Stories
The Elias Adventure
August
30, 2004
To: Ken Sooley C/O Cape
Race Cultural Adventures
From: Tony Elias & Family, Orton,
Ontario
Dear Ken,
Thank you for introducing us to the land of Shore Lunches, Quidi Vidi
beer and Cod au Gratin. We truly had a fantastic vacation this summer
and look forward to more visits to Newfoundland & Labrador.
Our memories of Heart's Delight will last a lifetime. Our day trips
to Trinity, Cape St. Mary's Ecological Reserve and Dildo Island were
awesome. The 'pageant' in Trinity was a testament of how proud the islanders
are of their heritage. It was by far the most inspiring theatre production
that we've ever attended. ($10 for each adult, kids free).
Our trip with Gerald Smith out of Dildo on his fishing boat left a huge
impression on us. Gerald's 'charters' are both informal and unadvertised.
If you hadn't told us about Gerald, this opportunity would have been
missed, no question. With Gerald, we saw a bald eagle chick, mink, thousands
of capelin, and, much to our surprise, a Minke Whale that passed right
under our boat! Gerald is a true historian and has been involved in
several TV documentaries. Even on an island of unusually friendly people,
Gerald's kindness stands out. This trip is a must.
Then there are the neighbours .. We had fires on the beach, shared fresh
crab, rented a rusty bike and felt completely at home (not like tourists).
Ours was the house where the daily soccer game would break out (sorry
about the rose bushes!) We barely ate a meal at home as we were regularly
invited to Gerry and Liz's or Donna and Bill's at mealtime. It's been
my feeling since returning home that we could all benefit from spending
some time on the island with people that give so much.
The island offer spectacular views and close-ups of nature that we have
never experienced, however, the people are what really made this trip
special for us.
Thanks again, we'll be in touch.
Tony Elias and Family
Welcome 
