NEWFOUNDLAND

Our cruise from Iceland to Newfoundland encountered hurricane level winds and high seas in the North Atlantic. The winds buffeted the huge ship and even caused it to heel over. Many of the passengers looked concerned and clutched tightly to handrails or sat on steps for stability. We were used to this weather from our sailing days and my walker gave me a rare advantage over others. The outside doors were locked to prevent passengers from going outside but Zoe had to check the winds anyway. So when we got to our cabin, she opened our sliding door to go out on to our veranda. I thought the wind would blow our cabin away from even the brief opening and she quickly slammed it shut. It was too dark to see the waves unfortunately.



The heavy weather slowed our progress to St. John's, Newfoundland and we arrived too late for the scheduled tours but we found a doubledecker tour bus outside the gate and took a city tour anyway. St. John's is North America's oldest European settled city and the capitol of Newfoundland. It is also Great Britain's oldest overseas colony and the continents most easterly point.

Brightly painted Victorian homes line the streets. High on a hill overlooking the city is Signal Hill where Marconi received the first wireless transatlantic signal in 1901. It also gives a great view over the city.