Terri and Peter's RV Adventures

This was our day to explore the largest town on Prince Edward Island, Charlottetown, also known as the “Birthplace of the Confederate” as it hosted the Charlottetown Conference in 1864, where delegates from the British North American colonies first discussed the possibility of uniting into a single nation, leading to the creation of Canada (per Wikipedia and the woman at the wharf side Canadian Information desk). As we were driving into town, the Scottish influence was clear from the white church with black spire, The Free Church of Scotland, and two different farm and produce lots, MacCloud Farms and MacKenzie Produce. Then there was the kangaroo silhouette on a garage door.

Charlottetown is scaled more like a town than a city. It’s a mix of old and new buildings, mostly small businesses and government buildings. It is clearly tourist oriented in terms of its offerings: souvenir shops (not many) and restaurants but not veering too far away from authenticity. There are different self guided walking tours with color coded sidewalk markings. The problem is you don’t get too much information other than any plaques you happen to see on buildings or next to statues. We soon gave up and just walked around.

It’s so refreshing seeing the diversity of ethnicities represented, whether in the people walking the streets or the types of food. Seeing the classic barber shop red and white swirling pole, Peter dropped in to “Joe’s Barber Shop” and got a quick clean up hair cut by Joe from Sicily. We had a quick bite at a food market where I had a French Caribbean bowl and Peter had fish tacos, both surprising very good.

(Above: for Evonne and Michael Dunn)

We spent some time walking the boardwalk and giving the dogs their exercise (and us, ours) and then drove back into the main part of town. Rather than head back to camp, we saw a British Fish and Chips restaurant, found out they had gluten free options and a patio for the dogs so we were sold. After wandering into a few bookstores (used and new), we headed over to the restaurant for an early dinner. It was the perfect place: casual, good food and dog friendly. The breading on the fish was very thin and light (speaking for the gluten free version) and eating fried anything much less French fries is a real treat for us gluten free types.

The place is owned by two Iranian brothers and we got into an extensive conversation with one of the brothers about the history of Iran, Zoroasterism, that the people of Iran actually like Israel, and have separate views from the government (sound familiar). It was a lengthy, stimulating conversation and not one that would happen at a busier, corporate restaurant.

(Above: thinking of you, Jane)

Tomorrow we head off the island to Shediak, New Brunswick for two nights at Parlee Provincial Park. Before we leave the island, we were fortunate enough to find an RV repair place to take a look at the door hinges that need some TLC. (Yes, it’s always something.). It looks like a screw fell off one and before the hinge falls off altogether, we need at least an interim solution until we can get an Airstream service department look at it, either in Montreal (the nearest one) or somewhere else. It’s under warranty so we should get reimbursed. So, off to the Toy Master RV in the morning and hopefully Junior will know what to do. (How can you not have faith in a repair guy named “Junior”?)

We will definitely miss the vibe, the incredibly pleasant, gracious people and the eye-popping, soul soothing scenery of this island.

(Above: Our camping spot and final evening at this campground.)