The Victoria Community Development Corporation

The Viking Dog And The Newfoundland Pit Pony
Conception Bay / Harbour Grace

Where can you find Houses of lime, blue, or yellow perched on a rocky sea cliff, or people whose accents and idioms would not be amiss in Shakespeare's time? Come to Conception Bay on Newfoundland's Avalon Peninsula and learn about the history of a hardy people, descendants of 16th- and the 17th- century European immigrants. Area attractions include: Cupids, the first English colony in Canada, 1610; Heart's Content, the first working transatlantic telegraph cable, 1866: St. John's Signal Hill, first transatlantic wireless message; and Cape Spear, the oldest surviving Newfoundland lighthouse.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

July 29 - August 3, 2001
International

City folks walk house dogs and their children ride peaceful ponies at the fair. But not so long ago, the dog and the pony worked side-by-side with rural families to eke out a living. The Newfoundland Dog, a giant web-footed dog, whom some think is descended from Viking Lief Erikson's black "bear dog", was the fishermen's working companion at sea. The Newfoundland Pony, a unique breed, has helped islanders harvest seaweed, hay, timber, and ore for over 400 years. Meet and learn about the "bear dog". Help harness a pony, ride a pony cart, haul wood, build a rake, and make hay. Sail to Bell Island mines' and visit the pit pony's work site. Learn songs and stories of old Newfoundland.

For additional information and registration visit the Elderhostel web site at www.elderhostel.org