The Gentle Rhythm of Prince Edward Island, Canada

It is time to move on…

The next two days are driving days, although I now limit myself to no more than four, or at most, five hours behind the wheel. This new rhythm is working well. The stops I weave into my driving days often lead me to places I would never have thought to visit.

Le Malin de la Rivière Bonaventure is my last stop in Quebec before entering New Brunswick.

Two evenings ago, while sharing a meal with Lise, she mentioned the place, so I looked it up. Unfortunately, kayak rentals are unavailable on the day I am passing through, so I settle for visiting the riverbank.

It is a lovely place for families to picnic along the pebble beach. I find a quiet spot away from the crowd, unfold my chair, and sit for a while. The water is inviting, but not quite enough to make me change into my bathing suit. Instead, I take off my shoes and step in.

The water is so clear that every shimmering stone beneath the surface is visible.

My next destination is Moncton, where I hope to take care of an oil change, wash my car, and get a haircut. I know I will not make it all the way in one day, so I drive until I am tired and find a Walmart to call home for the night.

The next morning, a quick glance at Google Maps catches my attention: Pabineau Falls.

That is often how I find unexpected places.

The falls are on the sacred land of the Pabineau First Nation, which immediately makes the place feel like more than simply another waterfall.

A long dirt road leads me to a small parking area. It is early, and I have the place entirely to myself—just as I like it.

I make my way from rock to rock as the river rushes beside me. There is power here, not only in the force of the water, but in the land itself. I sit for a while, mesmerized by the ripples and currents finding their way downstream.

My final stop is another discovery from the map: Kouchibouguac National Park.

I am not completely sure what I am looking for. Maybe only a walk and a place to make lunch.

A long boardwalk stretches above the marshland before reaching a beautiful white-sand beach. The park is too crowded for me, so I do not stay long.

This post may feel more like a collection of stops than an entry from my diary. However, sometimes that is what life on the road is.

I arrive in Moncton late in the afternoon and begin working through my list: an oil change, a long-overdue car wash, a haircut, and a shower.

Simple things that once took only a few minutes now seem to consume most of my day.

Because my van carries my home and nearly everything I own, I do not feel comfortable leaving it unattended at a repair shop. Jiffy Lube, where I can stay with the vehicle, is the perfect solution.

The haircut proves more difficult. After several phone calls, I finally make an appointment for the next morning. Walmart becomes home once again, and a local YMCA gives me a place to shower.

Good morning. A new day arrives.

I manage to finish everything on my list just before the skies open.

Another driving day.

Oh, but this one is quite stressful. Even my windshield wiper seems to agree with me.

I have about two hours to reach Prince Edward Island and another hour to get to Loraine’s house.

My main reason for returning to PEI is Loraine.

Two years ago, we were strangers connected through our dear friend Susan. By the time I left, saying goodbye felt unexpectedly difficult. Now that I am this close, it would feel almost criminal not to stop and give her another hug.

It is simply wonderful to arrive, hug Loraine, and say hello again to her parents and to her partner, Parnell. This time around, I have the privilege of meeting Loraine's son and daughter as well.

I know ahead of time that Loraine has just had knee replacement surgery, but she insists that I should still come. I know the only way I can feel comfortable visiting is if I make myself useful and help her.

So, cooking is on me!

I make sure to get all the ingredients I need. Cooking is one of the ways I know how to show love. :)

I do take a few hours to revisit some places and discover a few new ones. The weather is gloomy, with rain still drizzling here and there, but nothing can take away from the beauty of this place.

Prince Edward Island is truly a magical place!

There is a quiet, raw simplicity to the island. The land is mostly flat, so you may wonder: How can a mountain girl find magic in such a flat place?

Well, most of the island is farmland, growing from gorgeous deep-brown soil. This time around, many of the fields are blooming, creating, as Loraine puts it so beautifully, a masterpiece of a patchwork quilt.

Once again, I am captured by the deep, bold color of the soil and rocks. The contrast against the water is stunning. I can feel myself slowly relaxing to the sound of the waves, as the gentle rhythm of this land sinks into my soul. I enjoy walking barefoot along the sandy beaches, the soft sand tingling between my toes.

Simply perfect!

You would think I am used to saying goodbye by now. I do not think I ever will be. That part always pinches my heart.

It is time to move on.

I have another ferry to catch.

This time, I will land in Nova Scotia.