True Newfoundland Hospitality

Ok, on to Newfoundland.
After our fun filled ferry ride that I mentioned earlier, I was invited by Terry and Angie to join them on their tour of the Cape Shore Loop. How could I refuse such a gracious offer from such fine people as The Gray's. So after doing laundry and buying groceries in Placentia, we headed south along the barely inhabited coastline. It turns out that the Cape Shore Loop is home to the steepest and longest hills in all of Newfoundland. Dark was setting in as we screamed down the good side of one of those hills into a small community called Big Barresway, home to 18 (people). Luckily for us, one of them was on the road and we asked where we could camp for the night. In his family's backyard was the answer. It turns out that this family (the O'Keefe's) has a long history of taking people in. They are in the low spot between two of the long steep hills. So when people get stuck because of weather or fatigue they somehow end up at the O'keefes. You couldn't meet nicer people either. Their hospitality and good nature was so genuine, it should make the average person feel truly humbled. After we set up our tents and cooked dinner in the front yard, we were invited inside. Close family friends had just lost a loved one and came by later that night to celebrate her life. True Irish wake style. It was an amazing thing to be a part of. The funeral was just that day and yet here they are inviting us in to share food, drink, music, laughter and tears with them. The next day as we rode out of the community with half a salmon that Petey O'keefe gave us (he caught it earlier that week), we knew we had experienced as genuine a Newfoundland experience as you could hope for. Newfoundlanders are the warmest people I have met in this country and the O'keefes are shining examples. It was an honor to meet them. Thank you Petey, Anita, and all the rest of the crew!!

Check out this link to see video footage of the good old fashioned Newfoundland kitchen party!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LvXHu-6V1MQ