had to shovel several driveways on my time off – great bit of exercise anyway. But we also saw some of the most glorious sunny days imaginable, witnessed the spectacular winter sunsets for which Newfoundland is so famous. We went ice skating and sliding. Took a drive or two out to the ‘Cape’, walked frequently, shared a few drinks, visited friends, baked cookies and buns, swapped yarns, read a lot, wrote even more and spent an awful lot of time laughing and smiling with family & friends.
Perhaps I might now introduce my own adage about Newfoundland weather -“There’s no such thing as bad weather when you’re surrounded by so much warmth!”
Many thanks to Nanny and Poppy Bradley, Shawn and Sylvia Rumsey, Sean Randell, Mr. Bob Hayward, Jimmy Whiffen, Sheldon & Jordan Chaulk, Mrs. Phoebe Randell at Tremblett’s Store, Harv and Sharon at ‘Walkham’s Gate Pub’, & of course Performers Marcus Elliot & Bob & Steve
