I am going to suggest that a visit to Change Islands would be incomplete without a send off in the form of a Jigg's Dinner, as authentic and traditional a Newfoundland meal as you can find. Wendy began preparing ours 24 hrs before the curtain rose on supper, so it seems fitting to begin and end today's post with this feast:
I have to admit I was suspicious. Roast chicken, salt meat (pulled from a bucket behind the counter at the general store - seriously), greens, root veggies - so far so good - but then she mentioned peas!! Man, how far do I have to travel to avoid them? Luckily, these are not the green monsters, but are yellow split peas, soaked, bagged, cooked in the salt meat broth, and turned into peas pudding. OK, we will see . . .
So, while we waited for Jigg's to take centre stage, we managed to put in another Islands day:
- Cod fishing Take Two - Dave, Pam, Sandra and Lloyd took to the sea with Ivan, pulling in 43 lbs of cod!! Dave pulled a Moby Cod from the water and has been crowned Cod King for the day.
- Wendy led the mainlanders on the rocky and scenic Squid Jiggers Trail. Sandy and Nancy loved it so much they also did it in reverse, or as Lloyd's mom would say "fore and back". I personally believe that kind of excess is a form of gluttony and therefore a sin.
- I skipped the trials of the trail, but had my own grand adventure with the Newfoundland ponies and Netta, their stalwart champion and protector. I was convinced my days were done when I wandered into their pasture and realized the wild stallion was off his lead and headed my way, snorting and throwing his mane. Ok, his name is Charlie and he was as docile as an old hound dog - but I had bread in my pocket and I was certain that would throw Charlie into a frenzy. Netta arrived just in time to save me . . . from being licked to death. A little embarrassing to be caught frozen in fear, but I think Netta has seen it all. She only laughed at me when I wandered into a hillside of stinging nettle - these were not my finest moments.
- We happy houred in the shed before supper - enjoyed the view and the company - and started the countdown to Sandy's birthday!
Jigg's arrived and did not disappoint - what a meal!! The smells that had permeated the house through the day were translated into mile high plates of fantastic flavour . . . and the peas pudding was delicious!!!
Our crowd favourites from Friday:
Nancy: The variety and impressive scenery of the Trail - through the woods, across the bogs, up the rocky cliffs.
Sandy: Definitelt the hike through the trail - admiring the rocky beauty of the Change island coastline . . . and getting my first of MANY birthday gifts - from Wendy - woolen mitts and hot pepper jelley!!
Wendy: Pulling the great escape - ran off for a visit with Geraldine while the cousins cleaned up after Jigg's dinner.
Lloyd: .Sandra beat me at crib again today. Close . . . really close . . . but no cigar.
Dave: I love a mystery so I loved the day.. How was it that all the big cod were attracted to my hook?I am perplexed and loving it.
Pam:Riding the waves and walking the trails - specifically the Squid-Jiggers' Trail.
Wes: Simply the hospitality of Wendy Jon & Lloyd.......Jigg's dinner never tasted so good!!
Sandra: Wes and I took a drive before supper and I saw the ice burgs from different and closer vantage points - breathtaking! And of course - Charlie!
Tomorrow - off to Bonavista!!
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