2030 July 1, 2022
Today is Canada Day. July 1st each year is the commemoration of the formation of the Dominion of Canada in 1867. By chance, it occurs at nearly the same time as Independence Day in the United States. Here in St. John's, Newfoundland many businesses are closed, people where shirts with the Canadian maple leaf flag. It is a time for Canadians to be proud of their heritage and proud of their beautiful lands and seas. The photo above shows the stunning cliffs of Bell Island in Conception Bay just outside Long Pond where Tazzarin rests at the wharf.
Newfoundland was the last province to join Canada, only becoming a province in 1949. Newfoundland has always been a world just a little bit apart. It even has its own half hour time zone. Here it is one and a half hours earlier than in Massachusetts. Half hour time zones are a bit of a rarity around the world.
This weekend also marks the beginning of the Cod Food Fishery, the season when every Newfoundlander is allowed to go out in a small open boat, perhaps a dory, and fish for cod with a jig and a handline. Many here have been awaiting the start.
Meanwhile, the commercial fishing fleet continues the enterprise that has been at the core of Newfoundland's identity, fishing from the sea. Even today a few of the St. John's fishing fleet left their berth and headed out through the Narrows of St. John's to fish. I just heard from a fellow today about his friends boat that returned to port with 15,000 pounds of halibut.
Happy Canada Day to all my new Newfoundland friends!
Bill
