Tuesday, October 4, 2022

Day: 25 of 35

Date: Monday October 3, 2022

Segment: 23 of 32
Segment Start: Elmira
Segment End:  Bothwell
Actual Distance:  19.9k
Start Time:  10:02
End Time:   15:07
Elapsed Time (hh:mm): 5:05
Walking Time (hh:mm): 3:48
Average Moving Speed: 5.2 kph
Average Moving Pace: 11:27 min/km 
Total Ascent:   155m
Total Descent: 152m
Average Temperature: 21.8C

Interactive Route Map  (Walked Segment 23 clockwise but individual pieces in counter-clockwise. Quick jump forwards on solid blue line reflects vehicle movement.)

Thoughts

Last evening at approximately 10:20 pm we received a call from our Georgetown proprietor, stating that she has power reinstated in her inn. As a result, we packed up early this morning and left Summerside shortly after 7:00 am. The Quality Inn has been amazing for us, providing above and beyond expectation for our needs in the last week and a half. We are a bit sorry to leave as we have a nice routine going here but the driving to and from our walking routes is taking close to 3 hours per day now. 

It was a picture perfect day for walking today--clear blue skies, quiet roads, wonderful vistas...doesn't get any better than this! It was a 20 km walk today, just the perfect distance if you ask me:). We trekked out to see the Confederation Lighthouse at East Point, built in 1867! It is being restored so we were not able to tour but the small gift shop was open for the first time since Fiona visited this island. This point is also the place of the 'meeting of the tides' described as follows:

The meeting of the tides is really interesting to see. Prince Edward Island is encompassed on either side by the Northumberland Strait on the south and the Gulf of St. Lawrence on the north. Both of these bodies of water are moved by currents, including currents that come from the Atlantic Ocean into the Gulf of St. Lawrence. When these two tides meet at both North Cape and East Point, they create the effect called the "meeting of the tides". When you stand at either North Cape and East Point you can see that there is a thin line of waves created where the two tides collide, especially if you are there at high tide. You can also get another perspective when you climb the East Point Lighthouse.

Roads were very quiet making it a very comfortable walk. There was little wind (as compared to yesterday) so the low teen temperature was very comfortable. We watched potato harvesting--something that is happening in full force right now. A tractor with a conveyor belt picks up the potatoes, the soil is shaken off and the potatoes move on the belt to a truck that is moving alongside the tractor. When the truck is full it moves off to deposit the potatoes in storage and the next truck takes its place. It is a fast efficient method of harvesting and farmers are making the most of the dry, sunny weather.

One rather disturbing fact that we've picked up is that the potato plants are sprayed with a herbicide before harvesting. This is so the plant dies and is readily separated from the potatoes upon harvesting. I don't know what herbicide is used but it is very concerning that this will affect the soil when the next crop of potatoes is sown.

We talked with a couple of locals--a woman who is involved in the upkeep of the trails and a gentleman who walked much of the Confederation Trail with family members and was quite interested in our journey. Both of these folks just happened to be outdoors and came down to the road to talk to us as we were walking by. 

We arrived in Georgetown just before 5 pm and are delighted with our new quarters. Our hostess upgraded our room at least for the first few nights, at no extra cost so we have a lovely room with a view of the water! On recommendation by our host we went to a restaurant called Clam Diggers and now have a new favourite place to eat. So many delightful seafood dishes to choose from--the ones we chose were certainly delicious. We will certainly go back again. 
Contributor: Jane Huiskamp

The Walk (Click image for larger view)

Most Eastern Point of PEI

Light House (Undergoing Renovations) and Gift Shop

SE View With Cape Breton in the Distance

Morning Sun in All Its Glory

NE View

West View From Cape

East View From Cape

Potato Harvesting

Potato Harvester

Not Sure if Fiona Related

8  Parallel Deciduous Trees Felled By Fiona

North View

Creative - Mailbox Painting of Owners Fishing Boat (next image)

Across Road From Mailbox

Clam Digger Restaurant's Clam Chowder - Ummmm


The End

Segment 23 In The Books


5 comments:

  1. Yay on being in Georgetown at last! Having the driving time getting longer every day was tough indeed. Welcome to your new "basecamp" as you continue your adventure!!!

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    1. Thanks Jaellayna! We lucked out with the Georgetown Inn. Great "basecamp" for the location we're walking.

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  2. Thanks Jaellayna, it feels good to experience this end of the island too! Glad you made it home safely!

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  3. Wonderful photos! Love seeing and hearing about your adventures! Jim & Laurie

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    1. Thank you! Glad you are enjoying hearing and seeing our adventure. Not as glad though as we'll be when we're done :-). I hear you had a trip of your own. Look forward to hearing more about it on our return. Jerry

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