Heatwave in PEI

Turns out, we brought the heat with us.  We also brought the sun and, fortunately, plenty of sunscreen.

We were not sure exactly what to expect on Prince Edward Island.  It is extraordinarily bucolic, with rolling hills and farms.  On the way to our condo on the north side, John (ever the photographer), says "Pull over.  The light is perfect on that church."  Alice (who had to pull over suddenly on our honeymoon in Montana) responded quickly.  Bonus Points:  She knew to position the car to not be in any of the pictures.

Hartsville Presbyterian Church
The cemetery is filled with MacKenzies, MacLeods, MacLeans, Campbells, Stewarts and MacIntoshes.
The graves date back to the mid-1800's

We have planted ourselves in a condo in North Rustico.  It is quaint and perfectly appointed.  The view from the deck is across the bay to the fishing harbour.  An added bonus is it came with a washer and dryer.  Each of us expected cooler weather and packed limited warm weather clothes. For the sake of those around us, doing laundry was imperative.

North Rustico is just east of Cavendish.  This is the site of a large music festival taking place right now.  But, more importantly, it is the area that "Anne of Green Gables" takes place.  Without exaggeration, everything around Cavendish has something to do with "Anne-with-an-E".  Everything. There is a Kindred Spirits motel, Avonlea Shopping Center, Green Gables this, Green Gables that.  John had never heard of the book and I have only read half of the first one.  Clearly, we are heathens.  However, we did our family and friends a favor and went to the Green Gables Heritage Site.

Anne asked me, "Did you come by boat or by train or by buggy?"

Food is an important part of our travels.  Buying, eating, sending it home.  Multiple people recommended going to the PEI Preserve Company. Oh my! Oh my!  First things first.  It is very Scottish.

But, they are mostly about the preserves.  After sampling several, John proclaimed, "We are never buying anything other kind.  And, you can take the car and sightsee. I am going to live here."  As I was preparing to pay, the woman checking me out looked over my shoulder and announced to the other women, "A boos pulled up!  Get ready!"  Sure enough, a large tour bus had stopped and was disgorging hoards of tourists. Somewhere in the back of the shop we are certain we heard a dive siren go off, triggering all hands on deck.

Regarding food, the top rated restaurant on PEI, the Blue Mussel Cafe, is located right on our little harbour.  We chose it for our last night and birthday dinner. The menu is not huge, but the reputation is well deserved.  I selected the local scallops with blueberry pie (and ice cream) for dessert.

As good as my selections were, John wins the cake (or really the cookie) for his order of the "Cookie Platter."  The server somewhat misrepresented what it was.  We now have snacks for days.

PEI has beautiful red sand beaches and cliffs.  The contrast between the blue ocean, red cliffs and green fields is stunning. We have been blessed with gorgeous weather to capture these views.

PEI is a small island and must be working towards zero-waste.  The instructions for sorting the garbage are rather daunting.  I suppose, after a while, you learn them, but we have to refer to them every time we have something to throw away.

Next up, Nova Scotia -- First stop: Cape Breton Island.