Prince Edward Island

There are only two hostels on PEI (Prince Edward Island) and they are not where I need them. I cross the Confederation Bridge, read it up, it’s rather impressive, and stop straight away at the information point. The weather is good so camping is an option and I almost by chance find a nice motel come campsite in Summerside, $17, a bargain. Next to me there is another biker with a tent, an old trucker from Albert with a massive chopper, we don’t talk much on arrival, but prior to leave in the morning he will be source of a great deal of information.

It’s early and there appears to be a Lobster festival in town so, once the camp is set and the excess baggage sorted I ride down to town where a cold pint of beer and some junk food is expecting me. Turns out I also get a show.

20160720_202729 — this is the Caleigh band that is playing in the Scottish fashion, but, sadly, no dancing.

DSCN4128 — Super view from the sidewalk in town at night

DSCN4126 — And sort of the first sunset of the trip.

A good night sleep and up packing at a reasonable time. I stop talking with my new friend from out west and he gives me a few tips on destinations. I was not going to ride from Banff to Jasper but I am now also I’m going to go to the Going-To-The-Sun road in Montana.

I elect to do the west side of PEI, I have no time to do it all and, as it turns out, it’s sufficient to get a good feeling of the place.

The place is filled with Acadian references and lovely sea views, on hte whole I’m pleased I came but it’s not as stunning as one would think.

Screen Shot 2016-07-22 at 11.44.10 — Around the left side of the Island

DSCN4131 — Going to the top of the pier again.

DSCN4129 — The french are more religious.

I rode all the way to the top, North Cape, and then all the way to the bottom, West point where I have another lovely beer and, finally, some lobsters, yum!

DSCN4133 — Security conscious at the topmost point.

DSCN4137 — Someone went wild with zen towers.

DSCN4141 — Loverly coast on the way to the south.

20160721_145351 — Ah! one must have a soup.

DSCN4143 — And here is the West Point lighthouse.

After getting my food I head east and aim to reach Cavendish where I will camp for the night. I get there in good time and discover that the campsite is in a national park so the standard fee of $32, which I find extortionate, is increased by $8 for the entrance fee to the park. I’m camping for $10 more than I paid in the hostel in Halifax, shocking.

I cook some noodles with my fuel stove and, luckily, having a power point, I recharge all the equipment. In the morning I head for Charlottetown, the province capital, and have a little look around before heading west to cross the bridge again and tackle New Brunswick.

DSCN4144 — Touring the north coast on the way to Charlottetown.

DSCN4145 — Ironic that the dangerous cliff sign itself fell

DSCN4146 — Confederation house, where Canada was born.

DSCN4148 — All the federal flags, most of then will be on my panniers.

DSCN4149 — Burrito trumps classic building.

DSCN4150 — Lovely street, I thought about stopping for a coffee, but long road ahead.

DSCN4151 — Not so Breaking news: First Prime Minister of Canada was from Glasgow (John A. Macdonald)

There is not much to do in New Brunswick other than cross it, I stop in Federicton to get myself a drink and a flag sticker for the pannier and, dodging a shower I get to the campsite, which is more reasonably priced, in good time. The campsite has wifi and a pub so it’s local Irish Red again for me and tomorrow we’re off to Quebec City.