Earlier this month, we had the chance to see the Nâo San Juan in the harbor outside the Albaloa museum and factory in San Sebastian, Spain. They are constructing it as a replica of the San Juan, a Basque whaling ship which sank in the harbour of Red Bay, Labrador, in the late 16th Century.
Today, we were in Red Bay, and got to see the site where the San Juan sank so many years ago – and much more. It was a very busy day. We began the day by climbing the Tracey Hill Walking Trail (600+ steps, 120 meters vertical gain), then seeing the Red Bay Whaling Museum, enjoying some Labrador music, and visiting the Parks Canada site devoted to Red Bay and the Basques, followed by a dinner for the National Trust group in the Chart Room on the Explorer, hosted by two of the Lindblad/National Geographic experts on the cruise. A good time (and much wine and laughter) was had by all.
Photos from the Tracey Hill Walking Trail:
After the trail, we visited Whaler’s Restaurant for some light refreshment and shopping, then walked over to the Zodiac to return to the ship for lunch.
After lunch, we took the Zodiac to Saddle Island to visit the remains of the San Juan and learn more about the Basque whalers.
We visited the Red Bay museum to learn more about whales and whaling.
A concert followed at the local church.
Finally, we visited the Parks Canada Red Bay National Historic Site for more information about the Basque whalers and how the San Juan was “discovered” in long-lost records.
