July 7
We’re here on PEI. Our trip was uneventful and only took us about 2 hours from Hopewell to the island. We brought the bridge over and stopped at the ‘touristy’ Gateway Village for lunch, tourist information and to stretch our legs. There was every trinket you could think of on sale there and we’ll probably stop there on the way home to pick anything we missed along the way.

We decided to take highway #2 up to Souris and stay at the Red Point Provincial Park. Somehow, #2 disappeared in Charlottetown and we had to quickly make route adjustments so we took #3 to #4 and made it without any more difficulties. We find that PEI is like Toronto, 2 seasons – winter and construction season. Our trip took us longer than expected due to several construction stops. But we made it and the park is great. We chose 2W hookups so we could be closer to he beach and a better view. The 3W hookups were up the hill and away from the beach. We thought the water was just over the crest of the rise but when we walked down toward the beach, we found we were on a 30 foot bluff, overlooking the beach. It could be a difficult walk for Mack & I carrying the kayak down the 27 steps!

July 8
We did some touring today and our first stop was the historic Souris Lighthouse. We carried on and met friends that made it to the HFH build in Souris. The 2 story house is almost in the finishing stages, they are installing the drywall now. We chatted for a few minutes and made plans to meet up on Friday.

We made our way to the access to the Confederation trail at Harmony Junction, ate our picnic lunch, unloaded the bikes and started out toward New Zealand – yes that’s correct, New Zealand! The ride was good but no photo ops or views to stop at. We rode through woods all the way so after 4.5 Kms, we turned around and headed back to the truck. 9 kms overall isn’t a bad start but the next time we’re going down the trail further so we can experience a more scenic ride.

As most of you know, we don’t retrace our travels as much as we can so we turn out of the parking at Harmony Junction and head north toward East Point and the light house. We’re all hot and sweaty from the ride and trying to find ice cream! We arrive at the light house and see hundreds of gulls dropping out of the sky, diving into the sea for food! It was quite a sight. We all scramble out of the truck and walk over to the edge to watch, I think to go back and get the binoculars only to find the doors locked AND the keys in the ignition! Who the hell was driving and did that? Oppssss….. thank goodness for road service! After an hour or so, we were on our way again, still looking for ice cream! What a day!

July 9
Another great day in paradise! We ride the Confederation Trail again today and do 5.5 Kms before we turn around. It would be so much better if we had 2 vehicles! Oh well, at least we’re doing some of the trail! Later in the day, we joined our friends from the HFH build for a pot luck dinner and chatted and caught up on each others stories and adventures. It was a fun evening as we said our goodbyes until next time we meet up on the road again!

July 10
We decided that we’ve had enough of the bike rides through the woods of PEI and drove down to St Peters and road the trail along the bay. This time, we only did 2.5 Kms but the views and scenery of St Peters bay was magnificent! On route back took us to Georgetown, through small towns and fishing villages. We walked around Georgetown and on the beach, reading about the history of the area. As we were approaching Souris, the skies opened and the rained poured! Lightening and winds greeted us back at the campground. Wow, it was quite a storm.

July 11
On Sunday, we were supposed to leave but it was still raining and we decided to stay another day and wait it out. As the rain slowed and stopped during the day, we started putting stuff away and found that the shower drain had leaked during our stay and the basement was soaked. We had Mack’s bike in the basement and during the rough roads between Toronto and here, it must have shifted and pushed the drain pipe aside and broke the connection! Another repair while on the road!


July 12
We’re on our way but have to detour to the Home Depot in Charlottetown to pick up supplies to repair the shower drain. Barb suggested we fix it in the parking lot so if we need something else, we can get it before driving out to the boonies of PEI! Another good idea! Done and onto Jacques Cartier Provincial Park. This park is not as nice as the Red Point Park but we have site with a view of the Gulf of St Lawrence and the beach is more suitable to launch the kayak from.

After we get set up, we drive up to the North Cape and the lighthouse to get Mack’s Tip to Tip certificate. The sight is beautiful, red cliff walls, calm seas and gulls and seals feasting and NO, I did not lock the keys in the truck again! As we walk along the beach, we run into a gentleman raking up the Irish Moss. His partners are around the point using a horse and tractor to gather the moss. They gather it, spread it to dry then sell it to a couple of plants so the Carrageenan can be extracted. An interesting side job for some lobster fishermen when the season is closed!

July 13
Today we washed the rig, walked along the beach and toured the coastal drive from Tignish to West Point.

As Barb & I were walking along the beach, we find lots of mussels washed ashore with seaweed. Curious, I asked our neighbor about the mussels and he said they were fine to eat, as long as they were still closed! So the 3 of use went back and gathered a dozen for a mid day snack! After cleaning them and then steamed them for 3 minutes, they were ready! Yummmm, very good, even the sand! But then we all need a little roughage for our own digestion don’t we!

The coastal drive was spectacular! The coastal views awesome and the farms are well maintained with beautiful farm houses. We arrived at Miminegash Harbour, toured the Irish Moss interpretive centre and ate a slice of seaweed pie! Yummm, another delicious treat! That’s all we’ll say about it, for more, you’ll have to come out here yourself for this delicacy!