Boys playing football in the Landwash

• Main Author: Branch Cultural Historical Association
• Format: Still Image
• Language: English
• Published: 2005
• Subjects: Festive events and games; Knowledge of the land/water and environment; Entertainment and recreation; Games; Newfoundland; North Atlantic
• Online Access: http://collections.mun.ca/cdm/ref/collection/ich_avalon/id/4375

The Landwash is a natural playground for the young who play in the sand and waves and explore the bordering tidal pools when the sand is in. Children are brave enough to swim in the less-than-warm North Atlantic waters, but adults can be persuaded to cross out into the waves and relive the delights of childhood belly laughter. The Landwash water is warmest in late summer and early fall. It is said that the Virgin Mary heats up the water by dropping in the stone on July 15. As well as a natural playground for the young and young at heart, the Landwash can be a reminder of the power and sometimes-mercilessness of the North Atlantic Ocean. In March 1913, the S. S. Labrador, a 256-ton steamer loaded with seal pelts beached in the Landwash. She hit bottom about eighty yards from shore and the crew rowed ashore in punts. Fortunately, the wreck happened in the afternoon - daylight allowing the captain to steer away from the cliffs and head for the open beach. -- How Labrador Was Lost Daily Star, March 10, 1913