Prince Edward Island

Saturday, 23.07.2022

In Pictou, we are staying at the hotel 'The Scotsman Inn'. In the morning, the owner served breakfast in Scottish attire, with a kilt in the well-appointed dining room. We didn't dare to take a photo of him, so we borrowed the picture from his website, hence the low resolution.

Since there are two ferries between Pictou/Caribou and Wood Island on PEI, we drive to the pier to inquire if the second ferry is in service. It is not, so we drive along the Sunrise Trail, always close to the coast, and cross the Confederation Bridge. Then through Charlottetown, the capital of PEI, to our hotel in Montague. We also visit Montague, Cardigan, and Georgetown, and then the day is already over.

Sunday, 24.07.2022

This morning we take our time getting ready. We also didn't consider that we have to pay for the hotel in cash, so we go to the bank to get some money. The bank doesn't give us anything, the supermarket is closed, we go to the gas station, and the ATM gives us the desired amount. Here, even the smallest amounts, e.g. at the coffee machine, are paid with a card. Some smaller shops no longer accept cash.

Today we visit Greenwich National Park. Since we have the Discovery Pass in our bag, we can visit the park for free. There are various hiking trails that lead us through salt marshes and sand dunes to the sea. Shortly after the start of the hiking trail, there is a campsite of the Mi'kmaq Indians, the indigenous people who have been living here for 12,000 years. Two "real" Indians were sitting there and willingly answered all questions. There was a wigwam, canoes, clothing, and everyday items to see. The clothing could be bought. We hike the yellow trail, spend a lot of time on the beach, and then the red trail. We skip the blue trail, it's too hot, 32 degrees.

We drive to Charlottetown to our hotel 'The Arts'. For us, it's always shocking, 32 degrees outside in the shade, clothes damp, hair sweaty, and the room cooled down to 19 degrees. Cold air really gives us a cold. We turn off the air conditioning and leave the room hastily. We walk through the city, which we like very much, stroll through Victoria Row, and end up at the harbor as often. There we find many small stalls on a floating platform offering food and drinks, which can be enjoyed under colorful sun umbrellas. We decide on Spanish food, tacos, and chips with salsa sauce. There are swings attached to the bar as seats, a cool idea. However, you have to limit your beer consumption, otherwise it becomes a bit unstable. We continue to stroll until we reach a beer garden shortly before 10 o'clock, which is in close proximity to our hotel. Unfortunately, the live music stops at 10 o'clock, so we just have a nightcap without music. Back in the hotel room, the temperature has risen to a pleasant 23 degrees.

Monday, 25.07.2022

There is another national park here that we want to visit today. It's called Prince Edward Island National Park and is about 50 km from Charlottetown. We stop at Cove Head Lighthouse. However, the designated hiking trail runs along the road, so we decide to drive it by car to the next parking lot. There are already several cars here, which surprises us for a Monday morning. We take the path to the beach and lo and behold, it is a real bathing beach, even with lifeguards. The first time we see a guarded beach. We are not prepared for swimming and hike to the next large headland. Approximately 3.5 km in one direction. The sky is cloudy and it is slightly windy. Always barefoot on the fine red sand or also cooling off by walking through the water with our feet. On the way back, the sun finally comes out and it gets very hot again. Our feet have also had enough peeling, they now feel wonderfully soft and smooth. Once back at the parking lot, we decide to drive back to the hotel. Because we still have a date with Ms. Chowder and Mr. Lobster for tonight. After a short rest, we walk to our appointment and are very excited to see how the evening will unfold. We have booked a table outside on the terrace, but when we arrive, it starts to rain and we have to settle for a table inside the restaurant. For appetizers, we order chowder (soup with seafood) to share. For the main course, we each have a 1.5 lb lobster with various side dishes. After the appetizer, the waiter brings us a large metal bucket with a nutcracker, pickers, napkins, and wet wipes, with the note that we will need all of this and the instructions for eating the lobster are described on the placemat. Then, after a short wait, it's time, Mr. Lobster is brought to the table. What now: Just follow the instructions, it's not that difficult and tastes delicious. After this delicious meal, we end the evening with a little stroll through the city. Tonight is our last night in Charlottetown. Tomorrow morning we will continue towards Quebec, and from there to Montreal. The end of our journey here is also in sight. Next weekend, we will board the plane and fly to Newark to visit our friends Gary and Tamar.