Where the road takes me

I had no plans on this day (Sept. 1) and I thought I was just going to laze around, read a book, maybe doing a little walking here in Charlottetown and see some of the historical sights, but the pull to see some of the other lighthouses was much stronger than the option of being lazy. Besides, it was not as warm, so hanging out at the beach was not an option. So my little rental Nissan Micra (small) and I spent another day together.

I knew I wanted to see St. Dunstan's Basillica here in town, so that's where I headed first. You know, after see so many magnificent cathedrals and churches in Europe, it's hard to get too excited about any others. But I had heard that this was the one to see. I don't know anything about it, so I just quietly walked through and took some pictures and left. Didn't see another person.

After the Basillica, it was all about the lighthouses. First up, the East Point Lighthouse, which is the furthest up the east coast of PEI, and all the way to the tip of the island. On the way I ran into this one that I didn't even know about. It's called Shipwreck Light and it's in Naufrage Harbour. It looked like it was on private land so I didn't even try to get closer.

Also on the way I ran into several wind farms. Apparently these are a big deal on the island.

East Point Lighthouse

It was nice to finally be able to walk up to the top of a lighthouse. The motto (on t-shirts) is "East Point - Where the sun rises and the tides meet." It was a strange combination of waves right off the point.

I really liked these stairs, the way they hugged the wall of the lighthouse. They almost tilted.

The foghorns that were removed.

All in all, a really pretty lighthouse. And the views were spectacular.

I love this red sand and rock.

Next up, Souris Lighthouse. I'd been pronouncing it Sore-iss, but it's pronounced Sore-eee. And this is another one that I got to climb up, albeit not as tall.

The stairs get more narrow the higher up you go, naturally, but they also have landings after each "flight" of stairs. On the second landing of the Souris Light, there is a really cool display on sea glass. I loved the display of actual bottles and glass  in their original condition, before we find them on the beach and get all excited about finding a piece of "beach glass." The process is quite interesting. Man throws something into the sea, maybe off a ship or boat. After being tossed around in the ocean, being shattered and worn down to soft edges, it eventually ends up back in man's hands after it hits the beach. It's hard to find sea glass. Everybody these days is looking for it. The best time is as the tide goes out and deposits her booty. But you still have to keep a sharp eye out for it as they are usually little pieces of glass.

I love fresnel lights.

At the top of Souris Light you can actually go out on the tower, on the outside, which was extremely windy. But you get better pictures!

Sandstone carving at the Souris Lighthouse.

I almost didn't go to the next lighthouse because, like I said earlier, they pretty much all look the same. I guess what I like is the area surrounding each lighthouse. And the wonderful back roads getting to each one is always an adventure, so I drove on. I couldn't believe when I turned the corner to this stunning view.

Panmure Island Lighthouse

You can climb to the top of Panmure, but I didn't want to fork out another $5 and my knees hurt every time I climb stairs. Probably should have saved the climbing for this one as it is taller. But you can go to the first landing without having to pay, so I did that, but not before I walked the very pretty grounds.

Loved this little reading nook in the lighthouse!

Very windy day on the eastside of the island. After my visit at Panmure Island Light (I didn't know I was on an island!), I was anxious to get back to Charlottetown, dinner, and some R&R. After driving for a little while, I noticed this cute little path through the beach grass, over the dunes. I debated, but curiosity won the day and I stopped. Ohmygoodness, am I glad I did!

This is the view that greeted me as I crested the dune. I did a double take, and yes indeed, there was a beautiful rainbow over the Atlantic Ocean. My pictures don't do it justice, but believe me, it was stunning. To think that I almost didn't stop!

It was so cool to see every single color!!

Just when I get comfortable, and maybe a little bored of the drive, I turn a curve or come over a hill and am surprised. This island has so much variety . . . fields, flowers, animals, trees, rivers, bays, harbours, houses, farms, etc. So why should I be surprised that I ran into a field of buffalo? Well, I certainly was surprised.

Next up, a field of sunflowers!

 And all over the island are cornfields and potato fields. The corn will be ready in a couple of weeks.

I had seen a restaurant called "Lobster on the Wharf" down on the waterfront so I thought I would give it a try for dinner. Look at the size of the fish for the fish 'n chips! Unfortunately, I've decided that I don't like haddock, which is the number one fish they use here in their fish 'n chips. I'd rather have cod. But the french fries were good - of course they are - they are PEI potatoes!!