The Stormy Side of Newfoundland

One of my long-held wishes has been to be on a rocky seacoast when a large storm passes offshore. Our recent trip to Newfoundland began with Hurricane Cristobal somewhere off the middle Atlantic coast of the US.  Over the first two days, the weather in St. John's turned very windy, and misty rain settled in.  On the third day, the morning was rainy and very windy, but just after noontime, the clouds lifted and the rain ceased.  We headed for Signal Hill overlooking the harbor entrance.  The Fort Amherst lighthouse across the Narrows was a dramatic scene.

The wind was certainly in excess of 40 miles per hour on the promontory.  Pretty nice view from overhead, but it was now time to find some exposed beaches where we could get down to sea level. Our next stop was Middle Cove. 

We found that we had lots of company on the same mission to see the waves. Soon afterwards, the woman below had to retreat up the beach to avoid a larger swell that came ashore.

The biggest limitation to such a close approach was the salt that would get on the camera lens and body. (I was nestled beside a large boulder using it to steady my camera.)

From there we went further up the coastal road to Torby Bight. Each rocky shore creates its own visual cacophony.  The power of the waves was best presented, for me, in a simple black and white form.  Color seems to distract from the message of the wave's powerful strike on the shore.

Our final stop was at Flat Rock Cove.  There, long inclined shelves of rock face into the oncoming seas to  create a huge swelling of the waves.  Note the two small boats moored out in the onrushing seas. They often disappeared behind huge breaking waves.

We returned to our little house perched over the Narrows with some great memories.

Paul