Land of Green Gables

Shalom and peace unto all!

When we last left you off, it was July 30th. On the 31st we drove over a really really long bridge (also known as the confederation bridge, the world's largest over ice-covered waters) into Prince Edward Island. We first stopped at the info centre where Valerie was the only one cool enough to dress up like Anne of Green Gables and have her picture taken. We also saw a large statue of Anne. Next we went to O'Leary where we saw the world's largest potato (also a statue). 

Next, we went to North Cape where we saw lots of windmills in the only wind research centre in Canada. At low tide, we were able to walk out to a rock reef and got to take in the red dirt that characterizes PEI. Next we went to Skinner's Pond, the birthplace of Stompin' Tom. In Miminegash, we made up for our lack of courage in St. John, we shared a seaweed pie (which was not really a pie and contained only seaweed extract). 

We then went to West Point where we went to Cedar Dunes provincial park. There we saw the only lighthouse that is also a hotel, and soaked up some sun at the beach. From there, we headed to Cap Egmont where we saw various buildings made almost entirely out of old alcohol bottles. We enjoyed a delicious meal at ship to shore restaurant, a place with the most bizarre sense of humour we have ever seen. We then set off to Charlottetown to meet our hostess for the next 3 days, Tracy. 

The next morning, headed out to Orwell to see us some old buildings. We saw some of the oldest buildings on PEI including a church, a town hall, a general store, and a functioning farm where Valerie made friends with a goat. Then, we journeyed on to high bank and PEI's oldest, and until recently only, winery. Their most popular product is blueberry wine. Mmmmm delicious. 

From there, we went to Buffaloland provincial park in an attempt to see buffalo. We saw none. We then took odd for Panmore Island (and yet another lighthouse) where the most interesting thing about the island is the causeway there. This manmade structure has collected sand dunes alongside it and is now a provincially protected 'natural' area. 

We then went to another one of PEI's many beaches, Basin Head. This beach is known for its 'singing' sand. Because of its high silica content, the sand squeaks when stepped on. There was also a really cool tidal effect where swimmers could jump off a bridge at low tide and the cutter would wash them out to sea. We wished we had brought our bathing suits. 

We then drove to East Point where we saw the convergence of three different bodies of water - the Gulf of St. Lawrence, the Northumberland Straight, and the Atlantic Ocean. We then enjoyed an awesome seafood dinner featuring a 60-foot buffet. Yum. 

The next day was Anne of Green Gables day. We first walked around Charlottetown shopping at Peake's Quay as well as along Queen street. Before leaving the city, we visited Province House, the provincial legislature. 

After that, we headed to Cavendish, the hometown of L.M. Montgomery. There, we saw the farm on which Green Gables was based and took a walk through the 'Haunted Woods' to the foundation of Montgomery's childhood home. From Cavendish, we headed to Summerside where we saw the musical 'Anne and Gilbert' which tells the tale of Anne all grown up and in love. It was very entertaining. 

The next morning, before drivin over a really really long bridge yet again, we stopped in Victoria by the Sea to indulge in gourmet Belgian chocolates. We also visited a glass studio. We then crossed the border in Nova Scotia. Before camping for the night in Canning, we visited the world's largest blueberry in Oxford!

More from Nova Scotia coming soon

Tal, Val, and Hailey