February 2021 Love Letter to Newfoundland I read an article recently that said that in the crazy times of 2021, come Valentine's Day this year that we should write a love letter - to a place we miss being, things we miss doing, people we miss seeing. This was an easy one for me. The place, things and people I miss are everything Newfoundland. I actually feel a lump in my throat and a tear in my eye. Let me start at the beginning and give you a shortened version of why this feels like home to me and my family. Many years ago we used to see pictures and hear stories from my sister in law of a place that seemed so far away. The pictures were beautiful yet she always told us that they did not do justice. It was not really on our radar back then, our travels were taking us elsewhere. Then in October 2014 in the spur of the moment, my husband decided to go with her on her trip, a fun sibling getaway. He came home a different person. He had all the pictures, stories and a light in his eye that was new. We made a family decision to make that our own vacation in May 2015. He was so excited to share this magical place with us. We landed in St John's, checked into our hotel for the night and set out on our George Street adventure. We were Screeched in, listened to some great music and ate some amazing food. We were already in awe of how nice everyone was. Someone asked us, are you here for family? Business? No and no- then how did you end up here? We have found that you don't go to Newfoundland without intention to get there; it is not just a quick drive over the border! Our answer was the beautiful landscape and the people!! The next day we left St John's to begin our journey several hours away to the most beautiful bay town named Trinity. This began our true love story. When we turned a corner on the road leading into Trinity I started to cry, I wasn't even sure why. It certainly was beautiful but I think my heart was just preparing me for all that was to come. We stay in the cutest little blue house that is part of us now. The first time in I was just in awe. My husband took me upstairs and told me to close my eyes. We walked into the master bedroom and he said when you open your eyes, this will be the view you see when you wake up in the morning. I opened my eyes and could not believe how beautiful it was looking out on the water, again more tears. We met the Gow family that does the tourism in Trinity, they rent out several homes for owners, they have their own B&B and also a wonderful restaurant called the Twine Loft. We walked around town to discover the playhouse we have enjoyed many times, the marina with its own restaurant and shop, several other shops, and churches. The best is the extraordinary views from so many vantage points! We love sitting outside looking at the water, and so quiet you can't believe it! There are no crickets! We were in love, hook line and sinker! Every trip we have taken we explore different places in the province. The list is long and we still have so many to see. We have gone to little towns to eat, see puffins, shop. We even explored Gander where the famous Come From Away play was made for. It is on 9/11 when they accepted 38 previously unscheduled planes to land holding approximately 6,800 people! The kindness and hospitality they showed to these people during their week there was unlike anything I have ever heard of. In 2017 on our trip we were also celebrating our 35th wedding anniversary. As we do for many of our milestones we decided to renew our vows again. Our daughters were with us and helped plan a most memorable day. We went to a high spot that has a random deck for viewing in Trinity. We were of course wearing our matching Alan Doyle shirts (he is Newfoundland royalty) and my daughter made me a ring of flowers for my hair. My other daughter read some vows for us and took some amazing pictures. We even shared a slow dance. It was a day we will never forget, looking around and seeing the water and the sky and all the beautiful pieces of this town we have grown to love. It has become a yearly goal to spend time there! It is like a best kept secret that we are happy to share! So now we wait. The pandemic has prevented us from returning to where our heart belongs. We had a trip planned last summer, rescheduled to this summer that likely will also not happen. Anyone that knows us knows this is hard for us. It isn't a matter of jumping on a plane or in the car and dashing off to our vacation, nor is it something that can be easily substituted. There may be other destinations on our bucket list but nothing that we feel can compare to Newfoundland. So this is my love letter to Newfoundland. I love the province. I love the sights and the beautiful hiking trails. I love the restaurants and bars. I love the people. I love the way I feel when I am there. So we wait and will wait as long as it takes to be back to a place that for us feels like it holds our heart, that feels like home.   Submitted By: Donna Henrici