Day 29: Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island - Rest Day 2

Day 29: Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, Canada - Rest Day 2

July 11, 2016

Miles: 0


Continential Breakfast was good, same as yesterday; we made it to the breakfast area for 9:30a, so we had 30 minutes to down as many coffees as possible, which actually was easy since coffee and tea is offered complimentary all day; Steve had mini egg quiches and fresh fruit, and me hard boiled eggs and fresh fruit for breakfast.  At about 12:00p we set out to rent a vehicle for the day.  We wanted to explore the island - mainly Green Gables and the coastal areas.  We actually contemplated riding our bikes to Cavendish, the home of Green Gables, but was a 50 mile round trip so we quickly came to our senses and rented the only vehicle available, a black Bronco SUV.

And it was a good thing because driving north across the island from Charlottetown (south of the island) was like riding over one very steep hill after the next. If we had taken the bikes, we probably wouldn't have made it back to Charlottetown before dark, and could not have explored as much of the island as we did.  

So it was at this point, driving to Green Gables, when it dawned on me that all the trees on this island were short.  Not a single tall tree.  It's been three days now on this island and we have covered many miles with not a single tall tree. I was glad when I realized this because there was something different but I just couldn't put my finger on it.  Well now I have it - I am so relieved!

Steep hill

We definately made the right choice.  The SUV was a good choice for climbing these hills.

Another steep hill

Another thing that Steve and I were so surprised by was just how famous Green Gables really is and how well known it is all over the world; today it is a national landmark and a huge part of the PEI economy.  Tourism is the largest industry behind, agriculture and aquaculture.  Also growing are the aerospace an bioscience industries.

After 30 minutes of driving through the countryside, we made it to Cavendish, a coastal hot spot and where Green Gables resides.

L.M. Montgomery, author of Anne of Green Gables, her first of 20 novel's published in Boston in 1908.   Green Gables was an actual place that Montgomery spent much time growing up as a young girl. She was raised by her maternal grandparents after her mother died of tuberculosis when she was 21 months old. Green Gables, a place close to her grandparents home and owned by the MacNeill family, cousins of Montgomery, and is the place that inspired her creation of this well-loved story.
 

Green Gables

Other side of Green Gables

Living room

Dining room

Food Pantry

Stove in kitchen

Anne's room

Marilla's room

Mathiew's room

Me on Haunted Wood Trail

Haunted Wood Trail, a woodland trail that inspired Montgomery's vivid writings in the book, a place Anne Shirley and her best friend Dianna would imagine chilling and eerie adventures at Green Gables.

Steve on the Haunted Wood Trail

Other Side of the Haunted Wood Trail

Sectioned off Area Where Mongomery's maternal grandparents once lived

Before we entered the next trail - Lovers Lane, we stopped at the book store.  The woman working there was thrilled to give us the facts about Green Gables and about Anne Shirley and her creator.  She also told us that before we leave the island we had to have the Best Burger (Grass Feed) made on the island at BOOM-Burger and the WORLD'S BEST Ice Cream at Cow Creamery.  It was on our way back to Charlottetown, so we did decide to take her advice.

Lovers Lane

Lovers Lane, a woodland trail that can also be found today at Green Gables, a special place Anne Shirley invented in her imagination, however an actual place L.M. Montgomery drew inspiration from as she put it 'green and alluring and beckoning'.

Lovers Lane

  
So after walking about 4 miles and spending about 4 hours at Green Gables, we had worked up a good appetite. We decided to leave to go get the best burger on the island and best ice cream in the world.  Driving to BOOM-Burger and Cow Creamery this shot was taken from the car.  Notice no tall trees.

Grass feed cattle

Still no tall trees.

Not sure what crop

We arrived at the BOOM-Burger and Cow Creamery in just under 20 minutes, both places side by each. I ordered a double cheese burger on a lettuce bun and Steve a single cheese burger on a regular bun.  I haven't been able to get Steve to try a lettuce wrap or bun as of yet.  A real shame because it really is satisfying :)  We split a large order of hand-cut, PEI potato fries.  Steve rated the meal good, but not great!  I agreed!

We were definately ready for food

The best burger on the island

OK, now the best ice cream in the world; apparently, this ice cream is as famous in Canada as Green Gables.  I ordered my usual coffee ice cream and Steve chocolate with toffee and chocolate chunks.

We each ordered 1 scoop of ice cream in a bowl.  We were both very full from the best burger, but we couldn't pass up the best ice cream in the world now could we.  We both rated the ice cream great!

After eating our dinner - burger, fries and ice cream we headed to the coast.

Victoria Park close to Charlottetown

Skyline of Charlottetown

Our attempt at a selfie at Victoria Park.  It was the first selfie we took.  The second one wasn't much better, so I went with this one.  Thought I would give you all a good laugh!

We really have to get better at this

Tomorrow we are back on the bikes.  We will head west toward the Confederation Bridge where we will take a shuttle over to New Brunswick (about 35 miles).  No bicyclist or pedestrians are allowed to cross on bike or by foot, but a shuttle service is available 24/7, 365 days.  The bridge was built in 1997 connecting PEI and New Brunswick and stretches 8 miles across the Northumberland Strait.  Our final destination tomorrow is Port Elgin about 15 miles from where we re-enter NB on the other side of the bridge.  It will be about 50 miles ridng our bikes and 8 miles traveling by shuttle.  Beautiful weather is forecasted tomorrow (mid 70s).  If we get an early start, we should make it to Port Elgin by 6:00p, perhaps earlier if the terrain and wind cooperates.