During a weekend visit to Saint-Pierre et Miquelon, I searched for the ubiquitous Saint Pierre dory, a big Banks dory with a high bow and stern. These boats are quite sturdy to withstand the angry seas of the North Atlantic but they also show a certain utilitarian elegance. Unlike the 1980's these colorful boats have now been replaced with modern aluminum boats with their outboard motors. I did find four of the old dories but I am saddened that these French islands are slowly losing their European charm.
When entering the harbour of St. Pierre, one can see the distinctive landmark of Saint-Pierre, the Pointe aux Cannons Lighthouse, located on a long jetty. In the background can be seen the historic buildings of Ils aux Marins - Isle of the Fishermen.
T
he Newfoundland dory is a flat-bottomed boat with flaring sides and a small stern. They were rowed but, in spite of the fact that they had no keel, they could also be sailed.From "The Squid Jiggin' Ground" - "There's a red ranting Tory out here in a dory, / A-runnin' down Squires on the Squid Jiggin' Ground".
Finally! I photographed the historic Cape Pine lighthouse on a sunny day! Last summer the tower was cocooned in a plastic sheets during sand blasting and on subsequent visits it was encased in a blanket of fog. Today, I was again enchanted by the lonely beauty of this landscape.
