To start our tour of Bonavista we begin in the area around the harbour. Here we see the longliners that have been converted to crab and shrimp boats to reflect the change in the fishery. During early morning and late evening there is a lot of activity in this area as the boats enter and leave the harbour.
While in the harbour area a visit to the Ryan House - part of the Ryan Premises - will certainly be rewarding. If we are fortunate, we might see a play in progress .. the characters dressed in costumes of the period. After the performance, we will most certainly take a tour of the other buildings that are part of the site.
Before leaving the area we might want to visit the J.T. Swyers Co. Ltd. store which has been restored and now contains a restaurant at the back which permits us to look out on the activity taking place in the harbour.
Leaving the harbour area, we walk towards Mockbeggar. In this area we see several of the few remaining stages and flakes that the fishermen once used to cure and dry their salt codfish. Near the sea wall we can see dozens of lobster pots and several crab pots that are being used by an inshore fisherman.
Looking out into the bay we see something that until recently was never seen in this vacinity. A large white cruise ship is anchored in the bay. The passengers from the ship have come ashore and are now strolling the streets of Bonavista, taking pictures and talking to the local residents. Many of the passengers have been transported to nearby communities to take part in planned activities.
As we move a little farther down the road we see two boys catching tomcods or sculpins. It's during the weekend provided for the food or "recreational" fishery and, not having access to a boat, they try their luck from the nearby rocks. This reminds us of the times we spent years ago hanging over a stage "head" trying to catch the tiny tomcods that swam in the water below.
