PEI: it’s not just about Green Gables….

 

When getting to PEI,  you may get the impression that there are laws that say:

 1) Every other store has to be Anne of Green Gables related.

2) They will not let you off the island until you go see the Green Gables heritage house.

3). There is nothing else to see, so don’t even try!

None of these are true!

But, just to be safe, we started at the Anne of Green Gables heritage park. We went early, again, beating the big tourists buses. I have to admit something shameful:  Neither Joe, nor I have ever read any of  Maud Montgomery’s books. We certainly are aware of them and of their influence. The house where she grew up (see picture above) and the woods around it  (the haunted woods mentioned in the book) were interesting, and so was the small museum detailing her work an influence. I’l definitely read the books when I get back.  Also- it was pretty.

I really liked the furniture in the house.  This piece would look great in Claire’s house!

Below is part of the trail through the “haunted woods”.  

We stopped by the coffee house to have traditional “beaver tail”pastry (fried dough with sugar and cinnamon).

From there, we drove along the northern sea shore of PEI, to North Rustico. The drive, part of  the PEI National park, is beautiful, with many places to stop and admire the views (see picture above too).  

We stopped on Brackley beach, because my book said it was the best one (there are many).  Indeed, it is gorgeous!  

It was windy today (can you tell? See picture at top of  blog too…)

Some very brave people where kite surfing!

The wind did not prevent some people from jumping in the waves.  I had left my bathing suit at the hotel,so did not join then (that’s my excuse, and I’m sticking to it!).

We had- you guesses it- mussels by the inlet next to North Rustico, and then headed to the south side of the island,

but not before stopping by yet another lighthouse, and by the pretty fishing village.  

  

Along the way, we enjoyed the bucolic landscape.   

 The beaches on the south side have red sand, because they are made from the same conglomerate of sandstone and mudstone as the structures of Hopewell rocks, unlike the gold sandy beaches of the north side.They are both beautiful in their own way. 

The small village of Victoria has many well preserved old houses bordering the stunning beach

Back in Charlottetown, there was some time for a walk on the boardwalk away from town, bordering the town park of Victoria, with its many playgrounds, ball fields and trails.  

With its park, beautiful neighborhoods and well maintained houses, and its lively downtown, it makes Charlottetown feel very livable. 

We went back to pretty Victoria row and finally broke our streak of only eating fish and shellfish.  Instead, had very good pizza.

We are going back to Nova Scotia tomorrow, but really enjoyed PEI. Every part of it is just pretty and lovely!