Prince Edward Island and the Return to NB

 June 30 - July 4, 2024

After a refueling and restocking stop at Moncton’s Costco we crossed into Prince Edward Island (PEI) on the Confederation Bridge - the longest bridge that goes across water that freezes

The two main revenue sources it seems - potatoes and tourism around Anne of Green Gables

Port Borden Back Range Light

We spent the next few days driving around the perimeter of PEI. We chose not to go to the Anne of Green Gables tourist zone however - we enjoyed listening to the book on the way but the tourist site held no interest for us

We started down the wrong red dirt road on our way to the Cape Egmont Lighthouse. Yes, we turned around.

Views from the lighthouse

Poor calf got outside the fence and was anxiously trying to find a way back in with her herd - everyone was agitated - especially me but I could find an unlocked way in nor could I find a farmer to tell. Luckily she went off the road and followed the fence line through the grass

West Point lighthouse - serves as a hotel also

Where we chose to spend the night near the North Point Lighthouse

Our views this eve

North Point lighthouse

Washed up lobster pot

Folks tie dying t-shirts with the red clay mud - soak in fresh mud then rinse in the ocean’s salt water to set the color

Oyster incubator cages - all with oysters submerged here. 

Parked on the pier in Charlottetown to enjoy the Canada Day festivities. This was a clever way to corral lovers locks

Old house near Victoria Park

Part of a display about bicycles along the path to Victoria Park. A former slave named Samuel Martin founded the neighborhood of the Bog in about 1812. The area grew to over 100 people who identified as Black. Most of the residents had moved away by the 20th century and the Bog changed considerably. Many islanders are descendants of the early Bog residents

Sikh protest

Festival with a kid zone, Indigineous People’s craft displays, food trucks, an early 10K race, and music to celebrate Canada Day

So far the provinces are far ahead of us in regards to sustainable behavior.  There is a refundable deposit on anything drinkable, if you want a bag for your purchases you pay for it, and outdoor activities offer these stations to refill your water bottles.

Cool mural on side of fire station 

Of course I had to try the “best” PEI ice cream - along with everyone else

Here the scooters all come with helmets!

Hot sauce for some folks we know

The day was capped with fireworks

After spending the night on the pier we got one last photo in Charlottetown before heading along the eastern coast

East Point Light House

We stopped at the Basin Head PP to experience the “singing sands”

Jumping off the bridge 

We think it sounds more like a creak than singing, but you decide

Spanish moss - another product harvested from the sea and a source of carrageenan which is used in toothpaste, ice cream, cosmetics, etc

Nice alliteration to remember an important health care

Fields of purple tansy 

For our last night in PEI we opted to park on Cape Bear

Watching the seals swim by

Some of the seals we saw

The downside of this spot - thank goodness for intact screensf

That spot of light is a cruise ship heading away from the island

Cape Bear Light House and Marconi Station

Old lobster pots and bouts

Cute little library at a gas station back in New Brunswick

Refilling our water supplies from a natural spring

Every intersection in downtown Moncton

Outside the Dieppe library and cultural center. In the gathering area outside the Dieppe Cultural Center where they have free events every night. Tonight was a country music band.

Spent the night at the Walmart in Moncton and then ran errands in the morning to redeem our drink containers, pick up supplies, get gas, and most importantly vote by filling out our ballots and affidavits and mailing them to our election board.
Then we watched the Bore Tide roll into Moncton. This happens twice a day at the high tide. Often, like in Alaska, people surf it, but not today.

Met up with car friends of my folks to say a brief hello. They were in town for a huge car show happening this weekend

Finally left New Brunswick for good and we're greeted by this at the Nova Scotia visitors center