Entry 1: Sights of Newfoundland

Idyllic and unspoiled, the Canadian province of Newfoundland is a nature photographer's paradise. Although I currently reside in Allentown, Pennsylvania, my place of birth is St. John's, Newfoundland. Early exposure to these verdant, evergreen surroundings helped shape my appreciation of nature. In this short series, I attempt to illustrate the simple and basic lifestyle lead by those who chose the peacefulness of a Newfoundland outport.

Rather than label and caption each individual photo, I will provide a simple narration here that will help you understand the context behind photos in the series. This format will be continued throughout the later entries.

The Sights of Eastern Newfoundland begin on the shores of Trinity Bay, where my first ancestors landed after crossing the Atlantic more than 300 years ago. I actually managed to find a tombstone belonging to my relative who was on that ship! It resides behind a green and white church that was likely built with the ribs of the very ship which carried them across the ocean.

Next, you will see various images inherent to life in rural Newfoundland, including all shapes and sizes of lobster traps, as well as mirror-like images of mussel farms. We travel through massive bogs, where signs of ancient life are still being discovered, preserved perfectly in the carbon-rich peat.

This is all on the way to my relative's converted church-cabin in one of the more isolated outports on the island. Here, we take a diminutive 12-ft dory out on the bay, and captured some breath-taking images. You will see icebergs up-close, and float by mysterious caves. Can you pick out which one has been called "Polar Bear Cave?"

Finally, on the way into St. John's, you are greeted by my favorite childhood retreat: Manuel's River. Here, volcanic rock and fossils give way to the relentless thrashing of the river water, unstoppable on its course to the sea. Within walking distance of a favorite local ice-cream parlor, it is a popular gathering area.

In St. John's itself, colorful houses are on display, along with St. John's basilica and many priceless relics of Christendom. Then, wave goodbye to the island from Cape Spear Lighthouse.