This morning we packed up the RV to depart from St. John’s. But, first Jane was determined to visit one more site, the world’s largest Costco. As at home, this was top on my list of sites to avoid, but I reluctantly went along knowing that I’d at least have bragging rights over my brother-in-law who is a Costco fanatic. Our tour guide and new Newfie BFF, George, met us at the campground kiosk to lead us there and to pick up a few shopping items himself.A small Costco used to be located in St. John’s until a wealthily former Canadian prime minister donated land (off of Danny Drive in “Danny Land”) and Costco moved to nearby Mount Pearl into its largest store to date. Jane (who possesses an innate Costco astrolabe) efficiently dashed through the store with a cart grabbing needed provisions while George and I tried to keep up, bewildered and dismayed. (This was George’s first visit to the new store.) George eventually ventured alone to the back of the store and returned with his two sought after items, huge bundles of paper towels and toilet paper, each the size of a bale of hay. Jane eventually wound her way back to the cash registers where she was able to update our membership card which had expired in July. She saved $15 due to the currency conversion. But, this Costco only accepts cash or MasterCard (opposite of the one in NC that only accepts Visa). We only had a Visa card and were flummoxed until George popped out his wallet and paid for everything in cash. So, we went out and loaded our respective vehicles as I breathed a sigh of relief from having survived Costco. We then followed George to a nearby Sobey’swhere I was able to get cash from an ATM to repay George while Jane grabbed a small carton of almond milk that she wasn’t able to get in Costco. We followed George to the Trans Canadian Highway going west and vigorously waved farewell as his car exited back toward St. John’s. The friendliness of the Newfoundland people had lived up to its reputation.
Our plan for the day was to head south toward Fortune, the town where the ferry to St. Pierre et Miquelon departs. But we first made a detour to another important site, Dildo.The local Canadian television news has been featuring this town because of remarks by Jimmy Kimmel who has announced his wish to run for mayor there.
Kimmel for Mayor
Welcome to Dildo
After about an hour on the TCH, we turned north on highway 80 and eventually arrived at the coastal village of Dildo. We knew we had arrived by abundant signs proclaiming that “Jimmy hearts Dildo” and “Kimmel for Mayor”. The most popular site was obviously the Dildo Brewing Co. and Museum. While waiting for a table, we visited the small but interesting museum downstairs where an articulate local young man was pontificating on the history of the area. I asked about the origin of the town’s name and he responded that it is unknown but there are at least four hypotheses. Ten minutes later, he arrived at the fourth hypothesis that he said was the most common one. Besides its more well-known meaning, dildo is a nautical term for a wooden peg that holds oars to the gunwale and because the island has a similar outline, the founders named both the island and the town Dildo. Whatever the origin, the town’s name has sparked a lot of humor. We ate in the restaurant and tap room that afforded a view of the small harbor. I had seafood chowder and nachos with dip and a Jimmy Kim-Ale. Jane had an I’se Da Bye PA, chowder, and an order of mussels which ranked among the best she’s ever eaten. Upon departing, we purchased a growler of Stout Dildo for the road.
Outside the Dildo Brewing Co. and Museum
Inside the Dildo Brewing Co. and Museum
The Marystown Information Center
We proceeded back to the TCH and headed west, then took highway 210 south for several hours. This ride was through some of the most remote areas we’ve seen here. The weather was overcast with occasional dense fog, showers and strong winds. We finally arrived at civilization, Marystown, the gateway to the Burin Peninsula. We stopped at the information center there to learn the disheartening news that the ferry seats were sold out for the next three days due to an ongoing Basque festival on St. Pierre. Rats. We sadly proceeded along in dark overcast conditions to Frenchman’s Cove Provincial Park.The final few kilometers were on a small gravel road right next to the coast. After checking in, set up was fast. The site was level and we only hooked up electricity because the water supply was non-potable. We had a third of a tank of fresh water to use and elected to not contaminate our water lines. The weather continued to be dreary and rainy so we downed the jug of stout to forget our ferry woes. Jane worked one of the small jigsaw puzzles from the 12 pack while I finished reading my second ebook.
You certainly are living the dream. Actually, you might be living mine. I am trying to imagine what you found at Costco small enough to fit inside the Winnebago. Are you sure about the world's largest Costco being in Canada? I was coincidentally reading about Costco last week and saw that the world's largest Costco was in Salt Lake City. The store was expanded in 2015. Sadly, I did not know this fact when we visited SLC last year so I missed out on visiting the Costco holy land. Regardless, I am envious of the fact that you both shopped in such an august location. Did you try the poutine? New Zealand's first Costco is set to open in 2021. Want to go?
Well, I guess folks tend to exaggerate the size of their Costcos. Nevertheless, my Costco is bigger than yours. Yes, I'm ready to go to NZ again. I'll go glacier walking while you're in Costco.
When ordering fries here you can get them plain, with gravy or with gravy & cheese. They called it poutine in Nova Scotia and New Brunswick but not so much in Newfoundland.
You certainly are living the dream. Actually, you might be living mine. I am trying to imagine what you found at Costco small enough to fit inside the Winnebago. Are you sure about the world's largest Costco being in Canada? I was coincidentally reading about Costco last week and saw that the world's largest Costco was in Salt Lake City. The store was expanded in 2015. Sadly, I did not know this fact when we visited SLC last year so I missed out on visiting the Costco holy land. Regardless, I am envious of the fact that you both shopped in such an august location. Did you try the poutine? New Zealand's first Costco is set to open in 2021. Want to go?
How many times can I mention Costco in one post?
Six, but I bet you can do more.
Well, I guess folks tend to exaggerate the size of their Costcos. Nevertheless, my Costco is bigger than yours. Yes, I'm ready to go to NZ again. I'll go glacier walking while you're in Costco.
When ordering fries here you can get them plain, with gravy or with gravy & cheese. They called it poutine in Nova Scotia and New Brunswick but not so much in Newfoundland.