Days 17 and 18: Exploring the Emerald Isle

Days 17 and 18 were spent exploring Prince Edward Island. After such a great deal of driving to get to places, we have finally arrived at a place that, within 50-100 kilometres, you can be at your destination. Such was the case with Cavendish, northwest of Charlottetown, and setting for Lucy Maud Montgomery's Canadian Classic, Anne of Green Gables. It was a warm day and there were many tourists, especially Japanese. Apparently, Anne of Green Gables is actually part of the curriculum in Japanese schools, and 5% of visitors to the site are Japanese. The site we visited was turned into an 18-hole golf course after the farm was sold in the early 1900s, but was reconstructed and turned into a National Historic Site. Details were taken from photographs, journals, and the books themselves. The kids really enjoyed the visit. Jake has really surprised us. The spirit of the island has crept into his heart and he has purchased the book, Anne of Green Gables. Together with an audiobook on his iPod, he has already read most of the book, and is loving it. Way to go Jake! After visiting Green Gables, we went to Cavendish beach. It was nice, however, thousands of jelly fish had made their way near the beach, so we were all careful in the water. In the evening, we went into Charlottetown to buy tickets to Anne of Green Gables, the play. We also walked the streets and made our way down to the wharf where a free concert was taking place. We enjoyed the "Cows" ice cream and the maritime music.The next day, we visited Province House, PEI's legislative building, and site of the Charlottetown Conference of 1864, where Sir John A. MacDonald and the rest of the "Fathers of Confederation" met to start the process of Confederation. It was interesting to walk the same hallways and climb the same stairs these men did, and be in the same room where the early discussions of Canadian Confederation took place. At 2 p.m., we took in the play. The kids loved it. Kate actually met Anne! In the evening, we went for a drive along the southern shore and found a Provincial Park called Argyle Shores. The kids enjoyed the warm water and red sand, particularly Sam (see below). On our way back, we were treated to a beautiful sunset of Augustine Cove. What a wonderful way to conclude our stay in PEI. In the morning, we look forward to crossing Confederation Bridge, then making our way through New Brunswick, stopping in Quebec, then making it back to Deep River, Ontario, in a couple of days. We have a great deal of driving ahead of us :-)

Green Gables - Cavendish, PEI
Anne's Room
Kids have their picture taken in Anne's garden
Kids in the carriage
Mom, Dad, and Kate go for a carriage ride too!
Kate took this photo!!!
A PEI staple - potatoes
PEI's distinctive red soil
PEI ice cream - COWS
Cows ice cream bar
Kids sitting on the cow
Outdoor concert in Charlottetown
Province House - PEI Legislative Building and 1864 meeting place for the "Fathers of Confederation"
The Fathers of Confederation met around this table
Kate meets Anne Shirley - Kate was shy
Kate tries to look like Anne
Sam doesn't eat lobster, but he finds them very interesting
PEI Provincial Park - Argyle Shores



Sunset over Augustine Cove, PEI. Confederation Bridge is to the left.