Ferry Fun to Newfoundland!

July 5, 2015 – Day 20

On the first day of our caravan, the length of each rig was measured with the tow vehicle attached so that ferry reservations could be made.  Ours measured 59 feet long!  The wagon masters obtained advance reservations for each of us and today was the big day for the ferry trip to Newfoundland! It was very organized…as we passed through the entry gate booth, they verified the measurement, we gave them our reservation number, had to show our drivers license, and they told us what lane to get in.

 

There were commercial trucks lined up, a whole bunch of rv’s (our group of 23, plus more!), motorcycles, and a lot of cars, all  waiting in the assigned lane.  There was an announcement that loading was to begin, Spot lifted his leg for one final time, the engines started, and we began driving onto the boat…first the big trucks, then some cars, then some rv’s, more cars, etc.  It was amazing that the boat could hold so many vehicles.  They loaded each lane, and parked the vehicles sooooo close to each other, it was scary--You could hardly walk between them.  But, they have a well-oiled system for loading and unloading and was quite impressive how smoothly it went.  All propane had to be turned off, and pets (including poor Spot) had to stay in the rv for the trip across the water.  The trip took about 5 1/2 hours.  But this ferry wasn’t a normal ferry…We walked up the stairs from the lower level parking and it was like we were walking into a cruise ship!  It had several cafes, a dining room, a gift shop, a bar, and lots and lots of seating with tv’s.  The only thing missing was a casino and wifi!  (I think they are missing a huge revenue stream.)   It was a smooth ride, and a lot of fun.  Some people slept (there was a lot of snoring going on), others played cards, or read, some knitted and crocheted, and others just visited and sat in the bar.  There was some drizzle and fog, so the views weren’t as pretty as they could have been, but some spotted a whale, and a bunch of seals during the journey. 

We finally reached land, and Spot was very glad to see us!  The strangest thing happens in Newfoundland…the clocks change by 30 minutes…to Newfoundland Standard Time, which is 1 1/2 hrs earlier than Eastern time.  Apparently they tried to standardize the clock several years ago, but the locals opposed it, so they remain on their unique time schedule. 

Another unique custom is the “Screeching” ceremony for all newcomers to Newfoundland.  Each newcomer must talk like a Newfie, eat like a Newfie, drink Screech run, and kiss a cod to become a member of the royal order of Newfoundland Screechers.

We had to wear yellow hats, learned some of their sayings, ate Newfie steak (bologna), drank a shot of Screech run, and kissed a live cod!! YUCK! Then, we were inducted with a ceremonial rite and given a special certificate and pin.

 

 

An authentic Newfie band provided entertainment for the evening. Fun to be in Newfoundland, and glad to be part of the Screecher Society!  Fantastic new experiences!