WELCOME TO PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND!

Over the course of this trip, 900 people have been following this blog, at least intermittently, if not regularly.  I need to say again what an impact this interest and support has had on my trip.  I have never felt it was particularly brave or amazing (there are so many people in the world doing things that require much more courage), but everyone I meet keeps telling me it is brave and amazing and every time I hear it, I am rejuvenated for what comes next.
 
Today, I boarded the ferry from Nova Scotia to Prince Edward Island – the last of the 13 provinces and territories of Canada to explore.  Fury’s wheels hit the pavement of Prince Edward Island and I thought, “I made it!”  And then cried.  CRIED!  It caught me completely by surprise that it would feel so personally intense.  I intend to see the whole island, but if I do nothing else, I have achieved my goal of getting into every province and territory.  Aside from exploring it, the last necessary thing is that the spot for Tracey’s ashes must find me.   But I have earned her faith in my resilience to complete this adventure and feel the pride she would have had in it.
 
I got up in decent time this morning and was at the Snowflake Manor breakfast table at the appointed 8:30 a.m. for breakfast (bike already loaded and ready).  Had a visit with the other travellers and met Claire and Zane in addition to those I met the night before.   Zane came out to see what I was riding and we had a short conversation about the personal impact of travelling solo and about his writings of memoirs and the changes that has brought to his perspectives.   There is no doubt that this trip has given me a deep sense of self.  The realization that all that you need is within yourself brings with it the ability to relinquish the need to control what goes on around you and accept others more easily.    
 
After breakfast, I headed over to the RCMP detachment in Enfield, Nova Scotia.  They did indeed have my purse, which had been found and turned in to them completely intact (money and everything).  The woman at reception told me they have had several wallets turned in this summer – all intact – which restores her faith in humanity (mine too!).
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It was another beautiful day for riding and Fury and I cheerfully headed for the Pictou ferry to Prince Edward Island!  Upon arrival at the terminal, I encountered some folks from Kingston that I had met before on my travels!  I remembered their faces, but not that they were from Kingston.  Such fun to see them again.   I also met Fred in the ferry lineup and his wife Ronna came to chat with me on the ferry.  They used to ride, but have given up the bike and now travel by convertible!  A sweet trade-off.  😊
 
The next meeting of the day was Judy and Sue.  These remarkable ladies, having done a lot of international travel, decided to do their own country – the USA.   They have seen all of theirs and most of ours – 120,000 miles and 3 motorhomes later!  I talked with Judy for quite some time on the ferry, hearing stories of their travels.  
 
I rode through a beautiful landscape of crops and red roads to Charlottetown and checked into the Banbridge Inn.  This is a lovely motel and a great find.  The front desk staff was very friendly and helpful.  She suggested the show that was going on called Atlantic Blue, which was a tribute to east coast songwriters and performers.  I got one of the last remaining tickets and went.  The seat was a good one and the show was so great.   The show was a combination of movie, telling the story of each artist, and Tara MacLean’s performance of a chosen song from each artist.  Tara has an incredibly powerful voice and did a stunning job.  The band playing with her were next-level talent and the whole evening was moving and educational and inspirational.  This is the second year the show has run and if they do it again next year, I highly recommend attending!
 
For now, though, I had best get myself to bed.  It will be an exploring day tomorrow, so will need my energy!  Thanks for joining me.