Following several years of booking and cancelling (due to COVID-19), our vacation to Newfoundland and Labrador finally became a reality in September 2023. My partner Bill and I landed in Port aux Basques on September 7 via the MV Blue Puttees vessel from North Sydney, NS. The first major highlight of our trip when we reached Newfoundland soil was a visit to the Rose Blanche granite lighthouse which I read about in the August 2023 edition of Downhome where several 'off the beaten path' places were featured. Fog, thick as molasses, surrounded our vehicle and obstructed our view as we traveled down the highway to our destination. Our spirits were definitely lifted when we met the cheerful ladies in the information/ souvenir building before we walked up a big hill to the lighthouse. As we stood in awe overlooking the cliffs and listening as the waves crashed upon the rocks, the sun broke through and not a speck of fog remained. I took several photos, we toured the lighthouse and marveled at the captivating scenery - yet remained ever so mindful of how the ocean can turn on a dime and devour lives and vessels. We made our way back to our vehicle and continued on our journey, admiring every ounce of the landscape as we traveled. From our cottage in Robinsons we had plain view of water gently flowing along a winding river. A short drive from our cottage in Rocky Harbour, we visited Lobster Cove Head Lighthouse and ventured on the lengthy stairs to the shoreline - which were easier going down than coming up. We also checked out every store, gift shop and ate our bellies full. On two occasions we asked for directions and both times we were told, "Turn your truck around and follow me." Which we did and as we thanked the fellows for their kindness they wished us safe travels and waited until we were well on our way. When we reached St. Barbe we boarded the Qajaq W ferry to Blanc Sablon then drove to Forteau, Labrador, where we stayed for three days. We beachcombed until our legs gave out and the sandpipers got tired of running ahead of us. On a day trip to Red Bay we toured the area, ate a very tasty lunch and had conversations with the local folks. At the interpretation centre a lovely lady said she recognized us as we were on the St. Barbe ferry together and she lived in Forteau, just up the road from our hotel. On our way back to Forteau we stopped at the very tall Point Amour Lighthouse. You guessed it, we have a love of lighthouses. In the water below the lighthouse, hundreds of eider ducks put on a show for us. Next we stayed in Port Hope Simpson where the hotel owner pointed out a huge landing space for helicopters in the backyard and said President George Bush was one of several well-known folks who flew in for a visit. I commented on the Inuksuk outside the dining room window upon which the owner state an elderly male guest crafted it for her and the hotel. Next we continued on to Happy Valley-Goose Bay and Labrador where we were greeted by friendly folks who welcomed us. Our trip took us through mountains, valleys, along rocky shores, lush green fields and interesting communities. We met so many fabulous people who shared stories of their lives and we left with memories that will remain with us forever. The last stretch of our journey took us through Quebec, New Brunswick and to our home in Nova Scotia. We waited a long time for this vacation to become a reality, but it was well worth the wait. Donna Langille Amherst, NS   Submitted By: Donna Langille