The Flags On Board The Ferry To Bell Island
While in St. John’s we took a short ferry ride over to Bell Island.
The Ferry To Bell Island
The Ferry Ride Over To Bell Island
Bell Island is just a short 20 minute ferry ride after a 20 minute drive from St. John’s. It was once a thriving Iron Ore mining town. You can take a tour of the now closed mine as well as look around their museum.
The Closed Up Mine Is Now A Tour You Can Take
David In The Mine
From 1895 – 1966 over 78 million tons of ore was shipped from the world’s largest Submarine Iron Ore Mine. Yes, I said submarine mine. Most of the mine is under the ocean floor. The deposit contains an estimated 3 1/2 billion tons of iron ore in approximately 70 square miles, with only 10 square miles having been mined during its operation.
The Walls Are All Iron Ore. The Holes Were Carved Out For Candles For Light
Even though there is electricity down in the mine now, for the tour, their was not electricity back when it was in operation. The walls of iron ore were carved out to make room for candles and lanterns.
The Horses Stables In The Mine
Miners were required to load a minimum of 10 cars of 1.8 tons capacity during their 10 hour shifts. Only making an average of 12.5 cents an hour. They used horses to haul the iron ore from the face of the wall to the main slope where the carts were then hoisted to the surface. Some horses worked as many as 16 years underground in the mines.
David And Brenda On The Mine Tour
It was very harsh conditions for very little pay. However, back then, their was not much of a choice.
The Mine Museum
The museum attached to the mine had some great artifacts.
David Having Fun In The Museum With The Cutout
Brenda Having Fun In The Museum With The Cutout
We seemed to gravitate towards the cutouts of the mine workers. Too funny!
Bell Island Scenery
Bell Island Scenery
Bell Island is also full of amazing views and beautiful scenery.
Brenda In The Tall Grass On A Hike On Bell Island
David In The Tall Grass On A Hike On Bell Island
It was a beautiful day for a hike.
Beautiful Scenery On Bell Island
Beautiful Scenery And The Lighthouse On Bell Island
Their was a beautiful lighthouse in the tall grasses. Like a painting. Blue skies, puffy clouds. Very picturesque.
The Lighthouse On Bell Island
Relaxing In The Grass, Enjoying The View
It was a nice relaxing day. Enjoying the view. Watching the comings and goings of the birds on the cliffs. Listening to the waves crash against the shore. It was a nice diversion from the “big city” of St. John’s.
