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| Photo used courtesy of Lighthouse Picnics |
When we visited Newfoundland three years ago, one of our favourite experiences was a family picnic at The Lighthouse. (Note: for my readers in Australia, Malaysia, and other distant locations, Newfoundland is the easternmost of our Canadian provinces.)
Located along the southeastern coast in the charmingly-named community of Ferryland, the lighthouse operated until the late 1970s, when it was abandoned and fell into disrepair. The current owners saw its potential, and fixed it up as a beautiful home base for serving their picnics.
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| Photo used courtesy of Lighthouse Picnics |
When we arrived, we placed our order, choosing from a number of sandwiches served on homemade bread with tempting fillings. We also ordered lemonade that was served in individual mason jars. Once we decided on our food, the servers gave us a couple of blankets along with a flag. We ventured onto the rocky hills beside the lighthouse and found a grassy spot on which we spread our tartan blankets. We placed the flag beside us so the servers knew where to bring our lunch. After we had eaten our wonderful picnic, we walked to the edge of the cliff and watched whales swimming in the ocean below.
And the Beatles connection? With our desserts of strawberry rhubarb fools, we indeed enjoyed “Fool on the Hill”.
This got me thinking: what other trip moments have we experienced that can be described by Beatles’ songs? Anytime I give Andrew road directions from the passenger seat, it’s “Nowhere Man” (and sometimes “The Long and Winding Road”). And in France this summer, when I enjoyed a croissant every day for breakfast, it was difficult not to think, “I am The Walrus”.
How about you? Any trip moments – or life moments – best described by Lennon and McCartney?
I do love lighthouses,Beth. Originally from Michigan…I have seen my share! Such charm and there's always a lovely history for each. Must admit I've never thought of Beatles tunes when I've traveled…probably too old! However, I do love to listen to Pat Metheny's Travels when I'm driving distances.
Great post! I love your picnic picture!If I could think of one, it would be Drive my Car, I usually did the driving back then, my husband hated to drive. But now you have me thinking…
Love lighthouses, can never resist checking them out whenever we are near one. Very nice photos here of it all…that picnic looks wonderful. When we were younger, we always used to drink out of mason jars on picnics as well…it was fun and a great memory seeing your photo.
Newfoundland seems to have a rugged, raw natural beauty (which is why I would love to go there someday.) I like the restaurant/picnic concept! Plus you've made me long for the days of strawberry and rhubarb. 🙂
What a beautiful place. Love the lemonade in mason jars. Having seen whales with my own eyes, they're magnificent creatures. Thanks for sharing!
What makes a perfect trip is going to a beautiful place and have a picnic! I haven't seen whales ever in my life but would love to! Great pictures.
wow what a cool place love the picnic idea
Now I have a hankering for a picnic! 🙂
Angela @ The Bookshelf Muse
It sounds like a fairytail place. I am sure the picnic was a totally different experience for you!
How beautiful it looks, in a quiet sort of way. I would love to visit Newfoundland.
Wow, what a beautiful picnic spread! I am a huge Beatles fan, and whenever I am feeling blue, singing "Here Comes the Sun" always lifts my spirits.
One day… so much of Canada I still need to see. As a New Yorker, Beatle tunes enter my head whenever I walk the Upper West Side or drive by Shea Stadium – near where I grew up.
What a beautiful, picturesque setting for a picnic! I have never been to Canada, but I have seen it on TV and in photos when friends' have visited there. I would love to go one day!
How gorgeous! I'm often so interested in leaving this continent that I forget how many beautiful places there are right here in North America!
I am fascinated by Canada and have always wanted to travel there, this looks like a magical place 🙂
What an amazing and beautiful place for a picnic! A lovely lunch in the warm sun with a gorgeous view. Happy the lighthouse is being cared for again.
I think that describing life and experiences in terms of Beatles lyrics is truly a fantastic idea. I love those boys. Sounds like a fun trip to England! very quaint.
Waht a fun picnic. I have only traveled in western Canada and would love to see eastern Canada someday.
Mimi
We used to have the small 45 records for our record player, and a lot of them were Beatles songs. I vividly remember dancing with my sister to "I Wanna Hold Your Hand." Ahhh…you just gave me a sweet memory moment. Thanks!
What a gorgeous photo of the lighthouse. You have been on so many wonderful vacations. Thank you for "taking" us with you.
Lovely! I hope to get to Newfoundland someday!
How wonderful! My music moments in life are probably way more Led Zeppelin than Beatles 😉
I often reflect on that song "In My Life" when I'm having a good moment.
My daughter loves loves loves picnics. I'm sure she would have loved this one.
I can't think of anything closer to heaven just now than a place like this to walk around, then being able to collapse and have somebody bring me a picnic. Absolute bliss.
What a sweet idea for a Lighthouse! My Mom loves them and has always wanted to live in one! But I like their idea better. I also like the Beatles song theme – and am cracking up at the I am the walrus reference!
We just visited a lighthouse about an hour up the coast, Piedras Blancas, a couple of weeks ago. Such a great history.
Hmmm, a Beatles song(for a life moment)…Maybe "In My Life" dedicated to my hubby for our 30th anniv. this month:)
Oh what a beautiful lighthouse and picnic. I had to laugh at your "I am a Walrus" comment. And I knew instantly where Newfoundland was, I was a pretty geeky kid (well, still quite geeky actually) and when I read and fell in love with Anne of Green Gables, I had to research PEI and all the surrounding areas, I wanted to move there one day!! 🙂
Great post, and i'm going to take note of that lighthouse/picnic spot in case we travel to Newfoundland – it sounds perfect!
As for Beatles-life moments…As a grad student, on a tight grad student salary, i'm often singing to myself 'money can't buy me love'!
My Beatles song would be "Imagine"-imagine I was on a picnic at the Lighthouse picnic spot! Great post, as usual, Beth.