As we headed farther south toward Newfoundland, we made an impromptu landing at Indian Harbour. Special to resource staff member Dave Paddon, the stop gave us a chance to see the remaining foundation of a cottage hospital and several abandoned seasonal fishing sites. We soon learned that Dave’s grandfather ran the hospital (established by medical missionary Wilfred Grenfell) and tended to patients in communities along the Labrador coastline aboard the hospital ship Maraval.
As Dave related the history of the site to more Ocean Endeavour passengers, Dad and I climbed the hilltop overlooking the harbor and explored the grounds surrounding the weathered fishing shacks. Directly below the remains of the hospital stood two gravestones marked by the year 1918, testament to the far-reaching effect of the Spanish flu even in such a remote location. We left the shelter of Indian Harbour in late afternoon as the sun sunk lower in the sky, wondering when the next person would come upon this place and know its history.
The trip was not only memorable for the amount of animals we saw but also for the people and accommodations at the two camps where we stayed. Our first guide, BK, was a wealth of information about the animals, landscape and down to the plants and what they were used for. Everyday out was a learning experience with him. All the people at the camps were gracious and the food was excellent.
Our second camp in the Okavanga was just as good as the first as far as the staff, accommodations, food and animals. After our experience at the first camp we amazed that the high quality remained the same. Our guide, G, made sure we were able to enjoy every experience including a rush through the bush to witness a cheetah and an ensuing hunt that he heard over his radio.
In both camps there were enough guides out that if they saw something the other guides were informed which helped in seeing as much as possible. It was also nice that the concessions were large enough that we did not have vehicles following each other throughout the day.
Normally there is always something in a trip of this length that we think could be improved upon but this is the rare case where we cannot think of anything. From the time we left the States to when we returned it was one of the most hassle free vacations we took.
Perhaps emphasizing the use of the laundry facilities at the camps would be useful because of the luggage restrictions would be the only thing I can think of as an improvement to future clients.
Kenneth Dropek
1 day ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.