Discovering the Unexpected

September 16, 2010

One of the things I find refreshing about travelling is stumbling upon something completely unexpected.  During a recent trip back to Gros Morne I took a trip out to Lobster Cove Lighthouse to watch the sun set as it is one of the most beautiful spots to watch the sun go down in the Park.  As I made my way down to the beach I wandered around for a bit and stumbled upon this rock trail with a driftwood sign that read friendship shelter this way.  As I walked down this rocky deserted beach I was wondering what a friendship shelter is – I was to soon learn that it is a funky shelter/folk art piece built into the side of the cliff.   It is held together precariously by whatever has washed up onto the beach –lobster traps, buoys, rope, trees, boards, whatever.  You will be amazed by the colours and the messaging left by visitors within the shelter.  For those who are a bit adventurous there is even a second story balcony to climb up onto, although it is a tight fit.   The whole friendship shelter is basically a conglomeration of each visitor adding something new and interesting to the structure.  As I set on the balcony (fearing it would collapse at any moment) and watched the sunset, I marvelled at the beauty that surrounded me and the treasures a person can experience just by accident!