Some have told me the island is beautiful. Some have said it is gentle, an easy-going maritime culture. Some think it is boring. Balance is always a priority to me, and the yin yang of erosion vs stability, aggression vs passivity, drama vs ease comes to me here on Prince Edward Island. And balance in my life is never boring.
With a coastline of about 1100 miles, and a land surface of approximately 2,184 square miles, this small island hosts 63 lighthouses and range-light buildings. The range lights, set a bit inland, form a triangulation of lights to the seafaring vessel. When all three lights are in view, all in one line, the ship can navigate safely to shore. Not unlike my hiking lists in New England, there are those checking off all of the lighthouses on the island. Some are still operating, some defunct, some on private property, inaccessible to the public. In one week, it would be daunting to try to see all 63 light structures. I pick a handful that have access. Some shine their light out over a point of land, bringing illumination for all who need and want it. Maybe this is what makes the island welcoming and gentle--the island is lighting the way for arrival.
With a coastline of about 1100 miles, and a land surface of approximately 2,184 square miles, this small island hosts 63 lighthouses and range-light buildings. The range lights, set a bit inland, form a triangulation of lights to the seafaring vessel. When all three lights are in view, all in one line, the ship can navigate safely to shore. Not unlike my hiking lists in New England, there are those checking off all of the lighthouses on the island. Some are still operating, some defunct, some on private property, inaccessible to the public. In one week, it would be daunting to try to see all 63 light structures. I pick a handful that have access. Some shine their light out over a point of land, bringing illumination for all who need and want it. Maybe this is what makes the island welcoming and gentle--the island is lighting the way for arrival.
Some Lighthouses:
Prince Edward Island is known for its traditional music, drawing from the Acadian, Scottish, British, and local indigenous Mi'kmaq tribe cultures. During the North Cape Scenic Drive loop, I stop into Abram-Village and take in a short musical set, known as a "kitchen party"--a gathering filled with live music, dancing, and stories. And in Summerside, I treat myself to the Highland Storm show at the College of Piping--showcasing the history of the Scots on the island. Much piping, step dancing, singing, fiddling, and drumming was to be had.
Some Live Music:
There are three distinct and planned out Scenic Drive loops: The North Cape covering the western portion of the island, the combination Green Gables, Red Sands loop in the middle, and the East Points Loop for the rest. These drives meander through inland potato farms, small cove villages and wharfs, along the coast overlooking the Northumberland Strait to the south, and the Gulf of St. Lawrence to the north. I don't have the time to drive all of the loops, but I drive about 75% of the mileage. With all the farms, coves, wharfs, rivers, and beaches, all there is to do is ooh and aah or stop to walk the secluded or barely populated beaches.
Landscape:
Anne of Green Gables:
"You have to go," my friend Lloyd from Texas said over the phone in July. He is a writer as well, and once connecting the dots between Prince Edward Island and Lucy Maud Montgomery, author of Anne of Green Gables, he was excited about the island history that inspired the tales. So yes, I have to go!
|
Boring? For sure not! Everywhere around Cavendish, young lasses don straw hats complete with two long red braids. They wait to buy ice cream with parents, run around on beaches, bicycle pathways, always wearing their "Anne"-wear!
Van Gogh-Surround Sound
The digital Van Gogh inspired installation has been traveling around the area. Back home, I would have to travel to a big city--like Boston, or Hartford, or New York. The piece is showing in Charlottetown at the Convention Center, and I book myself a time slot for 3 pm the day before I leave the island. What better way to say goodbye to this respite than to immerse myself smack into the middle of a surround-sound installation.