TWIN SHORES

We don’t seem to be having a great deal of luck in the camping department this year.  After visiting the eastern shore mid-June we planned a wee break expecting some visitors from away and  of course time to tend to our garden.

We did however manage a trip to Quebec for a family visit.  Twelve hours of driving each way used to seem like such a trial but for some reason this time it felt easier.  Two hours of drive time, a brief break for Zula and us to stretch our legs, a change of driver and all was good.

We decided to leave REDII behind this time choosing instead a hotel stay. As much as she loves the camper, Zula seemed to feel right at home in our room…

F thought she should have tree-climbing lessons at a nearby park.  That look on Zula’s face says it all doesn’t it?  “Are you kidding me?  I’m a cat. Watch me climb! Now try to get me down.”

Early August I had booked another few days at Five Islands (our favourite spot last year) but half way there, our tow beast started having issues with losing coolant.  Staying on the safe side of road travel we called to cancel and turned around. Once home we found the water pump needed replacing.  Last year wasn’t a whole lot better with F breaking ribs and collar bone during a cycling outing. That time we had to cancel our trip to PEI, so this year we are island bound, the longest trip to date for REDII, slightly longer than our trip to Fundy last year. We chose to cross by the Confederation Bridge instead of by ferry.

My dad, Robert Haslam, was born on the island and it always brings back wonderful memories to drive by the family home, even if now it is only a drive-by, no longer owned or occupied by family.  Hazeldean is what it was called  and it still stands, having been lovingly restored under the Historic Place Protection Act.  If you are interested you can read a bit more about its history here: Hazeldean.

Our camp site at Twin Shores was perfect.  Large and private and most importantly, level.

We had a view of the beach from our dining table and at night we were treated to a symphony of waves splashing the shore.

In spite of this being a busy week for campers and the last long weekend of the summer, and a very hot one at that, the beach wasn’t at all crowded.

Every night we enjoyed a camp fire and were treated to spectacular sunsets.

Venturing out to poke around the country side offered so many  beautiful pastoral scenes.

…and along the coast, dotted with fishing villages.

You can’t come to PEI without enjoying it’s bounty of seafood, especially world famous Malpeque oysters.

Our final day we stopped by a nearby pub to enjoy yet another feed of oysters, delicious seafood chowder and some local brew.

While we were away, our little village of Hubbards hosted the World Sailing Championship of the 49er, 49er FX and the Nacra 17 class.   Over 400 entrants from all over the world filled St. Margarets Bay with colour and activity.  Our very own Bluenose II even made a cameo appearance.

It was a very busy month for us but we are now back to home base, rebalancing our lives and getting ready for whatever fall may bring.  We hope to have at least one more outing before packing up for the winter months…something more local no doubt.  Maybe a place on a quiet lake to try out my new paddle board…which sadly hasn’t been out of it’s bag yet this year.

Thanks for stopping by to catch up. The crew of REDII will return when time allows.

….peace and love…