This picture was taken after a storm during the spring of 2009. The spray was freezing to the rocks and made an interesting display.
Wednesday, June 27, 2012
Ice On Rocks Rough Sea Near Fox Island 2009
This picture was taken after a storm during the spring of 2009. The spray was freezing to the rocks and made an interesting display.
Ice Berg Seen Near Champney's West 2009
This picture was taken when the sun was setting as seen from a boat while looking at an ice berg in Champney's Harbor Trinity Bay.
Champney's West Concerts
One of the characters from one of the many hilarious concerts performed by the Champney's West Recreation Group and Company.
Maybe you would like to leave a comment here and add a description of your own or nominate him for an award somewhere! He wasn't voted "Off The Island".
The annual concert is well received loved and anticipated be hundreds.
Thursday, June 21, 2012
Champney's West Cardboard Boat Races
Boats made only of Cardboard, Duck Tape and Paint
The highlight of the Champney's West celebrations each August is the gathering at the waterfront, to watch punt races, listen to music, play games, to watch the saltwater gladiators and witness or participate in the hugely popular cardboard boat races. The Champney’s West waterfront events are attended by hundreds of people, in fact all available space along the wharf, local stages and the road is often packed with people.
The visitors gather to enjoy the Champney's West cardboard boats races
Each year 20 or more unique vessels (creations) made from only from cardboard pasted together with duct tape and painted in all types of designs and colors, are launched into the harbor. All the brave sailors make their runs attempt to paddle their creations about a quarter mile, out to a buoy marker and back to the beach, without getting wet. Some make it while other crews find themselves capsized, dunked or flooded, boarded by other crews and so on, much to the amusement of the crowd.
Some of the wonderful creations are often sailed sideways, in circles or almost upside down, which keeps the spectators cheering and shouting in anticipation of the next dunking. Even still, some boats are sometimes paddled backwards over most of the course, while others sink at the launch site.
The boats come in many sizes and shapes, some look like teacups, others like dinosaurs, and some are hard to explain while others actually look like boats! There has been a toilet shape, a chamber pot, a trawler, a diamond, and a block of cheese, just to name a few. The creations are often decked out with flags and balloons; some have sails made of undergarments and the like, others have themes, some fly the Jolly Rodger and all have colorful paint jobs. Crews have been dressed as pirates, hippies, sportsmen, maids, fishermen, etc. Some folks have been sporting hat and tails and the attire of some cannot be properly described.
An imaginatively attired crew.
It is believed that largest boat in the history of the event was named the Island Ferry, a 20 foot cardboard and duck tape ship, crewed by a dozen people. Not only did the Island Ferry make it around the course, but it did so in style with half the crew jumping up and down, spraying water in the boat and playing to the crowd, without sinking! A Monty crew of brave souls indeed, to jump on a hull made only of cardboard!!
The Island Ferry was created and built by Howard Duffett and family from Port Union
The races are not about winning. No one seems to care about that. It’s all about fun, entertainment and joining into the community spirit. People come from the USA, Europe and many parts of Canada to attend the summer celebrations in Champney's West. Many visitors make boats and join in the race and the smash up derby as a grand finally. These folks have the pleasure of telling friends back home that "Yes it floated" and we made it ourselves!
Compact but extremely creative!
A quote from a story done by Barbra Dean Simmons reporter for the newspaper The Clarenville Packet...
“But it was obvious from the start that this race is not about winning. It's about having fun and building community spirit in the process. And in that goal, the race and its organizers have succeeded. You could see the spirit it in the smiles on faces, and hear it in the cheers and applause from the crowd. This small, rural out port might have its share of fears and challenges in an uncertain world, but they were certainly set on the shelf this past weekend. This weekend was about having fun, celebrating not only the existence of a community but the imagination and do-anything-for-a-laugh mindset of its citizens.”
Click here to see more pictures of the Champney's West cardboard boat races.
The highlight of the Champney's West celebrations each August is the gathering at the waterfront, to watch punt races, listen to music, play games, to watch the saltwater gladiators and witness or participate in the hugely popular cardboard boat races. The Champney’s West waterfront events are attended by hundreds of people, in fact all available space along the wharf, local stages and the road is often packed with people.
The visitors gather to enjoy the Champney's West cardboard boats races
Each year 20 or more unique vessels (creations) made from only from cardboard pasted together with duct tape and painted in all types of designs and colors, are launched into the harbor. All the brave sailors make their runs attempt to paddle their creations about a quarter mile, out to a buoy marker and back to the beach, without getting wet. Some make it while other crews find themselves capsized, dunked or flooded, boarded by other crews and so on, much to the amusement of the crowd.
Some of the wonderful creations are often sailed sideways, in circles or almost upside down, which keeps the spectators cheering and shouting in anticipation of the next dunking. Even still, some boats are sometimes paddled backwards over most of the course, while others sink at the launch site.
The boats come in many sizes and shapes, some look like teacups, others like dinosaurs, and some are hard to explain while others actually look like boats! There has been a toilet shape, a chamber pot, a trawler, a diamond, and a block of cheese, just to name a few. The creations are often decked out with flags and balloons; some have sails made of undergarments and the like, others have themes, some fly the Jolly Rodger and all have colorful paint jobs. Crews have been dressed as pirates, hippies, sportsmen, maids, fishermen, etc. Some folks have been sporting hat and tails and the attire of some cannot be properly described.
An imaginatively attired crew.
It is believed that largest boat in the history of the event was named the Island Ferry, a 20 foot cardboard and duck tape ship, crewed by a dozen people. Not only did the Island Ferry make it around the course, but it did so in style with half the crew jumping up and down, spraying water in the boat and playing to the crowd, without sinking! A Monty crew of brave souls indeed, to jump on a hull made only of cardboard!!
The Island Ferry was created and built by Howard Duffett and family from Port Union
The races are not about winning. No one seems to care about that. It’s all about fun, entertainment and joining into the community spirit. People come from the USA, Europe and many parts of Canada to attend the summer celebrations in Champney's West. Many visitors make boats and join in the race and the smash up derby as a grand finally. These folks have the pleasure of telling friends back home that "Yes it floated" and we made it ourselves!
Compact but extremely creative!
A quote from a story done by Barbra Dean Simmons reporter for the newspaper The Clarenville Packet...
“But it was obvious from the start that this race is not about winning. It's about having fun and building community spirit in the process. And in that goal, the race and its organizers have succeeded. You could see the spirit it in the smiles on faces, and hear it in the cheers and applause from the crowd. This small, rural out port might have its share of fears and challenges in an uncertain world, but they were certainly set on the shelf this past weekend. This weekend was about having fun, celebrating not only the existence of a community but the imagination and do-anything-for-a-laugh mindset of its citizens.”
Click here to see more pictures of the Champney's West cardboard boat races.
Ella Freeman Memorial Heritage House
The Heritage museum in Champney’s West became a reality due to a couple of significant occurrences. The first, being the generous gift of the original house, made by Dr. Marjorie Ragosta in honor of her mother Ella Freeman. The second being the hard work and dedication of local volunteers, supported by government programs, to restore the house, acquire local artifacts and begin recording the written history of the people.
We are happy to say that we have now created a web page introducing the Ella Freeman Memorial Heritage House, to tell you how it came about and to give you a glimpse of what you will find in there when you visit.
Read More Here
Historic Champney's West with ice in the harbor
In 2010 CWRG achieved the goal of establishing a Heritage House Museum. This building and the archives it holds came about as result of the significant support and the dedication of many individuals and organizations. The Ella Freeman Heritage House Museum was created and came to life with a ribbon cutting ceremony in August 2010. Many individuals have contributed volunteer time and effort to enhance the building and many of our elders have donated items and memories to the project.
Did you know that the building and land now housing the heritage house was donated by Dr. Marjorie Rogosta and family along with a tremendous amount of her research?
Click Here to Read More and Enjoy
We are happy to say that we have now created a web page introducing the Ella Freeman Memorial Heritage House, to tell you how it came about and to give you a glimpse of what you will find in there when you visit.
Read More Here
Historic Champney's West with ice in the harbor
In 2010 CWRG achieved the goal of establishing a Heritage House Museum. This building and the archives it holds came about as result of the significant support and the dedication of many individuals and organizations. The Ella Freeman Heritage House Museum was created and came to life with a ribbon cutting ceremony in August 2010. Many individuals have contributed volunteer time and effort to enhance the building and many of our elders have donated items and memories to the project.
Did you know that the building and land now housing the heritage house was donated by Dr. Marjorie Rogosta and family along with a tremendous amount of her research?
Click Here to Read More and Enjoy
Tuesday, June 19, 2012
The Island in Trinity Bight Newfoundland
Getting to Champney’s West
Getting to the village of Champney's West Newfoundland, better known as "The Island" is easily accomplished by paved all weather roads. If you are arriving by road follow Route 230-21 from the Discovery Trail. The road to the Island starts at Port Rexton, crosses an Isthmus after a short distance and leads right to the Champney’s West a historic fishing port and photographer's paradise.
Discovery trail is highway 230; on it visitors navigate their way along the Bonavista Peninsula. Beginning at Clarenville where it meets the Trans Canada Highway, Discovery trail winds its way to Bonavista, the place where John Cabot made landfall in 1497 and discovered North America.
If you are arriving by boat, once in Trinity Bay set course and navigate to Champney’s West Harbor located at N 48.38319 / W 53.29807 or UTM 22 U 329832 E 5361493 N. View your charts and pay attention for rocks and shoals marked. Bennett’s point rock and sunker are marked with a light buoy. The dock can accommodate loaded fishing vessels up to 65 feet or small large pleasure vessels.
What to See and Do In Champney's
The Island offers spectacular scenery along the Fox Island hiking trail where you climb to the top for a panoramic view of beaches, hills, marine life, seabirds, icebergs and miles of blue water. You will also find evidence of the fortifications established here in 1711 by Captain Crane. More on Fox Island Trail
The local wharf in Champney’s West was the historical meeting place of the community and remains the focal point of many activities today. The sheltered harbor is lined with fishing stages that are well up kept and provide a real glimpse of what historic Newfoundland fishing “Rooms” looked like. Local fishing boats are commonly seen in the harbor.
Champney’s West and its people are well known for their hospitality, musical talent, the annual cardboard boat races, old fashioned concerts, it’s heritage house museum and most of all dedication to community preservation.
To see all that the Island offers and to get to know us better use the page links above. Please take a minute to check out our latest initiative to create new attractions. We are raising funds to create the Champney’s West Aquarium Project.
Come Visit Champney's Town!
Here's a sample of a sing along at the community hall
The recreational groundfish fishery will be open in waters around the province for three weeks this summer from Saturday, July 24 to Sunday, Aug. 15 and for one week in the fall from Saturday, Sept. 25 to Sunday, Oct. 3.
As in previous years there will be a daily bag limit of five fish, and a boat limit of 15 fish when three or more people are fishing.
Come to the Island and fish!
Getting to the village of Champney's West Newfoundland, better known as "The Island" is easily accomplished by paved all weather roads. If you are arriving by road follow Route 230-21 from the Discovery Trail. The road to the Island starts at Port Rexton, crosses an Isthmus after a short distance and leads right to the Champney’s West a historic fishing port and photographer's paradise.
Discovery trail is highway 230; on it visitors navigate their way along the Bonavista Peninsula. Beginning at Clarenville where it meets the Trans Canada Highway, Discovery trail winds its way to Bonavista, the place where John Cabot made landfall in 1497 and discovered North America.
If you are arriving by boat, once in Trinity Bay set course and navigate to Champney’s West Harbor located at N 48.38319 / W 53.29807 or UTM 22 U 329832 E 5361493 N. View your charts and pay attention for rocks and shoals marked. Bennett’s point rock and sunker are marked with a light buoy. The dock can accommodate loaded fishing vessels up to 65 feet or small large pleasure vessels.
What to See and Do In Champney's
The Island offers spectacular scenery along the Fox Island hiking trail where you climb to the top for a panoramic view of beaches, hills, marine life, seabirds, icebergs and miles of blue water. You will also find evidence of the fortifications established here in 1711 by Captain Crane. More on Fox Island Trail
The local wharf in Champney’s West was the historical meeting place of the community and remains the focal point of many activities today. The sheltered harbor is lined with fishing stages that are well up kept and provide a real glimpse of what historic Newfoundland fishing “Rooms” looked like. Local fishing boats are commonly seen in the harbor.
Champney’s West and its people are well known for their hospitality, musical talent, the annual cardboard boat races, old fashioned concerts, it’s heritage house museum and most of all dedication to community preservation.
To see all that the Island offers and to get to know us better use the page links above. Please take a minute to check out our latest initiative to create new attractions. We are raising funds to create the Champney’s West Aquarium Project.
Come Visit Champney's Town!
Here's a sample of a sing along at the community hall
The recreational groundfish fishery will be open in waters around the province for three weeks this summer from Saturday, July 24 to Sunday, Aug. 15 and for one week in the fall from Saturday, Sept. 25 to Sunday, Oct. 3.
As in previous years there will be a daily bag limit of five fish, and a boat limit of 15 fish when three or more people are fishing.
Come to the Island and fish!
Hike The Fox Island Trail
The Fox Island trail begins in the community of Champney's West and follows a loop of approximately 3 kilometers. Much of the trail is fairly easy to hike however the portion of the trail that leads to the the headland of Fox Island raises over 35 meters and is classed as being difficult.
Fox Island (Fox Head) isn't an actual Island anymore. It is connected by an isthmus to Champney's Island which in turn is also connected by another isthmus to the mainland at Champney's Arm. The Image below shows the beaches along the isthmus as seen from the top of Fox Island. The town can be seen in the background.
The most talked about of the numerous attractions along the trail is located on the lower plateau of Fox island. Here there is clear evidence of trenches that were used as a defence during Queen Anne's war that began in 1701 as a result of conflict between England and a Spanish-French alliance. It ended with the Treaty of Utrecht in 1713, which granted sovereignty of Newfoundland to England and gave the French fishing rights from Bonavista to Point Riche.
An archaeological dig on Fox Island in 1995 revealed the remains of approximately 15 earthen features or structures, a number of which are in excess of 8 m in length. The principal area of occupation was enclosed with an earthen parapet wall, and a number of bastions were strategically positioned on prominent points of land.
A visit to Fox Island will illustrate why it was chosen as a fortification to protect the surrounding area including the historic town of Trinity. From Fox Island on a clear day you can see miles in any direction including south across Trinity Bay, east to the headland called the Horse Chops and west to Trinity. Historic (sailing) war ships could be spotted well in advance from this point of observation.
The geographical nature of the location ensured that there were few points where a possible attack from land could be carried out. The only way in by foot is across the isthmus. The remainder of Fox Island is composed mostly of shear rock cliffs that drop nearly straight down into the ocean. This feature made defense measures easier to carry out. The trail up to the top of Fox Island first leads to the area known as "the porch". At this point you can see were the defense trenches were constructed to defend against attacks from land. Visit our history section for more information.
Once you reach Fox Island be sure to check out the "Initial Rock" a soft rock in which many people have craved their names and initials over the years. There is also a Geocache located nearby to find and leave a trinket in if so inclined.
Along the trail there are many excellent view points from which to observe the ocean, whales and other marine life, as well as splendid rock formations including sedimentary rock strata located at Quart Cove as seen in the image below.
The trail begins and ends in the village of Champney's West and your hike wouldn't be complete unless you tour the town and visit the waterfront with that is dotted with restored fishing stages and includes an excellent wharf and sheltered anchorage. This was the historic gathering place of people young and old and still is today. In fact it's scene of the annual Champney's West days celebration. An well attended event that include cardboard boat races, local music, fun and games and more.
How to get Here
You can access Google Maps below for coordinates and directions.
View Larger Map
For numerous other maps and navigation methods use this Wikipedia Toolserver Link
Come visit us, hike the trail, see the sights, meet the people and have a trip to enjoy and remember!
Fox Island (Fox Head) isn't an actual Island anymore. It is connected by an isthmus to Champney's Island which in turn is also connected by another isthmus to the mainland at Champney's Arm. The Image below shows the beaches along the isthmus as seen from the top of Fox Island. The town can be seen in the background.
 |
| Fox Island Isthmus - Picture By Barb Walters |
The most talked about of the numerous attractions along the trail is located on the lower plateau of Fox island. Here there is clear evidence of trenches that were used as a defence during Queen Anne's war that began in 1701 as a result of conflict between England and a Spanish-French alliance. It ended with the Treaty of Utrecht in 1713, which granted sovereignty of Newfoundland to England and gave the French fishing rights from Bonavista to Point Riche.
An archaeological dig on Fox Island in 1995 revealed the remains of approximately 15 earthen features or structures, a number of which are in excess of 8 m in length. The principal area of occupation was enclosed with an earthen parapet wall, and a number of bastions were strategically positioned on prominent points of land.
A visit to Fox Island will illustrate why it was chosen as a fortification to protect the surrounding area including the historic town of Trinity. From Fox Island on a clear day you can see miles in any direction including south across Trinity Bay, east to the headland called the Horse Chops and west to Trinity. Historic (sailing) war ships could be spotted well in advance from this point of observation.
The geographical nature of the location ensured that there were few points where a possible attack from land could be carried out. The only way in by foot is across the isthmus. The remainder of Fox Island is composed mostly of shear rock cliffs that drop nearly straight down into the ocean. This feature made defense measures easier to carry out. The trail up to the top of Fox Island first leads to the area known as "the porch". At this point you can see were the defense trenches were constructed to defend against attacks from land. Visit our history section for more information.
Once you reach Fox Island be sure to check out the "Initial Rock" a soft rock in which many people have craved their names and initials over the years. There is also a Geocache located nearby to find and leave a trinket in if so inclined.
Along the trail there are many excellent view points from which to observe the ocean, whales and other marine life, as well as splendid rock formations including sedimentary rock strata located at Quart Cove as seen in the image below.
 |
| Quart Cove |
The trail begins and ends in the village of Champney's West and your hike wouldn't be complete unless you tour the town and visit the waterfront with that is dotted with restored fishing stages and includes an excellent wharf and sheltered anchorage. This was the historic gathering place of people young and old and still is today. In fact it's scene of the annual Champney's West days celebration. An well attended event that include cardboard boat races, local music, fun and games and more.
 |
| View of Wharf Area - Picture by Barb Walters |
How to get Here
You can access Google Maps below for coordinates and directions.
View Larger Map
For numerous other maps and navigation methods use this Wikipedia Toolserver Link
Come visit us, hike the trail, see the sights, meet the people and have a trip to enjoy and remember!
Wednesday, June 6, 2012
About Champney's West
Champney's West - locally known as the Island - Is located in Trinity Bight along the north shore of Trinity Bay. The town has 56 full-time residents whom work hard to add to the quality of life and to keep the community alive and active. During the summer the population increases when many vacationers and part time residents spend time in the community at summer homes.
The Island has a very interesting and lengthy history dating back at least 337 years. At various times in it's history well over 200 residents called Champney's West home. It was once a thriving fishing community due to it's excellent harbor and proximity to fishing grounds. Today the harbor remains in top condition with many renovations having been recently made to fishing stages (rooms). There are however far less full time fishermen than seen in days gone by.
Sometime during the spring of 1675 the Brigantine Mary, a 100 ton sailing ship was commissioned to navigate to the new world specifically the isle of Newfoundland. The "Mary" was under the command of John Le Cross, a well known fishing admiral of the time.
After making the journey across the Atlantic Ocean, Captain Le Cross reached the Island of Newfoundland and entered Trinity Bay on the north side. He then traveled on until he reached the land mark known as the Horse Chops. From the Horse chops he sailed further into the bay and came upon the entrance of a inlet known as Salmon Cove. Upon entering salmon cove he apparently made the decision to investigate the potential of the area with the view of determining the suitability of the location for establishing a "plantation".
The written account of the voyage is contained in the log of Captain Le Cross and a quote from it reads as follows:
[upon entering the mouth of the harbour we took soundings on the western side of the harbour where one stand alone rock lying adjacent to a point running to the south exists, it seems to be the only visible rock protruding from the water the depth of five fathoms was observed, lying to the east of this point is a low sloping point of land, this itself assures a safe and sheltered cove. Moving northwards a small island was observed lying no more than a hundred feet eastward of the mainland, here advantaged us to make fast the Brig between the mainland and island. was here that we observed an in draft lying to the west with only a minute amount of water remains at bottom tides, the low sloping land at waters edge gives us a fair advantage where we can place rooms and plant crops. One can only perceive as to the sheltered safety of one place. Thence northwards of this little island is the bottom of this long sheltered harbour, this here that a river of such is observed, one can only imagine the ease of cutting lungers and timber farther in draft. On either side of the river there is ample amount of water to tie a hundred ships. To the east of the island there is a small inlet charactered by steep sloping hill which offer the most ample protection from prevailing winds. Water depths can be from 5 to 20 fathoms in depth and one could navigate at anytime within this cove]
Captain Le Cross established a plantation in the area of Salmon Cove, likely in what is today known as Champney's West. This was at the time were the Migratory Fishing industry was ending in Favor of a "planter" live here type system. Please visit our history section for a more in depth presentation of the known history of Champney's West. Read More Champney's History Here.
Working Toward The Future
Since our successful Come Home Year and dedication of the Ella Freeman Heritage House in 2010, the Champney’s West community has been planning to add a wonderful new attraction on the Bonavista Peninsula: The Champney’s West Aquarium. Please take a moment to learn more by clicking here!
The Island has a very interesting and lengthy history dating back at least 337 years. At various times in it's history well over 200 residents called Champney's West home. It was once a thriving fishing community due to it's excellent harbor and proximity to fishing grounds. Today the harbor remains in top condition with many renovations having been recently made to fishing stages (rooms). There are however far less full time fishermen than seen in days gone by.
Sometime during the spring of 1675 the Brigantine Mary, a 100 ton sailing ship was commissioned to navigate to the new world specifically the isle of Newfoundland. The "Mary" was under the command of John Le Cross, a well known fishing admiral of the time.
After making the journey across the Atlantic Ocean, Captain Le Cross reached the Island of Newfoundland and entered Trinity Bay on the north side. He then traveled on until he reached the land mark known as the Horse Chops. From the Horse chops he sailed further into the bay and came upon the entrance of a inlet known as Salmon Cove. Upon entering salmon cove he apparently made the decision to investigate the potential of the area with the view of determining the suitability of the location for establishing a "plantation".
The written account of the voyage is contained in the log of Captain Le Cross and a quote from it reads as follows:
[upon entering the mouth of the harbour we took soundings on the western side of the harbour where one stand alone rock lying adjacent to a point running to the south exists, it seems to be the only visible rock protruding from the water the depth of five fathoms was observed, lying to the east of this point is a low sloping point of land, this itself assures a safe and sheltered cove. Moving northwards a small island was observed lying no more than a hundred feet eastward of the mainland, here advantaged us to make fast the Brig between the mainland and island. was here that we observed an in draft lying to the west with only a minute amount of water remains at bottom tides, the low sloping land at waters edge gives us a fair advantage where we can place rooms and plant crops. One can only perceive as to the sheltered safety of one place. Thence northwards of this little island is the bottom of this long sheltered harbour, this here that a river of such is observed, one can only imagine the ease of cutting lungers and timber farther in draft. On either side of the river there is ample amount of water to tie a hundred ships. To the east of the island there is a small inlet charactered by steep sloping hill which offer the most ample protection from prevailing winds. Water depths can be from 5 to 20 fathoms in depth and one could navigate at anytime within this cove]
Captain Le Cross established a plantation in the area of Salmon Cove, likely in what is today known as Champney's West. This was at the time were the Migratory Fishing industry was ending in Favor of a "planter" live here type system. Please visit our history section for a more in depth presentation of the known history of Champney's West. Read More Champney's History Here.
Working Toward The Future
Since our successful Come Home Year and dedication of the Ella Freeman Heritage House in 2010, the Champney’s West community has been planning to add a wonderful new attraction on the Bonavista Peninsula: The Champney’s West Aquarium. Please take a moment to learn more by clicking here!
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