I immediately fall in love with PEI. It reminds me of Whidbey Island, WA, minus the snow capped mountain ranges. It is a gentle rolling island, with this incredible red sand. How they grow potatoes here in the red clay soil is a complete mystery to us.
Additionally, PEI has the best signage we have seen on the planet! These coastal scenic drive signs are everywhere and placed at every intersection. They are big, colorful, and easy to see. Rest of the world - please take note!
Just a few miles north of our campground, our first stop is at this lovely church, Notre-Dame du Mont-Carmel. It had a fairly large graveyard overlooking the shore, and I notice many of the names have the same last name, Gallant.
Next stop is the Cape Egmont lightstation. Notice the red sand.
Another great sign pointing the way together with the highway sign.
Now we are at the beautiful little memorial park honoring the fallen soldiers from PEI. As we drive in, a lovely lady comes up to us and takes us under her wing and tells us the history of this little park. Although I have lost my note, I believe her name is Mary Anne. Originally, it was the site of a church, long fallen. The bell and cross shown in the second photo are actually from the church. The cross will be mounted when time and funds permit. I also asked her about the name Gallant, which was on half the grave markers. She explained that Gallant was one of the two most common names on the island. It is of Acadian origin. Many, many people of Acadian descent live in Canada. The Acadians were very independent people (I am now speaking of hundreds of years ago) when they fled France, and would pledge loyalty to neither the King of France or the King of England. As a result, no one trusted them. The Acadian heretiage is also evident on the east coast of the US all the way down to New Orleans, Louisana; hence the origin of the French language in these areas. By the way, please note the history is my interpretation, so please don't "take it to the bank."!
Shown above, the flags of Canada, PEI and Acadia.
Our next stop is The Quilt Gallery in the town of O'Leary. The Potato Museum is closed, and even though it's after 5:00 PM the owner, Michelle Moase shown here with Bob, is gracious enough to turn on the lights and let us browse around. She is truly a lovely gal! Check out her website: www.quiltgallerypei.com.
Now racing the sun, we finally come to the West Point Lighthouse for our final stop prior to returning to Popeye. It now consists of a small inn and restaurant for the guests. With its distinctive black and white stripes, it is one of the most famous lighthouses on PEI.
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