History right at our feet

 

If you're not an archaeologist, this is just junk

Ferryland, a small village a short one-hour’s drive south of St. John’s, was first visited by French and Portuguese fishermen in the 16th century. (The word Ferryland likely comes from the Portuguese word farelhão, meaning ‘small promontory’.) It was colonized by the British in 1623 and was the first capital of Newfoundland. Today, the area is home to the Colony of Avalon, a historical museum and active archaeological site.

We arrived at the museum just in time to join an excellent guided tour of the archaeological site, where we not only learned about the history and historical significance of the area, but watched (and even met) the archaeologists working on the site. For me, whose dreams of being an archaeologist were dashed when I was diagnosed with arthritis in my late teens, this was the next best thing!

Just a small part of the archaeological dig at Avalon

It may be the hat, but this archaeologist looks a bit like Indiana Jones!

Looking over the current dig site

Later, we did the 30-minute hike out to the Ferryland Lighthouse, and while we were enjoying the view, we struck up a conversation with a fellow named Billy Doyle (is that not a Newfie name, or what!) after asking him to take our photo. Turns out Billy’s a local, and the uncle of the woman who runs a company called Lighthouse Picnics. He said to us in his lovely Newfoundland accent, “Would you like a tour of the lighthouse keeper’s house?” A private tour of an 1870’s lighthouse keeper’s home? Of course, we said yes! Billy’s niece has leased the old house from the town (with hopes to purchase it outright one day) for her business, and has been slowly renovating the structure. Inside, there is now a commercial kitchen, but the rest of the house is still in (mostly) original condition – even down to the original floors. And all the while, Billy provided fascinating commentary on the history of the house, as well as how his niece has upgraded the house, and her hopes and plans for the future use of it.

The Ferryland Lighthouse

Inside the lighthouse keeper's home

It certainly pays to strike up a conversation with a stranger. Thanks for the tour, Billy!