Abandoned

Founded in the 1840's, Petites, Newfoundland, has been home to generations of weather-hardened souls who made their living on the sea.  By 1859, a methodist church was constructed that later became the Bethany United Church.  There were 212 people living here in 1946, and only 146 by 1956.  In October, 2003, the last remaining residents of the community were resettled.

We woke up, had breakfast, filled the Rav with gas and headed out to see what adventure the day would bring.  It was a beautiful sunny day in an amazing part of the Province of Newfoundland / Labrador and we were ready to take in the sights.

We first wandered out to a point we had noted earlier, and wanted to see in proper, clear daylight.  A tourbus arrived shortly after us and disgorged its contents all over the road, but I tried to ignore that as much as possible.  I noticed something out near the horizon in the water.  I reached back into the Rav and got the binoculars for confirmation.  Whales.  I could see whales cresting far out in the harbour, and they were blowing spray high up into the air, refracting the sunlight at times into rainbows.

Rostock, Germany, 1923.  Grete, a 6,548-ton cargo ship built by Neptun AG, slips into the water, awaiting service and ready to begin a strange life at sea.  Entering service in July of that year for C Mohlenberg Reederei GmbH, she would sail under a German flag until 1934.  In that year, the 440ft long ship with a beam of 57ft, and a draught of 25ft, 9 inches, was sold to an Italian firm and renamed Gabbiano.

​ ​I first noticed this property several years back at which time it was, apparently, for sale.  Aside from being close to the highway, it seemed ideal to me.  It was a real handyman's special, of course, but even without going inside, as it was locked tight at that point, you could easily see in your mind's eye what this could become.  A large private home, with an additional guest house?  A rental property?  The possibilities, given the location, seemed endless.