Rum with Walter - A True Newfoundland Experience!

Rum with Walter - A True Newfoundland Experience!

Friday, June 7th, 2019

So, today, we had an amazing experience which has left us feeling gobsmacked! 

We were in Daniel's Harbour to take a picture of NurseBennett's home (we had seen the play about her in Elliot Lake, last year). 

We saw a driveway that went to the edge of a cliff to take a picture of the beautiful coastline. It was right next to a neat bungalow with a big lawn, separated from us by a fence. We were about to turn the car around to leave, when we saw a little dog come right up close to the car. We were worried about running it over, so I got out of the car and started fussing her to get her away from the car.

Just then, a man in his early 60's came out and spoke to us. At first, I thought he was going to tell us off for being on his property. Instead, he asked us where we were heading and then said, 'Come and join me for a glass of rum!'

We had heard about the friendliness of the Newfoundlers and had witnessed it over and again since we've been here. This, however, was taking things to the next level, so we accepted his kind invitation.

We introduced ourselves and found out his name was Walter. He took us into his home, took out a bottle of rum, some coke, some ice, and two glasses, and told us to fix our drink the way we liked it.

After we'd done that, he brought two chairs out on the lawn, next to his, and we spent nearly an hour chatting with him, while overlooking the Gulf of St. Lawrence and playing catch with Maddy, the cute two-year-old standard poodle.

Maddy, having a rest after playing fetch!

He was such a kind gentleman and at one point, he asked us where we lived, in Ontario. When we told him, a smile spread across his face, and we were astounded to find out that, as a 17 year old lad, he had worked (above ground) in the mines in Elliot Lake! Talk about a small world!!!

He told us that he had been born in Daniel's Harbour, and had lived there all of his life. We asked the inevitable question, and - yes- he shared that he had known Nurse Bennett personally, how she had pulled his tooth as a young boy, and how she had fixed a couple if injuries he had had over the years!!! We were mesmerized.

He told us about his family, proudly showing us some photos of his children, grandchildren, and lovely wife, and how he was sad to be leaving his home for the next 4 years to work in Labrador City, only getting home for holidays.

Looking out across the view from his home, we could relate perfectly as to why he would not want to leave. Just an hour before we had arrived, he had been watching a whale from his own lawn! It was truly a little piece of paradise.

I can truly say that, apart from the spectacular scenery and amazing wildlife we have seen, we have discovered the real treasure of Newfoundland...and that's the people! Walter exemplified all the wonderful things we had heard about Newfoundlanders!

This will be an experience we shall never forget.
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(Permission was obtained from Walter to post all pictures and the movie clip)

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