| LAUCHIE McDOUGAL ( NEWFOUNDLAND'S HUMAN WIND GAUGE) by Marlene McCarty Although W.O. Mitchell's "Who Has Seen The Wind" may have led many to ponder that question, there's never been a doubt in any Newfoundlander's mind as to who could "smell" the wind. On Newfoundland's west coast, approximately 20 kilometers northwest of Port aux Basques, lies a stretch of wind-swept barrens known as the Wreckhouse. This stretch of highway is know far and wide as the most dangerous place to be during a windstorm. Southwest winds funneling down from the 1700-foot Long Range Mountains often reach speeds of up to 150km/hr. In the past, these winds have blown rail cars completely off the tracks. And today, transport truck drivers often pay a high price for refusing to listen to local warnings. Transport trucks blown over on their sides is a common enough sight along this stretch of the Trans Canada Highway. But for over thirty years Lauchie McDougal, a Wreckhouse trapper and farmer, who (along with his wife Emily) raised his family in a lone dwelling just meters from where the TCH now passes, was regarded as a hero. And because of Lauchie and his phenomenal ability to "smell" wind, many tragedies have been averted. Lauchie's extraordinary skills in determining wind velocities without the use of instruments was often scoffed at by some. But strangely enough, when Lauchie predicted strong winds and warned railway officials of impending danger, his nose never failed. On one occasion, though, Lauchie's advice was not taken seriously and 22 railway cars were blown off the tracks. From that day on, Lauchie McDougal's importance was never doubted. Eventually, he was hired by the Newfoundland Railway to determine if it was safe for trains to pass through the area. Lauchie's job was to "smell" and then contact proper officials before the all clear signal would be given. Although he was often known as the "Human Wind Gauge," Lauchie's extraordinary abilities also earned him the title "Gale Sniffer Extraordinaire" to the Newfoundland Railway. He performed this service for the railway until his death in 1965. After Lauchie's death, his wife Emily--well-schooled in the 'ways of the wind' by her husband--continued to provide this service to railway officials until 1972. At the Marine Atlantic Terminal in Port aux Basques visitors can view a large plaque honoring Lauchie and his service to Newfoundland. And if you drive along the TCH through Wreckhouse, the remains of Lauchie's house can still be seen. Although a fearsome place during a windstorm, Wreckhouse is normally as idylic a place as one could wish for. But beware! If there's a wind warning for the Wreckhouse area, take shelter and wait till it blows over. Failing to heed wind warnings could cost you your life! -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- © 2000 Marlene McCarty |