is a Canadian Province consisting of an island of the same name. This maritime province is the smallest in the nation-in both size and population, with about 141,000 residents. Named after Prince Edward, Duke of Strathearn, consists of 2194 sq miles and is located north of the Nova Scotia Peninsula. We learned about the Loonie (the dollar coin introduced in 1987) and the Tunnie ( the $2 coin-the former $2 bill costs 6 cents to print and lasted a year but the new coin costs 16 cents to mint and will last 20 years)- hey what ever happened to our Susan B Anthony?? I just got a kick out of calling the dough Loonie and Toonie- And here I thought they were calling out to Boca and Bubba!
This beautiful bucolic (Bubba hates when I use that word because it reminds him of when we first met I used it and he didn't know what it meant, I suggested he look it up in the 20 volume Oxford Dictionary he should give me for our engagement in lieu of a ring-yeah, WHAT WAS I THINKING!)- anyway, with its rolling hills, woods, coastline and beaches lives up to its reputation as a beauty. Again, we had rain, wind and dampness much of the day but Bubba persevered at the wheel as he gave us quite the island tour- what's the name of that malady that relates to the weather? Crabby Old Man Syndrome? Anyway, more stunning white clapboard churches- 47% Catholic, 20% Church of Canada, 6% Pres., 5% Anglican and no religion for 6.5%- hence lots of churches. Bubba was impressed with the condition and neatness of all the cemeteries-many next to the churches. I look at the Churches and he looks at the Cemeteries....hmmmmmmmm Freudian?
The PEI folks are not only friendly and helpful but retain an old world and small town charm. It shows in their demeanor and lifestyle and quite refreshing. No shopping here ladies but worth a visit. The cleanliness, tidiness and neatness of 99.9% of the rural homes were very noticeable. AND IT'S NOT A GATED COMMUNITY BUBBA! How could that be? Bubba says it is their ethnic heritage, pride and peer pressure. I say there has got to be some kind of a rule for no junk allowed on your property and keep your lawn and garden HOUSE AND GARDEN picture worthy. No community of this size in the US is up to these standards...the country side of Germany compares but I was a bit disappointed on the last trip to Germany with all that graffiti-none here, thank you very much.
Remember the book "Anne of Green Gables"? -about the island's famous heroine, written by the islands most famous author, Lucy Montgomery. Lucy lived here and this is where the story takes place. They have made her homestead and cousins farm part of the National Park system. I looked forward to seeing the Canadian Pippi Longstocking's Green Gable. Did you know Lucy's manuscript was accepted on the sixth try?! She went on to write 17 more books, 10 of which feature Anne. But Bubba was more interested in watching the geese overhead. This popular tourist destination also "churns" some very tasty rum raisin ice cream if you behave on the tour....yes, thank goodness Pleep stayed with Bubba and Sis and I passed the behavior test. Whewwwww. check out www.foreveranne.com She has quite a following!
This place is all about relaxation and the odd thing is that Boca ooh'd and ah'd most of the day with all of the profound tidiness and the dairy farms, Bubba had his fill. I think all the driving made him a little cranky, especially when Boca would make him double back to look at another clean farm and cow. Make no mistake the Potato is King. They even have a Potato Museum (1/3 of the crops are potato's) I did opt to take a pass on that venue...maybe Bubba does have a point. Never the less while Prince Edward Island may be a little off the beaten path it is truly beautiful and worth a visit that is if you're up in this neck of the woods and don't NEED to shop. I did pass on the black light miniature golfing though.....Bubba even spotted a place for the next visit...yes exactly the place for him and Pleep.Oh yes, Charlottetown is the Capital of this province and a fun spot with great chow and some serious Irish singers and dancers.- but make no mistake this island is all about the country side- HEE HAW!
How many miles so far? Boca takes the wheel tomorrow....heading to Nova Scotia to see the total eclipse of the sun....
