Explorers Together

The small group that we are traveling with this week is made up of some very interesting people!

Juan and Prisca are a young couple from Atlanta. Both are software engineers, with a 2 year-old daughter who’s back at home with her grandmother. They are just extremely bright and fun folks who are very interesting to talk to. Being the only other “southerners” in the group, Fawn and I have a lot in common with them.

Barb is from Seattle, and has traveled quite a bit. This is her third Atlas Obscura trip. She works for a large computer technology company. She is a very good artist, finding no shortage of landscapes to draw so far, here in this beautiful place

Paul and Judith are a retired couple from Washington, D.C. Judith was a professor of English at George Washington University. Paul is a Harvard-trained medical doctor who spent most of his career in research at the National Institute of Health. While Paul’s brilliant mind might flicker a bit now and then, the love, respect and grace that the group shows towards him is so nice to see. One interesting thing about them is that their son happens to be the CEO of Atlas Obscura, the company that arranges and sponsors these trips. We’ve all taken it upon ourselves to not let Paul and Judith get lost as we hike along the seaside cliffs. It might not look too good back at headquarters, especially for our tour guide!

Our fearless leader and tour guide is Felicity, a life-long Newfoundlander who seems to know everyone on this entire island. It’s difficult to describe Felicity here, simply because there seems to be so many aspects to her that cannot be completely known in these few days. She is one of those people who seem to reveal something new and interesting about themselves every time they speak! She’s a writer, historian, culinary artist, wild food gatherer, storyteller and tremendous lover and advocate of her region of Newfoundland and its rich culture. I can’t imagine a more well-suited person for an Atlas Obscura trip on the Avalon Peninsula of Newfoundland.

Felicity is assisted by Dave, her partner on this tour and also in life. Dave is an entrepreneur in St. John’s – part owner of a very popular bakery and lunch spot, the Rocket Bakery, as well as a local clothing store.

Also with us is Valerie, a vibrant young woman from Buffalo, New York, who is a free spirit if I ever saw one! This is Val’s first job with Atlas Obscura, but she has done similar work before for National Geographic Expeditions. She is a successful freelance photographer, and also an entrepreneur on her own. She’s a life-long adventurer, learner and freely-giving teacher to others. I’m hoping to learn a few photography tips from her before the trip is over.

A Merry Band of Explorers!

Felicity and Valerie

Dave

Felicity, Dave and Val

Juan, Prisca and my traveling companion, Fawn

Dave and Paul