DAYS 22-23 - KING’S POINT, COD FISHING [July 23-24]

 Last week I was feeling uneasy about our reservation in King’s Point and when I called I discovered my concern was real,  the B&B had been sold and our reservation was cancelled. Somehow we did not get the message. Thankfully the ex-owner suggested a new place that was newly up and going and available so we had a new reservation and we pressed forward.

It was a long drive from St. Anthony’s so we stopped in Deer Lake for the night. The next day we were on the road again to King’s Point. We met the owner at a small building called Beluga Cottage which was right across the street from the water. Although the outside was plain the inside was so nice - two bedrooms, everything newly refinished, kitchen, laundry, etc. 

The town itself is small with a population of about 550 persons. We could easily walk down to the restaurant and other amenities. We were just settling in when a knock on the door brought the owner with a plate of freshly caught cod all nicely fried. It was delicious! 

Then we walked  the few  hundred yards around the corner to check out the pottery store, look around the area and go to the restaurant for some dinner. We had a reservation so felt obligated to go but after the delicious cod we were not very hungry.

About 10:30 PM we got another knock on the door and were invited  to come to their ‘stage’ which was right across the street. We were not sure about going over since it was late but we did not want to be rude so we went and were treated with such amazing hospitality. There was smoked salmon, smoked herring, marshmallows to roast but mostly good conversation. We have learned that the PEOPLE in this part of the world are so genuine and delightful - one of Newfoundland’s greatest treasures. Their incredibly generous friends suggested that they would like to take us out in their boat the next day.

We learned about ‘stages’. It seems many people build these little one room buildings close to the water and then use them as extensions of their homes, like a family/living room where they hang out whenever possible. We had seen many along our travels but did not know what they were. It was fun to learn that in 2019 a huge 1000 foot iceberg had made its way into the harbor and come to rest just next to their stage. Their stage is very close to the end of the harbor so they watched the iceberg which had no place to go. The whales followed it into the harbor and stayed for most of the summer. Eventually the iceberg broke into 5 large pieces and melted. 

On fishing day we went with Owen and Kim and Kevin to the little pier where they kept their  boat. Decked out with life vests our adventure began. The water was calm and beautiful. Every now and then Kevin would stop the boat while he and Owen tried to fish. They caught some red fish which they threw back and an other strange looking fish which they also threw back.

What a delight to see the beauty along the coast line. We saw lots of ‘stages’ and it was fun to know what they were. We saw eagles flying, mackerel jumping, and so much beauty. There are caves along the way and we landed the boat so Owen could jump out and show us the depth of the cave,  

And we fished. Sue and I each had a turn with the rod. I caught 3 cod. One was really tiny, the next was only a bit bigger so both were thrown back . Then I caught a bigger one which was not as big as the 9 pounders they like to catch bit Kim persuaded them to keep my fish for a fry up. The fish were cleaned on the dock and Kim took them prepare them along with the others caught that day.

Before long we were invited back to the stage where we found the cod had been turned into yummy fish chowder. Out of the kindness of her heart she had also prepared “ fish and brewis”. We had been talking about it on the boat and she wanted to let us try it. Dried salted cod and hard bread were reconstituted and fried up in pork fat. I can’t say I loved it but I loved her kindness in giving us a chance to experience this Newfoundland and Labrador traditional meal.

We left King’s Point the next day well rested and filled with gratitude.

The photos are not In chronological order. I struggle getting them in the correct order. So please forgive the craziness.

Well here we are in a small boat going cod fishing! A totally unplanned serendipity but such fun. Sue, me and Kim [boat owner’s wife and great cook.]

 

Such yummy cod. They had caught 9 big ones that morning and were so generous to share with us

A stage along the way.

Owen showing us the large cave which goes back about 40 feet.

I can’t remember the name of this fish but it was pretty weird looking and got thrown back.

A red fish which they also do not eat so it was thrown back as well.

More stages along our way.

That clump of trees jus left of center holds an eagle nest. The parent eagle tried to draw our attention elsewhere.

Our catch for the day. Mine was one of the smaller ones.

Stages

The water side of our hosts stage. We stayed in that little white cottage across the street and that is our white Chrysler 300S

That is MY fish but small by their standards. It was so nice that Owen took it off the hook.

Docking the boat and then we all had to climb  up to the deck.

The fillets from today’s catch.

Owen cleaned the fish and prepared the fillets. 

Waiting for our order to be taken. But we were not too hungry after eating that amazing cod.

The cod carcasses that the little creatures of the ocean eat if the seagulls don’t get them first.

Owen showing us the size of the cave which went about 40 feet deep.

Our cod chowder with carrots, celery, potatoes and onion

“Fish and brewis” made from salt cod and hard bread [hard tack] that have been reconstituted and then fried with onions in pork fat.

It was a good day for ice cream!

Looking towards the bay in King's Point

Taking a break after shopping at the pottery store.

The bay went just a little farther to open seas.

A clever use of driftwood for this cat guarding the pottery store.

I forgot to include these “ugly sticks” last time

The clouds and the skies on our drives are so amazing! Just had to include some of the photos.