Update: The Irish Loop

Jaime and I are making our way "up" the Avalon Peninsula, locally known as "The Irish Loop". It's been doing my head in though, as when the locals say "up", they mean "south", and when they say "down" or "out", they mean "north".

Every cove "up" the Avalon has a small community, and every community has a steep hill leading down to it, with what always seems a steeper hill leading out. Last night we stayed with Charlie and Maxine at Dunnes Bed and Breakfast, in the most spectacular of these communities so far, Ferryland. Ferryland was first settled in 1621 I believe, and there is a long headland that juts out to the east from the centre of the village. Out at the end is a red lighthouse, that hosts an annual pilgrimage where visitors picnic, while watching icebergs and whales. It is now so popular that you have to  book far in advance if you'd like to take part in the organised lunch. 

Everyone here is very friendly and hospitable. Today, Charlie and Maxine arranged for us to stay in a lighthouse at Renews, where we'll have the whole place to ourselves! It stands above a cliff peering over the Atlantic, and won't be heated, but at least we'll avoid the wind. Charlie's brother Doug is generously providing some water so we can flush the toilet. Could be interesting!

A quick update on the birds. We're up to 40 species now thanks to a Northern Saw-whet Owl at our campsite yesterday in La Manche Provincial Park, and some Common Eider in Ferryland. We'll do a full post in a few days once we've explored some more.