Online newspapers - on the day they get printed !!!

Catch up with the news ... on the day it's printed!

New on CrazyAboutNewfoundland.ca ... No need to buy a paper - catch up with the news at home, or where you want. You can now open and read the Western Star on the day it's printed! You can even download the papers and keep them, or subcribe for a daily update of your favourite paper.

The Daily Telegraph	The Western Star
The Mail on Sunday	The Telegram

Visit CrazyAboutNewfoundland.ca/newspapers to find a wider range of newspapers from around the world. So next time you're travelling you can keep up with home ... or when at home you can see what's making the news in the places that interest you!

New!! Marble Zip Tours ... at Marble Mountain

We are CrazyAboutNewfoundland.com ... Are you?

A new adventure (& fun!) attraction is to open next year in Western Newfoundland, at the base of Marble Mountain. It is "Marble Zip Tours" and located close to the "My Newfoundland Adventures" kiosk.

The tour includes six zip lines across Marble Mountain Gorge directly above Steady Brook Falls! And using their words ... "Feel the adrenaline pump through your veins as you zig zag down the gorge soaring from platform to platform along zip lines up to 800′ long and 300′ high, at speeds up to 80 km/hr".

I for one can't wait to get up there!!! Find out more at MarbleZipTours.com

Rafting down the Humber River ...

We met Marty of MyNewfoundland.ca today, and he encouraged us to try the river rafting sunset trip ... for which we were easily convinced and signed up for ... The trip leaves just west of Marble Mountain, and it was a pleasant surprise to find a picnic basket, cheese platter, and two bottles of champagne in an ice bucket! (Though it was shared across the whole crew!) Its about an hour and a half to two hour sedate cruise down to the edge of Corner Brook - then again the duration and sedateness can change depending on your athletic abilities or wants that day... lets just say, ours was sedate!

All the pictures and video clips are on our Webshot storage area

We're CrazyAboutNewfoundland.com ... are you?

Hunting season opens ....

The Newfoundland moose and caribou hunting season opens today. Everyone we're been talking to is focused on, and preparing for bagging their moose!


This year there are 26k moose licences, and 3k for caribou, which reflects the need to protect the caribou numbers on the island, and is a total of (approx) 2k less licences than last year.

Environment and Conservation Minister Clyde Jackman said, "If you look at it nationally, woodland caribou hunts are disappearing. Our officials and our stats are still saying that we have enough caribou on this island to have a sustainable hunt. It is something we have to monitor. It’s the emblem of our province."

More background - Hunt is on - Western Star

About as far from Disneyland as you can possibly get!

We're back on The Rock, and again being exposed to why this place and the people are so special ... the video and its final strapline, couldn't be more perfect!

... About as far from Disneyland as you can possibly get!

Brits covet a piece of The Rock

The Dobbins of Newfoundland are one of Canada's most respected business families. Craig Dobbin built CHC Helicopter Corporation into the largest helicopter company in the world, and today, most Dobbins are involved in family businesses 'off-shore'.

But Craig's nephew and former assistant, Brian Dobbin, decided to stay on "The Rock." He's busy transforming Humber Valley Resorts into one of the most successful vacation home communities on the continent. What's more, the parent enterprise of NewFound Resorts Inc., which he heads up, is a public company listed on the London Stock Exchange.

Hold on, isn't the middle of Newfoundland one of the bleakest and dreariest places on earth? Who would want to buy a holiday home there ���especially for the winter?

Brits, that's who. $280 million worth of them, which is what British vacationers have spent so far in buying homes in the Humber Valley Resort, a quick 5.5 hour flight from London, and one of the lowest-cost options for all-season second homes that modern-day Britons know. The average size of a home is an astounding 4,200 square feet on lots running from 3/4 to 1 1/2 acres. You can play golf on an 18-hole championship course, ski down an Appalachian Mountain, enjoy sweeping lake and forest vistas, spa treatments, luxury dining, and as their brochure says: "It is unimaginable how close this secret paradise is."

So, how many Canadians have bought homes in Humber Valley? ... One!

How much Canadian money did Brian Dobbin raise to develop an area that 90% of Newfoundlanders haven't been to? ... None!

Dobbin is very open and frank on this subject: "Most Canadians think Newfoundland is either rainy or foggy or boggy all year round. They're wrong. But I don't waste my time trying to change their minds. I just go somewhere else where these prejudices aren't as large. We raised our money from Europe and Taiwan, and we raised our customers from Britain."

What's the huge appeal to the British that doesn't exist with Canadians? Says Dobbin: "First, the British are incredibly sophisticated when it comes to buying homes abroad. For them, it's no more complicated than for us buying a cottage here. The difference for them is, for $150 a square foot, they can get a small condo in Spain, or they can own a palace in Humber Valley ��� and $150 a square foot is very low in the international vacation property market."

Also, "they want pristine wilderness, lots of space and a way to get to it."
Dobbin provides that way with direct twice-a-week charter flights 38 weeks a year from London's Gatwick Airport to Deer Lake Airport, a 20-minute drive to Humber Valley.

Dobbin is passionate about why the British love Newfoundland. But while he knew from the start who wouldn't want to buy there, he didn't know who would. So he and his colleagues began by hiring some high-end real estate agents in London to help sell the lots and homes that Newfound Resorts was building. It didn't work. So, "we went over to a property exhibition (a trade show where developers show off their properties), put up a booth, played some music, talked our heads off for three days, and came out with 20 sales." Clearly, Dobbins' passion and enthusiasm found a market.
Today, there's a secondary market for the original homes sold in Humber Valley, plus a new phase of property for "bespoke architect designed homes."
But the next stage of development is vacation rentals, where Newfound Resorts acts as a rental agent to people who want to rent a home for a week or two for their vacation. This, of course, makes the home-owner happy as well; it doesn't take many week's rentals to cover an entire year's mortgage costs.
Vacation rentals are growing at the rate of 35% a year according to Dobbin. Some of these renters come from Britain, of course, spurred on by the word-of-mouth from the now 400 Humber Valley home-owners.

But Dobbin has his eyes on New York as a major rental market, which is just a two-hour flight to Deer Lake. Hey, this is slightly less than from��� well, another city that's jumping on the Deer Lake bandwagon, and that now has both Air Canada and WestJet flying between: Toronto.
Article from ReportOnBusiness BOB RAMSAY Globe and Mail UpdateAugust 23, 2007 at 10:53

Deal Restarts Newfoundland Oil Project

A 15-month standoff between the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador and several major oil companies over an offshore oil project ended Wednesday, putting the $5.6 billion development back in motion.

Last year, the province’s premier, Danny Williams, walked away from talks with a consortium that includes Exxon Mobil and is led by Chevron Canada after the companies rejected his demands for an equity stake and additional royalties when oil prices are high. On Wednesday Mr. Williams, a Conservative and a multimillionaire, announced that he now had an agreement that would give his province a 4.9 percent stake in the Hebron oil project for 110 million Canadian dollars ($103.8 million).

“This is a happy day for the province,” Mr. Williams said by telephone from the provincial capital of St. John’s. “We’re entering into a whole new era.”
The deal largely fulfills Mr. Williams’s demands from 2006, with the exception of the addition of an oil-processing operation in the province.

The Hebron oil field contains an estimated 731 million barrels of oil. Some analysts estimate that construction may begin in 2010. Hebron will be Newfoundland’s fourth offshore oil project.

Newfoundland struggled economically even before joining Canada in 1949. The collapse of cod stocks in recent years devastated its main industry, fishing and fish packing. But Wade Locke, an economist said “Hebron, combined with everything else, will turn Newfoundland into a province of opportunity, like Alberta,”
Full story on NYTimes.com

Construction begins at first commercial wind farm in NL

ST. LAWRENCE, N.L. (CP) - Construction has started on Newfoundland's first commercial wind farm, which will feature nine turbines and have the potential to power 6,800 homes.

The project in St. Lawrence - located on the Burin Peninsula - is part of a 20-year agreement that Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro signed in January with NeWind, a Canadian subsidiary of Enel North America. A groundbreaking ceremony was held on Thursday, and the 27-megawatt project is expected to be in full operation by the end of 2008.

Check the map for the location. Full article on Canoe.ca

Newfoundland hospitality and a sea view

Thousands of air passengers were forced to land in Newfoundland when America closed its air space on 11 September 2001 and they were stranded there for days. They were treated so kindly that some of the passengers have returned and bought summer homes on the rugged island that is the size of California but has only half a million people.

The people of Newfoundland are mainly of British origin, with the majority coming from four western counties in England - Devon, Dorset, Somerset, and Cornwall. Perhaps 20% are descended from Irish settlers. In villages along the 10,000 miles of Newfoundland’s sea-sculpted coast, the 17th century accents of West Country people and Irish can still be heard. Outside the modern university capital of St. John’s, the houses so attractive to Americans and expat British are built of two-frame construction, painted in bright colours and scattered in safe harbours near wharves and fish-drying platforms.

The British also developed a system which combined light salting for a short period, followed by thorough washing, and drying in the open air. The result was the lightly salted product for which Newfoundland became famous. Everyone used hook and line, an old and environmentally friendly way of fishing.

As fishing modernized, demand and greed drove huge foreign catches off the Grand Banks. The foreign fleets were no longer using hook and line. They were making huge kills, including young fish, and they were underreporting catches. As a result the young cod never reached adulthood when, around the age of seven, they spawned. The destruction of the fishing grounds will sound eerily familiar to British fishermen whose livelihood was destroyed by the European Union. Changes in water temperature were also said to be a factor.

The extent of the catastrophe was plain in 1990. In a desperate effort to save the industry, Canada shut down fishing. Overnight, 40,000 jobs in Newfoundland were lost. This was a terrible blow. The moratorium was lifted in 1994.

There has been a recovery, but the housing market has stayed flat. Newfoundland, after all, is a bit off the beaten track. However, It attracts those who love beauty and the hospitality of Newfoundlanders.

They remain welcoming and helpful. For most of their lives they have never locked their doors.

Full article on Newfoundland history - fishing and housing

Summer activities - in Humber Valley, Western Newfoundland

The combined effect of the jet stream providing warm air from continental America and the proximity of the Humber Valley to the ocean ensures the summer season remains very pleasant with an average daily high temperature of 24 degrees Celsius allowing guests maximum enjoyment from the range of world-class outdoor activities on offer.

In addition to the full summer programme of on site entertainment and activities for all the family and golf on the renown River Course, Humber Valley Resort has partnered with the best local providers of outdoor experiences producing a variety of things to do and see second to none.

Pictures and text from Humber Valley Resort humbervalley.com - full webpage

Deer Lake Town - hit by flash flooding

Parts of Deer Lake on Newfoundland's west coast were flooded Sunday after the town received 31 millimetres of rain in just 20 minutes. Deer Lake received 31 millimetres of rain in just 20 minutes on Sunday, leaving parts of the town under water.

Deer Lake Mayor Darrel Kelly described the conditions in his community as a flash flood.
"Water was going across people's property through different parts of the community," Kelly said. "Water went into commercial property, basements. The town had to bring out as many crew as we could, we had to hire additional equipment, we had to do some ditching to try and alleviate the situation as much as possible."

Full story on CBC

Course Review: Humber Valley Resort (Deer Lake, Newfoundland)

Course Review: Humber Valley Resort, River Course (Deer Lake, Newfoundland)
Designer: Doug Carrick (2006)

Located in a province few are likely to seek out for golf, Humber Valley’s River Course stands alone as the sole beacon in an area with literally no other even marginal golf courses.
Thank God Doug Carrick’s work at Humber Valley is exceptional — otherwise no one would ever talk about this place. Part of a resort complex built for wealthy Europeans as a four season facility, Humber Valley’s golf course is among the best to open in Canada in a long time. It is better than Fazio’s Coppinwood near Toronto, and better maybe than even Carrick’s Eagles Nest in Maple. It is surely better than any of Carrick or Thomas McBroom’s Muskoka work.

Why? Well part of it is an untouched setting that is unlike anything I’ve seen in this country in a long time. Set on a set of steep hills with a surrounding low mountain range, Humber Valley would appear to be a tough site. Most mountain sites are not conducive to golf, with slopes that are too severe and require blasting or significant earth moving. Carrick may have moved a lot of land here — and there are indications he did make cuts, like the clear grade change on the 16th — but largely this is the most natural of Carrick’s courses I’ve seen to date.
It all goes downhill from the start — literally. The opener is a par five, and if there’s a weakness on the course, it is the three shot holes. With the exception of the seventh, a tough uphill par five that could be mistaken for the reverse of Highlands Links’ 16th, all are relatively simple holes that play downhill enough to be approached often by a mid-iron. But after the relatively easy opener — which is not a bad thing in itself — Carrick takes the golfer through a series of holes that require thought as opposed to brawn.
In fact, driver is not the preferred club in many instances off the tee and the elevation shifts, like the one on mid-length par three second, often leave the golfer deceived when it comes to club selection. It is certainly a course that reveals itself the more one plays.
The course has expansive views and the architecture attempts to match the scale. That means prominent bunkers and fairways that offer width without becoming overkill. Greens are relatively subtle, as is the case with most of Carrick’s designs these days, but several offer something unusual for the architect — greens that move from fairway to putting surface naturally on grade. Carrick seems to love his slightly elevated greens — which surely improve drainage — but lose the natural appeal. Several of Humber Valley’s greens have a distinctly natural character, something I’ve rarely seen in Carrick’s work.

Read the full review ....

Deer Lake Airport (YDF) June-07 38% or 8,000 passengers busier than 2006

The number of passengers traveling to and from Deer Lake Airport (YDF) in June reached 28,486 and represents a 38% increase over June of 2006. Nearly 8,000 more passengers traveled through the airport in June of this year (2007) as compared to June 2006.

New terminal extension opens at Deer Lake Airport (YDF)

Video collection ... check it out

A collection of Newfoundland related videos ...

Check out Motiono.com and our Video Channel

Change of direction at Humber Valley Resort

Paul Shelley, the resort’s new general manager, is making strides to ensure people from this province know the amenities of the resort are open to them too.

Shelley, a former Tourism minister for the province, said many people in this province, especially those on the east coast, central, and in Labrador, don’t realize what is available to them in the Humber Valley.

He said even local residents haven’t been utilizing the chalets, golf course or restaurants on site.“Our idea is to basically have more Newfoundlanders and Labradorians around the resort,” Shelley told The Western Star. “To be quite frank about it, the guests we have here — a lot of the Europeans, British and German, and the Americans — say on a regular basis that they like golfing with the local residents and meeting them at the restaurants. It’s a win-win for everybody, when we have more of our own people experience the resort.“... Guests here from Europe love talking with Newfoundlanders and Labradorians. I have always said, especially in my role as Tourism minister, our greatest asset is the people who live here. It was really what I call a no-brainer for me, that Newfoundlanders and Labradorians mingling with our guests is a great attribute, and I’ve gotten that feedback from our guests.”

Shelley said more and more local people are beginning to bring their families to the beach and availing of water activities such as kayaking. He said the resort has three restaurants, and a fine dining facility is now opening at the beach house. A new beach volleyball league is about to begin there too.Shelley agrees with many local people who believe services are too pricey for them, especially at the golf facility.

During his short time at the helm, he’s already introduced resident rates and other promotions to get golfers to experience the course, ranked among the best in Canada.Another thing he said, people are unaware of is that the chalets are available for locals to rent.“... This is a vision that Humber Valley Resort has had for a while now and I guess I’m the one who is going to aggressively push it forward. The timing is right now — the fact we are growing and getting more visitors here, and they are talking about the hospitality of Newfoundland and Labrador. It just fits so well.”

The general manager said the interest from magazine and tourist writers in Canada, the United States and Europe should attract more guests from abroad.He feels he has taking over at the right time.“We have all this here now, but the potential for it is still growing,” he said. “It’s starting to get better organized now and I am getting handle on things. We have some great people working here — it is just a matter of organization, leadership and a mood that’s starting to grow.”Shelley is equally excited about the winter season. He said the word is growing throughout Europe of the world-class skiing and snowmobile product offered here.
Western Star

Former minister of Tourism - is general manager of operations of Humber Valley Resort

The former minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation announced Friday he's taking a job as general manager of operations of Humber Valley Resort. Shelley's new job starts July 13, which means he has to leave as his position as the legislature member for Baie Verte on July 12.

He had intended to finish out his term, but the job cut his term short by a few months."I've been interested in tourism for a long time," Shelley said. "With the busy season coming upon us, the timing sort of dictates I take up this job as soon as possible. I'll take the next two or three weeks to deal with files in the district and come into it full time after July 12.

"He said going from 15-year provincial politician to helping manage a world-class resort is going to be an adjustment, but it's one he feels he can handle."I'm really looking forward to the challenge," he said. "My love is tourism in Newfoundland and Labrador. I've believed for a long time Humber Valley Resort is a jewel in the crown of tourism in Newfoundland and Labrador. It's been good to this point and I think it's even going to get better."The potential for the entire Humber Valley and west coast is huge and I've said that as a tourism minister."I certainly think that's going to continue on. There's really exciting times coming for not only for Humber Valley resort, but that entire region of the province.
Full story - Western Star

Snowmobiling with Darren & Anita

A fantastic 5 hour trek with Darren and Anita. Tour included a brew at the "Warm-Up Inn", and dropping down narrow path to a small community called "Manuals", which used to be a fishing and logging community. But when the logging moved out, so did the community, and they mainly moved to Coxs Cove. Whats left are various small cabins ... all with an amzaing view across the bay.
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More videos on youTube.om Full photo album on picasa.

Heli-skiing to ice-climbing: welcome to Newfoundland's winter paradise

"From snowboarding to snowshoeing, western Newfoundland is a winter sports paradise. And there's no better place to experience it than at Humber Valley Resort.

Located on the banks of the Humber River, the resort comprises over a hundred individual upscale and well appointed spacious chalets, each on at least an acre of land. It is surrounded by pristine countryside perfect for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, and is just a short drive from Marble Mountain's groomed slopes or the thrills of CAT-skiing ... "

Read full article ... click here