Meet Douglas
I was born in Gander, NL, not that far from Campbellton, the municipality Hostel 49 North is situated. I recognized that living in a small town would have its challenges. I have had the intention to write poetry in my later years. Having activity throughout a good chunk of the year will be just right to keep me engaged in the greater outside world.
It’s been quite the adventure over the years to get this far. I had lost my wife in 2015, and so have been the sole instigator of it all. However, I am happy to say I have remarried a wonderful woman, Shirley, who has so much to offer the operations of the hostel. We are both excited for this new venture!
Meet Shirley
Born of a Newfoundland father and an American mother, I have a long attachment to Newfoundland; having permanently moved here in my 15th year. I made a home here, marrying young and raising two sons. Many years later I lost my first husband.
Later still, I met Douglas, starting a relationship leading to marriage, and being caught up in an adventure, involving a unique parcel of land, deemed to become a space for the travelling public while vacationing on the Kittiwake Coast. For me, it has some unique challenges, and just so happens, I have the skill and experience learned to apply to Hostel 49 North and so am thrilled to be part of its fruition. Plus, I love this guy, and want to see his retirement plans come true.
Our Genesis Story…
A short time ago, I started to prepare for the development of a rural hostel on a parcel of land I had secured sole ownership forty-three years ago. Ah! Retirement, what to do?
I have always seen this land as one to be shared; the trees, sun’s rising and setting, night skies, moonrise, sound of wind, of ocean lapping the shore, the magic of rainbows. All very dazzling is nature’s playground.
On a personal note, I feel selfish in creating this space, the Lodge with its south-facing orientation capturing the brightness outside, the long summer’s rays pouring in on the west and morning sun from the east, and as it is all open, this play of light creates both calm and excitement. Very nice.
Originally I had drawings done for a two-story bunkhouse with an attached solar greenhouse. It was not to be. In its stead, I choose to purchase four hand-made insulated yurts seventeen-foot in diameter. Thanks to my son Adrian for sourcing them. As the maker says, “a yurt like no other.” He was not kidding. (Click here to check out their site and see more info about your holiday home.
Along a created trail, decks were built above ground for three of the yurts, and at ground level for the fourth. Circular, insulated floors were attached to the decks, and yurts were erected. Thanks to the many people who helped, notably Sam, Adrian, Bridget, Rada, Thomas, Donald, and Shirley.
A fourth deck, initially to house a yurt, had been voted to remain an observation deck. Its location makes it a great place for morning, afternoon, evening and night to chill, stretch, sit, gaze, and suntan.
On the east side of the Lodge is a shaded patio for outdoor cooking, dining, and lounging. Along that same side are two showers and two double washrooms accessible only from the outside. We recognized that our guests will appreciate the convenience and privacy of private access and facilities dedicated specifically to guest use.
And of course, relax at the end of your day’s adventures around the firepit, the main entrance, the open woodshed, or hammocks.
I was born in Gander, NL, not that far from Campbellton, the municipality Hostel 49 North is situated. I recognized that living in a small town would have its challenges. I have had the intention to compose poetry in my later years. As I had said above, this place, to me, begs to be shared. Having activity throughout a good chunk of the year will be just right to keep me engaged in the greater outside world. It’s been quite the adventure over the years in getting this far. I had lost my wife eight years ago, and so have been the sole instigator of it all. However i am happy to say i have remarried to a wonderful woman, Shirley, who has so much to offer affecting the operations of the hostel. We are both excited to start the new venture!
