tales-of-Fogo-Island

Lumber Woods TravelWhen on their way to the woods, many Fogo Island men would travel toLewisporte by passenger boat. From there, they would catch a train or walkthe rest of the way to the camp. Men returning from work in the lumber woodswould often walk home on the salt water ice. The following are some storiesabout travel to and from the lumber woods.I leaved from Port Albert one winter to walk down on the salt water ice. Iwasn't down fer the island when the weather turned poor. I could not seevery far ahead, but I know'd handy about where I was to, because I comedown that way lots of times. I also know'd the islands because I putlobster pots out around the area. The last island I come to was Pike'sIsland. I had neither compass wit me and that's when I went wrong.Just after, I come across three young fellers. They didn't know where togo because they never walked down before. When we left Pike's Islandthe wind changed. I couldn't see a ting fer blowin' snow. I had neithercompass with me, and when the wind went nord-east, I went wrong. Wemade the Indian Lookout three times before we got to Fogo Island! Onthe last try I said, "This time I'm going ashore. I'll be on Fogo Islandwhen I gives up again."With that, I took the wind in me face and whatever it was that was falling.It was the real hard stuff, freezing rain and snow, I spose. It was bad, butI never slacked until I poked out by a pile of wood in the bight. Theyoung fellers was glad enough too when all hands got on Fogo Island.I wanted them to come down to the harbour wit me and stop. I said, "Youcan come down and get a lunch. We'll find a place for you to stay thenight. Then you can go across the ponds tomorrow". But they did notwant to do that. They wanted to go on fer Island Harbour or the cabins inRoger's Cove that night. In them times, there was people in Roger'sCove from Barr'd Islands. They stayed up there in the winter because itwas sheltered and there was plenty of firewood. They stayed in campsand some kept dogs for hauling firewood.Anyway, I headed fer home and the three young fellers took to the shore.When they reached the 'Old Stag' (Fogo Island Point), the wind was in