It was foggy, drizzling, windy and cool the afternoon I found the Cliffhouse on my way down the Irish Loop. Priscilla greeted me and I was settled into the Fairy Room. I had enjoyed a filling lunch at Ferryland Lighthouse so I chose to stay in that evening. Chris came home and warmly greeted me with news from the "Cape" where he works as a park interpreter. Cape St.Mary's Ecological Reserve is the big draw in this area and they are perfectly situated. The village of Branch is tiny and meals need to be taken elsewhere. Priscilla and Chris built the house to accommodate guests - their quarters are upstairs so they are true B&B operators. That evening I had my bottle of red and books and the other guests did not join me, but Priscilla and Chris did and we shared stories of travel and birds and I truly felt at home, comfortable. They make every effort to enhance your visit to NL. Chris was off to the Cape early the next morning and Priscilla served a healthy, buffet style meal with fresh coffee and juices. If it had not been solidly fogged in the next day i would have enjoyed the stunning view from that point above the Atlantic. The others checked out and I lingered to talk to her. It was Saturday, her day off as a social worker in Placentia, and she was relaxing with her coffee so we talked books, etc. If I had not been on a schedule, I would have stayed another night ... yet she and Chris take days off from the B&B business for themselves and the weekend was just for the two of them. So I visited the Cape and walked that long path to the edge .. it was raining, blowing and still foggy. I could see the gannets and hear them and I took photos without knowing what images I was capturing. I posted just two .. the experience was memorable for the weather, the number of us in the pouring rain listening to the guide in yellow slicker nearly shouting to be heard above the birds and wind and sea, gift shop with wonderful books, foodstuffs, postcards and Chris. He allowed us to change clothes, dry ourselves a bit then showed us the film about the site and it's history and importance. Not to be missed! read more

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