Day 6 - Road to Avonlea

We started the day again with a nice breakfast prepared for us by Maggie at the Chimera Farms B+B.  This morning, it was omelettes with cheese and vegetables, fried potatoes, a slice of ham, and a slice of rhubarb pie.  Then we headed out towards Prince Edward Island.

Just before crossing the Confederation Bridge, we came across the Cape Jourimain National Wildlife Area.  It was a good place to see natural wildflowers, a lighthouse, and a neat little beach to walk up and down and take pictures of the bridge.

We made it to the Cairns Motel fairly early, and our room wasn't quite ready to check in, so we went out sight-seeing.  In our search for Green Gables, we came across the birthplace of author Lucy Maude Montgomery, and unwittingly found ourselves in the VIP parking for the Cavendish Music Festival.  Oops.  They really should have signed these things better.  Soon after, we found Green Gables, and donned the obligatory "Anne" hat.  Jacqui said that I made the best Anne, despite the goatee.  We toured the house and property and headed off to Charlottetown.  Though the information wasn't forthcoming as part of the tour, Jacqui had mentioned that L. M. Montgomery had committed suicide.  We thought it ironic that the author of one of the most idyllic tales of childhood would be wrestling with such demons throughout her life.

Charlottetown was a really neat little city.  We spent most of our time by the waterfront, but we did check out a multimedia gallery about Confederation.  Admittedly, my own knowledge of Confederation was a bit lacking.  The presentation at Founders' Hall only gave me some insight as to just how lacking it was.  I learned a lot there.  We had a picnic at the waterfront park called Confederation Landing, checked out the shoppes on the pier, including the original Cows Dairy location, got some ice cream (of course...), and walked around a bit.

By the time we got back to Summerside, our room was more than ready to check in.  They make these neat little towel creatures to add a little touch to the room.  You know how some people make animals with balloons?  Yeah, like that... only with towels.  Check out the pics.

As it turns out, Summerside's annual "Lobster Carnival" was just beginning.  We headed over to the waterfront where it was being held, and toured around there.  We grabbed some nachos and mussels at a restaurant on the water, which was nice.  Gracie liked the mussels.  Michaela and Esme were a little less willing to indulge, which surprised me, given their openness for food in general.  On our way out of Summerside, we found the grounds where the advertised "lobster supper" took place.  It was a bit out of the way.  No wonder we didn't find it.  Ah, well...

Despite what one un-named source suggested (said a lot of people weren't really impressed with PEI), it was a great place to visit - very scenic, and very friendly.

Pics here.