Wednesday, August 31 – Random Passage

Prior to our trip, a friend of ours – Tammy Rose Malier – who is a Newfoundland native, gave us a number of suggestions.  One was to read two books by the Newfoundland author Bernice Morgan, that were subsequently made into a mini-series called “Random Passage.”  Becky read the books, which are historical fiction, and wanted to visit the site.  Basically, the story plot is the founding and life at an “Outport” – a coastal village that is not a regular seaport – in the late 1700 and early 1800’s.  The Director looked for an extremely isolated spot, so there would be no chance of any “modern” items accidently appearing in the film.  The site they chose is in New Bonaventure, and it is definitely remote!  Some 15 miles off the main route in the area, and it’s another of those extreme pothole roads that you have to crawl through in places.

Road to Random Passage - typical Newfoundland road!

 It’s become quite the tourist draw since it was created 10 years ago, not only because of the books and mini-series, but also because of the authenticity of the buildings in the village and the terrific docents that give you private tours (included in the admission price) lasting about two hours.

The Random Passage site seen from the Chapel

Looking back at the church near the site entrance

 
We had a great guide named “Bride”, who shared in detail what it was like living in those days in these truly remote fishing villages.   The inhabitants relied on supply ship visits once or twice a year for “outside” goods and news of the world beyond. What a life!  

Looking up towards the Chapel & Cemetery

Inside a typical Random Passage home

Becky  and Bride in the Fishhouse

inside the chapel

It was really quite fascinating, as you can see first hand the utterly harsh conditions the early settlers had to live under.  We quite enjoyed it-another great educational experience.  Oh yes, we bought the mini-series on DVD to see how the story played out!  The picture inside the chapel  was taken as Bride explained how the church is available for rent for weddings.  She described one where the service was going on and a moose stuck it's head in the window!                                                              

Adjoining the Random Passage town was the village where "The Shipping News" was filmed.  Great movie with Kevin Spacey! 

"The Shipping News" film town

 As it had been a long drive from the Burin Peninsula and it was late afternoon, we headed off to our campground at the Lockston Path Provincial Park.  These are similar to our state parks, and we had to drive nearly 3 miles on a gravel road to get to our wooded campsite.