Sorry to start on a disappointing note but my “A” level results
came out today the 14th. I only
passed in Geography and English Lit. and failed in History. But since I
fractured my skull in five places three months after starting my two-year
course I mustn’t complain. I don’t think that will stop me going to Labrador. Only six
days now. I think I am going to enjoy my year abroad .I completed my packing
tonight on the 18th. Also had Gamma Globulin injection.
Only got to fix up my journey to London.
Said more goodbyes. I am feeling rather nervous – hope everything goes
smoothly.
I arrived
safely in Montreal on the 21st – phew what a carry on! I am staying
with a Mr. and Mrs. Franklin and everybody is very kind. All of the Voluntary
Service Overseas volunteers have been invited by the City of Montreal to visit Expo
with a free slap-up lunch today. We only spent one day in Montreal worst luck.
Expo ’67 was a great showpiece and the free lunch was very formal. The plane
for Goose Bay, Labrador leaves at 5.20a.m. Tomorrow morning- ugh!
It was a very
hospitable seven-day stay in Goose Bay by kind
courtesy of the Perrys and the Eisons. Goose Bay from what I
saw equals The American side and The Canadian side at Happy Valley.
The volunteers are
now on our way to our allocated settlements along the Labrador coast on board
the “SS Cabot Strait” with its closet cabin accommodation! The rest of the trip
must be an anti-climax in the sense that facilities and hospitality can’t
possibly approach our stay in Canada up to now. I
must not expect too much in Port Hope Simpson.
Regarding the
other volunteers: Pete Smart found out that he is to also teach near PHS, which
gave me mixed feelings. Chris Humphries got off the boat at North West River. I wonder if
he is really happy and contented out here? I mustn’t forget Alex’s accident
when a drunken driver hit him, fractured his leg and won’t be back to work
until Christmas. It is difficult to cater for those sorts of things but did he
have to walk home alone? Nina, Kay, Peggy and Fiona have all been posted to Northern
Labrador (too much temptation for young males!) but Jean Crichton has been
posted to Cartwright with Clive, Chris, Pete, Tim and I – mismanagement on the
part of V.S.O.? It’s beautiful country. I wonder what it will be like when the
weather or winter breaks. I will not be bored if I find or rather make plenty
to do.
This boat
journey dropping off at our settlements is dragging on! However, it must cater
for the fishermen. We will arrive in PHS tomorrow. I am looking forward to it.
The weather has been great and we saw some icebergs not very far away. I spoke
with a Newfoundlander fisherman who comes to the Labrador coast in May
for the summer. He was on his way back with only 91 quintals of fish that
apparently means a very