L'ANSE AUX MEADOWS

On a summer's day around the year 1000, a Viking expedition led by Leif Eiriksson landed on the shores of L'Anse aux Meadows at the tip of the Great Northern Peninsula of New Foundland. This site was first brought to the attention of the world in 1960 when a Norwegian couple, Dr. Helge Ingstad and his wife Anne Stine Ingstad, began their archaeological research that resulted in their discovery being designated a World Hertiage Site by UNESCO because it tells us of the world movement of peoples. And this is what we came to see in New Foundland.

This is a replica of the sod houses the Vikings built at this site and one of the inside rooms.

One of the Parks Canada interpreters dressed in period Viking clothing re-enacts what life may have been like at the camp.

Two pieces of sculpture form one piece of art to reflect the historical significance of this site. The piece on the left indicates the North American Aboriginal culture, and the one on the right the Norwegian/European culture.

This was a very interesting tour with a knowledgable guide. The Visitor Center is also most interesting with it's small museum and film about the Ingstads and their work here.

At a commercial site down the road a bit is the replica of a Viking ship that would have been used at the time of the expedition to L'Anse aux Meadows. In 1997 this ship was sailed by W. Hodding Carter and a small crew from Greenland to this spot, proving that it could have been done with the ships that the Vikings used. It is a beautiful ship, named Snorri.

At this same site is chieftain Ernie and one of the interpreters there. He is sitting in the chieftain's chair and holding his sword and horn, and wearing the Viking helmet.

A small church would have been a part of the village.

After this very interesting history filled day, we were treated to a beautiful sunset.

A lovely ending to our day.