THE LONELY MAPLE.

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This is the only surviving remnant of the homestead where I was born and raised. The tree stood in the NE corner of our kitchen garden where its branches over-reached the fence that market the south boundary of the road that led to the fishing premises on the East side of the cove, and to the road that led along the cliff-top to the old pioneer cemetery. Some wishful thinking (a.k.a.) simple minded individual staked out most of the East side of the Cove, claimed it as personal property, and offered it for sale by some real estate agency. Fortunately, I was able to nip that in the bud before some unsuspecting buyer got hoodwinked. Our building lot consisted of only 1/6 acre, most of which has since been reclaimed by the sea. As the ice continues to melt, the sea continues to rise, almost inperceptible, yet inexorable. Foolish people think that if you don't notice it, it will go away. The tree almost blocked the view from my sister's bedroom window, but it was there I stood to watch the torpeoding of the S.S. Rose Castle. For me , it isn't just a tree!

HISTORIC RELIC.

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The remains of the Lance Cove public wharf , which was the main terminal on the Island during the 19th. century . It was here that the packet boats, passenger boats and freight boats docked. Pitt's Hill (now the location of the infamous public toilet) was the main thoroughfare. It was the wharf that prevented the beach erosion that has since taken place, just as the old timers predicted would happen.

REMAINS OF THE OLD SS NORTHERN RANGER.

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After her decommissioning in 1966, she was sold for scrap and towed ashore on Lance Cove beach for demolition. No one objected, although it created a terrible mess. Most of the old generation were gone and the decline of the community had already set in. It is not surprising that the shoreline eventually became a veritable "gravel pit" for derelict campers.

THE OLD NORTHERN RANGER.

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Shown here docked at Hr. Deep. She served the coast from St. John's to Corner Brook, 1936-1966. Many newfoundlanders who travelled the coast during the 40s and 50s will have fond memories of the old Northern Ranger; especially young teachers fresh out of "Summer School" going to their first post amongst the myriad of tiny communities. I was one of those young teachers heading to Sop's Island, 1945. Found this photo on-line

EROSION.

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This place (Lance Cove) is known as the "big head". It is where the few survivors swam ashore from the SS Rosecastle, after its torpeodong in Nov. 1942. There is a great difference in its appearance now from what it was then. I recall when there was a roadway down along this shore as well as several fishing premises. Before then there was a shipyard and a dwelling house. It's where the Kents first settled. The foreground shows where our house was located. Much of it has also washed away.

LANDWASH.

LANDWASH.
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It is very difficult to find a beach foreground that is not cluttered with garbage. People come to feed the ducks and the gulls, and leave their garbage bags on the beach. Their intentions .which are good. are undermined by ignorance.

BOY RUNNING DOWN LANE.

ANCIENT MAPLE

RUSTIC FENCE.

POST THANKSGIVING-DAY TREAT.

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The gulls and the crows do not mind that the turkey frame is a little stale. What I did mind was that the gentleman who fed them , one with a strong British accent and obviously "sophistated", left his coffee cup and garbage bag on the beach. Sadly, that mentality still prevails.

DUCK OUT OF WATER.

TWO FOR GOLD.

A "NORD-EAST" GALE.
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Yesterday, N.E. winds reached 120 kmph which is near hurricane force. Add to that rain and sleet and the tickle was far from what I've become used to photographing. The sea in all its fury is a awesome sight. I couldn't help but think of those men and women "who go down to the sea in ships and occupy their business in the deep". Where I was parked in my car, the waves were breaking on the seashore. It would have been much more spectacular had I been near a cliff or a break-water.

A COMBER.

DOGBERRIES.

AUTUMN.

ACROSS THE TICKLE FROM TOPSAIL.

ANTIQUITY.

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Chimney on the old "hermitage". Topsail. Built sometime in the 1700s, it is one of the oldest stone buildings in Newfoundland.

THE RED BARN.

RED STEEPLE.

WHO ARE YOU?

BELL ISLAND FERRY.

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The "Beaumont Hamel" approaching the Portugal Cove ferry terminal. My son and I paid a visit to the Island on the return trip.

AFTER THE RAIN.

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Manuels River in flood. This photo was taken by my son, Paul, who was visiting. I was unable to walk down the steep trail. The view along this river trail is truly awesome.

WILD ASTERS.

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The nights are cold, but still they bloom.