PEI Opening Weekend 2016

With great anticipation I awaited liftoff from Pearson; although my time on the island this May would be extremely short (2 nights), I was looking forward to breathing in the tranquillity that I knew was awaiting me there... this little taste would tide me over until I return in August for my usual month-long stint.

A female FO on the West jet flight and a host of fluffy clouds viewable from my window seat promised good things to come...

A first sight of the island less than two hours later did not disappoint; into view came the much anticipated red soil and patchwork of carefully sectioned-off farmers' fields so charmingly ubiquitous on PEI.

The barely-audible-yet-distinct little sighs of passengers around me confirmed that I was not the only one on board completely smitten with the view.

Sighs turned to delighted chuckles when our pilots informed us over the aircrafts loudspeaker that it was a balmy 26° locally!

Not long afterwards, we landed in Ch'town, where the vast majority of those disembarking were greeted by some friendly islander with whom they were lucky enough to be connected. Among them was Brian, "our" islander, a neighbour and friend. Soon we were installed in his car and rolling along hwy 2 towards our little corner of the island.

At my insistance, the first stop was the lighthouse beach not far from our home -- I wanted to check the old structure was still standing (it was), and that the ocean was still where we left it (it, too, was just fine, though terribly cold, as I discovered when sticking my toe in!)

No matter, what we lost in swim time, we made up for in magnificent beach views and pre-sunset photos...

Upon our arrival at the house, I found my first task awaiting me: The good people from the census department had been by a few times, it seemed; several "friendly reminders" to complete said document had been stuck in the door, the first two having been removed by our friend and the cleaner before him.

I had already done my legal duty and filed one such in Ontario, so punching in the I.d. number and explaining that this was a seasonal property only was a fairly brief intrusion on my short holiday in Paradise.

The next morning before breakfast, it was off to our local beach!

There we discovered that the usual beach access had been blocked off due to the fact that the fellow who owned the vacant lot there had finally decided to come home to roost. This was evidenced by the in-progress foundation and the mock-up that was miraculously on display despite somewhat windy conditions. And by the porta-potty blocking the path to the beach!

After we found our way to the ocean via an alternate access, we walked for some time along the water, and I took the opportunity to try out the panoramic photo feature on my phone's camera!

After our beach walk, I enjoyed a nice nap in the hammock, following which I set up my drums in the music cabin and warmed up my rusty chops!

A quick walk in the back field after my drumming session revealed the trees were still standing, the purple lupin were coming in nicely, and a few critters had set up their homes out back!

My girlfriend, meanwhile, texted a photo of Sneakers; back home in Toronto, she (the dog) had just successfully graduated from Part Two of her dog training course: The biting wildebeest could now successfully be told to "go to your pillow", and generally stayed there for up to 2 minutes -- especially if treats were involved!!!

For us weekend islanders, though, it was time to head next door and attend to the reason for the season: the annual community lobster dinner!

As has been our custom for some years now, a group of summer islanders and year-rounders gathers to enjoy the first lobster of the season (and numerous salads, deserts, baked goods and beverages) together and welcome spring back to the island.

​The atmosphere was thick with excitement; most of us had not seen one another since new year's, and many not since last summer -- everyone was eager to catch up on local news and of course to eat, drink and partake of general merriment.

​Approximately 40 people gathered to enjoy the warm spring evening, some of us even eating together in the screened in porch!

Another opportunity for a panoramic image also presented itself in the twilight sky that is one of the single most impressive views on the island... yesterday's golden sunset had been replaced by a magnificent canvas of magenta, rose and indigo hues.

I paused to admire it for a moment before returning to the jovial conversations inside.

The next morning, we took a different route to the waterfront, again enjoying the fresh morning air on the island.

​The same harbour offers an unlimited assortment of vantage points, each one featuring its own unique brand of awe and wonder. Still, silent sometimes, the rural parts of the island provide almost constant inspiration for personal reflection. To be here is to engage with one's innermost thoughts, hopes, dreams, fears... one is constantly musing, about life, about human relationships, or about oneself.

All too soon, it was time to go.

After a quick lunch and a handing-off of leftover groceries to the neighbours (during which brief interlude we witnessed a low-flying eagle being chased out of the area by two angry and possessive crows, and a bushy-tailed red fox on the prowl for the same mouse or rabbit that the eagle had probably been hunting), we packed ourselves into Brian's car for the drive back into town.

We were not headed directly to the airport as we had to make a VERY important stop in Charlottetown, first! ;-P

Important and much sought-after provisions having been procured, it was finally time to leave the island for real; we ate a simple supper at the airport restaurant before heading through security and into the waiting area to take our seats along equally unenthusiastic island-leavers, and waited dully for our boarding call.

PEI departure shots from the aircraft are too sad; also I did not have a window seat on the way home, unfortunately. So I did not take any pics out the window.

Let us leave the weekend memories at red foxes, beach walks, musical reunifications and nice chats with island neighbours and friends. A refreshing weekend promise of the summer to come, and a much-needed infusion of rest and relaxation to get me through the final six hectic weeks of school!