Sep 18, 2013

Well we had a lovely sunny day but the wind chill was pretty brutal. Fall really is coming and we had many layers on and the hand grip heaters cranked up well.



One of the last rural glimpses of Prince Edward Island. The soil is really red like the area Norm grew up in and the potatoes look terrific….in face we also saw a HUGE pumpkin out the front of a farmhouse yesterday and it literally spread out wider than a chep pallet…I kid you not!



A statue at the base of the Confederation Bridge on Prince Edward island called ‘The Quartermaster’ to honour the Marine and Rail personnel from across the Island who ensured safe passage for people and freight to and from the Island before the bridge was constructed



The Confederation Bridge from New Brunswick to Prince Edward Island (shot compliments of Wikipedia). By the way there is no charge to go to the Island but the charges on the bridge to return are as follows:
$44.50 – car
$17.75 – motorcycle
$7.25 – for every extra axle



Morning coffee in Amherst and here is an example of the local pink sandstone in some of their public buildings (the front one badly needs cleaning as you can see) then since Norm’s GPS gave up the ghost this morning we mucked about for nearly 2 hours trying to get a replacement with no luck. We finally rang the Bike people in Boston where we are getting the bikes serviced and they are arranging one to be there for him when we get there on the 23rd



A fuel stop in Truro where we had traffic lights to get into this huge site with fuel stop and restaurant, truck parking and for good measure a Freightliner Dealer’s workshop, so a work shot.



We were grateful to get to Baddeck and had a yummy dinner and now getting ready for bed so we’re ready for another big day tomorrow. This is a little lighthouse we passed on our way to our accommodation taken from the wharf when we went to dinner



And a wider shot in the moonlight on our return

We enjoyed a lot of time on the Trans Canadian Highway today and it was a terrific piece of infrastructure literally going up and down over a mountain range and beyond. Signs to say to expect winter conditions for big distances and many miles of snow markers each side of the roadway and signs to be aware there can be snow blowing across the road as well. Happy to say we didn’t experience any of that!

Bits and Bobs:

I missed the (one of) Midland Truck Depot on the way off PEI, this is a rreally very polished fleet we have seen throughout Canada. A light almost wedgewood green metallic livery with a white stripe. Probably more on the green side than grey and without doubt every one we have seen looks great. Good to see.



The last of our PEI signs. Haven’t seen this one anywhere else, I note that one of the sponsors of the sign is MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Drivers) Makes sense.

Last night’s Accommodation:



The Sonata Inn
3 Grafton Street
Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, C1A1K3

A stately building beautifully maintained with lovely facilities. Large room, tea and coffee making facilities, guest laundry (we found after doing our washing by hand DOH!) roomy dining room and mezzanine sitting area with DVD library. Breakfast included (delicious) free parking and helpful staff. Sounded a bit freaky hearing so much noise from other suites but didn’t detract from the experience overall. Good value for money.