Prince Edward Island

So pretty. So, so pretty.

We came here with two intentions: go to Cavendish Beach, and find Thunder Cove.

I didn't realize that Cavendish Beach was on a National Park, so firstly there was an $8 charge to go on to the beach, which while I was annoyed I was willing to pay, but they also don't allow dogs on the beach.  Not wanting to make poor Lita sit in the car while Alanna and I played in the sand, we decided not to go to one of the prettiest beaches ever and instead we were directed to Cabot Beach.  Definitely underwhelming.  But still, nice to lay in the sun, and splash around in the ocean for a bit.

From there we tried to find Thunder Cove, but lack of internet connection made it hard to find.  I could see Alanna fading, but I was determined to find it.  I wasn't going to let our trip to PEI be wasted, and have us fail in both goals.

And we're both glad we did.

Beautiful.  So reminiscent of the scenery I spent a million dollars going to see in Australia.  Every day I'm amazed to discover what is here, right in Canada.  We should have just come right here, instead of going to Cabot Beach.  The beach here is phenomenal; huge, soft sands (it squeaks under your toes!), nice breeze... heaven.

I'm thinking that next year will bring my trip to western and northern Canada, rather than to the USA.  I want to stop branching out to other places before I'm done seeing what is here.

Today I learned two things:

It is impossible to drive under 160km an hour  when  listening to SLAYER because metal makes you drive FAST.

And Cows Ice Cream is  one of the best things I have ever eaten.

While driving to Peggy's Cove today, I realized how different the things I want in life are now from a few years ago.

If you would have told me ten years ago that I wouldn't be living in Toronto, and that I'd be dreaming of a little country house, and of having a little girl to raise, I would have said you were crazy.  Ten years ago, hell even five years ago, I craved the city life.  I wanted to move to New York City, or at least get my debt paid off and move back to Toronto.  And children... HELL no.  I wanted the convenience of the city; the bustle; the constant noise, always something to do.

Now, I want something simple.  I want to sit on my porch, watching the sun set over the water, my little girl playing in the sand a few feet from me.  I only have a few years left to make this happen, so I'd better get on that.

Peggy's Cove

I love being able to drive when travelling, and I'm loving travelling with A.  We both love things like stupid roadsigns and beautiful lakes, so while driving along blaring Gwen Stefani we both point and laugh at things and stop the car to get out and take pictures.  I've never travelled like this before, and I'm loving it.  The freedom to go where we want, when we want.  It's awesome.

Today we drove to Peggy's Cove, which is very justifiably listed in a million places as one of the prettiest places in Canada.  It was surreal to see a tourist attraction that wasn't jammed up with tourist booths.  There was one jewelry shop; one ice cream stand; and one art gallery.  Other than that, it was just gorgeous.  Sitting up on the rocks, cool wind blowing, sun shining, the ocean in front of me:  THIS is what I travel for.  I haven't felt that peace since Australia.  And this is in my own country!

I'd upload a photo to go with this but I lost my freaking camera case along the way so now I have to go out and hunt down a new camera cord.  But at least I didn't lose the camera itself.

Tomorrow we're taking a ferry over to Prince Edward Island, I'm excited to check out Cavendish Beach and the red red sands.

Being on east coast is making me miss my ex, for the first time really since we broke up months ago.  I've only been out this way twice, and both times were with him.  So I'm already finding myself saying 'M and I did this', or 'M and I wanted to go there', etc, etc.

We get along fine back in Ottawa but it's not like we're great friends, and I haven't felt this affection and nostalgia since we broke up, so it' surprised me to feel this way.  Although it's natural in a way I guess, because here I am re-doing a trip I've only ever done with him, but still.  WEIRD.  Nice though, because there's no reason not to feel affection for someone I lived with for eight months, it's not like we're enemies.  And it's not like missing him here is making me want to run back and get back together with him, but it does make me want to try and actually become friends.

Changes

Well, no Newfoundland.

It's hard for four people to be on the same page.  Sooooo...me and A are going to go our separate way and create an east coast tour of our own.

Haven't put a plan in motion yet, but thinking

Peggy's Cove
Price Edward Island
Cape Breton
possibly the Gaspe
and DEFINITELY spending some time at the Bay of Fundy.  Thinking around Parrsboro, there are a bunch of fossil sites there and according to the internet it's Nova Scotia's 'best kept secret'.

Mike and I camped out on the fundy shore last year and it was amazing.  Unfortunately we only had one night, and this time A and I have lots of time.  Originally our plan had been to get back to Montreal/Ottawa for the 7th, so we could both work the 8th and 9th before her birthday celebration on the 10th, but now that we're not going to Newfoundland we're going to head back sooner, most likely next Sunday, the 5th.  So we have a week to hit all the locations above, which should be fine.

I'm sad Newfoundland isn't happening (AGAIN).  BUT, I've never been to PEI, and my other trips to the east coast were mostly to Halifax to party and head back.  So this time, we got the partying done last night, and now it's scenery time.  Fuck yeah.

Day two...

Already realizing that everyone's plan for this trip wasn't the same.  At this moment, not sure what's gonna happen.

The only thing I know for sure right now is that I'm at one of my best friend in the worlds house in Halifax, drinking with his awesome girlfriend, and heading to a sweet metal show.  So at least right now rules.