That is a very long bridge!
I enter Prince Edward Island through the Confederation Bridge (8 miles, 12.9 kilometers). For a while, all I see to my right and left is the Northumberland Strait water. The water is semi-calm, with waves often breaking in the middle, creating an extra dimension to my view.
My first stop is the visitor center, where I get a map and orient myself. I have a few places in mind, but I learned that getting extra information from a local guide is good practice.
My plan is to explore the island as much as possible in the three and a half days I have. Entering through the bridge puts me in the center, southern part of the island. I decided to start traveling west. I have two destinations: The Bottle Houses and West Point Lighthouse. It is already 4:00 p.m. when I start my drive on the island, and I still need to find a place to call home tonight. Based on an early search on iOverlander, the West Point Lighthouse could be an option.
For a mountain girl, I fall hard for this flat farm landscape!
Even though the skies are full of gray clouds, the hint of blue makes them cheerful and mutes the colors of my landscape, which I always appreciate. The lack of sun can bring to life a different sense of beauty to colors. My green (the trees), my blue (the sea), and my brown (the rich soil) have much more depth to them.
I am hugging the edge of the island, driving on Route 11. I love the rawness and simplicity of my landscape. There are lush grass fields with many daffodils still blooming, ending with the blue sea as a backdrop.
I feel like the only person on the island, as I have most of my drive to myself. Even my visit to The Bottle Houses, a unique project using recycled bottles, is a private experience. I admire the clever use of colored bottles in building this art.
At one point, the sun teases me for a second before the rain begins, leaving me no choice but to keep driving. I get to West Point Lighthouse by 6:30 in the evening; there is plenty of daylight left for the day. However, I decided to stay here for tonight. The lighthouse is beautiful and charming, and it feels like home. I am not alone as one van is already parked for the night, and another comes later.
Finally, the rain stops. I go for a walk on the beach, fascinated by the color of the red sand. When I bend down to examine it closer, I see the tiniest orange pigments embedded in it. How cool!
Dinner is a quick sandwich as it is too windy to cook. As much as I love to eat and enjoy a hot meal for dinner, I have learned to accept that I will not always have that privilege.
The sun appears at the last moment of the day, letting me know tomorrow is a new day and a new blessing.
I cover most of my windows for privacy, except for my side window that faces the lighthouse. As the dark skies take over, I am left with the beaming light of the lonely lighthouse. Those are the moments that make my journey so special.
Good morning, wind. You are forcing me to find a gas station to wash up. It is just too windy this morning. Finding a gas station turns out to be a challenge as the little towns are scattered around, however, it adds an extra appreciation from me for the simple life on this island.
I am refreshed, and my gas tank is full! It's time to keep driving. My next stop is the North Cape. Now, I am facing the Gulf of St. Lawrence.
There is so much to see on Prince Edward Island, and I am just getting a taste of it all. I can see now that a week or more would be better to explore the island.
A few years ago, I watched the Netflix show "Anne with an E." The show is based on the book "Anne of Green Gables" by Lucy Maud Montgomery. Still, today it is one of my favorite shows on Netflix.
The moment I learned that the house that Montgomery based the story on is on PEI, I made sure to make it a stop and learn more about Lucy Maud Montgomery.
Prince Edward Island has one national park, which is located in the middle of the northern shore and consists of three parts. I walk on the white sand at Dalvay Beach with the iconic tiny red and white lighthouse. Even though it's windy, the water is calm, which is a true reflection of the island.
I need to get back in my car and drive (40 minutes) to the next part at Greenwich Dunes, where I can enjoy a lovely walk on a floating boardwalk.
Knowing where I will park for the next two nights makes life easier.
When Susan and I had our fun surprise get-together back at the end of March, she connected me with Loraine, her friend from PEI.
So here I am, bringing another sweet soul into my life journey.
I feel at home with Loraine and her boyfriend, Parnell. I love her story of how she bought the house that she grew up in, next to her lovely parents who purchased the home that Loraine's grandfather built.
I have only half a day to explore. The rest is taking care of life, such as laundry. Today I am heading east. My first stop is Campbell’s Cove Beach, where I find sea glass to add to Loraine's collection. Then, a quick stop at East Point Lighthouse. My next stop piqued my curiosity. It is Singing Sands Beach at Basin Head Provincial Park.
Okay, not singing, but squeaking sounds, and only on the dry sand. Very cool!
Tomorrow, I will visit Charlottetown and head to Wood Island Ferry Terminal to find a spot for the night. The following day, I will cross to Nova Scotia and drive to North Sydney Ferry Terminal to find a spot there for the night. The following day, I will take the seven-hour ferry to Newfoundland.
Wow, Newfoundland! I am going without any expectations. I hope I am ready for the challenges I might face. I am concerned and excited at the same time, which is an amusing combination.
コメント