PEI here we come

Gaspe au revoir.  PEI Hello.  As always a warm welcome was waiting us at Walrus by the Sea, home of Andy & MJ.  This was a special visit as our good friends Doug and Lindsey were waiting there for us with a big pot of Doug's famous chili.  And Fiona was over all the way from Scotland, her first time to the Maritmes.

Our drive took us down the coast road of New Brunswick, no stopping until we get to PEI (other than a bathroom break or two).  A quick stop in Kensington at Mary's Bakery for some fresh PEI fries and a coconut cream pie and we were off to the coast.  I am sure MJ had my red wine airing :)

A lovely relaxing 4 days by the sea.  A quick visit to the Lower Bedeque lighthouse, a little shopping and lots of walking.  The water was the best it has ever been - calm and warm and no jelly fish.

Walrus by the Sea is famous for their sunsets.  These were the best ever, nothing better than a storm over the sea to highlight the setting sun.

Imagine all the times we have been in PEI we have never been on a boat, never mind deep sea fishing.  Friday morning up nice and early, like 6:30, I think, I can't remember, it was way too early.  Off we set on our new adventure to Joey's Fishing from North Rustico.

This is what I think is called the chum.  The blood and guts to help get the tuna to find our boat.

 The next step was to catch some live bait, like mackeral to put on our rods so the tuna would bite.  Well you guessed it "no tuna for you".  Not today.  But still a wonderful day.  Jim had made us up some Peanut Butter and Jelly sandwiches, we had a ton of water, can you imagine we didn't bring beer or wine (next time), the weather was calm, hot and beautiful, a great day to be on the water.  TY to Andy and MJ for organizing.

The gannets caught more fish than we did.  One of them actually caught the fish on our hook.  Thankfully our Captain was able to save the bird, but not the fish.

A lovely lunch in North Rustico and then we were back home for our final campfire complete with The Quartermaster's Song, Down by the Bay, the Beatles and a few other favourites.  A great 4 days with great friends.

A short drive from Perce to Carleton-sur-Mer

Up early and back to the dining room for a wonderful breakky overlooking the Rock.  A quick walk through town and we were off to Carleton-sur-Mer just a short jaunt down the road.  Only 3 hours in the car today.  We might be able to do it without a stop.  LOL - no chance.

On the drive up to here we only had to share the road with motorcycles (lots and all different kinds), RVs (big, little, slow) and more cars.  Another great thing about this road are all the passing lanes, and the condition of the roads are wonderful considering the winters they must have.  Now the trucks are showing up especially the big logging trucks, they head east full and come back empty.  No idea where they get their logs from when you look up all you see are trees everywhere.

A quick stop outside New Richmond for our picnic lunch, Jim and I are reverting back to our childhood and I'm loving it.  Much nicer sitting on a hill or by the water than in a McDonald's or road side diner.

 We arrive at Carleton-sur-Mer at 1:30 and check into another lovely little motel on the water, this one has a pool too.  Believe it or not I picked this spot because it has a lovely little golf course associated with it with 9 holes in the mountains and 9 holes on the water.  The receptionist asks what time we would like to golf, Jim says "Now".  Like right now, Yes like right now.  NO.  I have my priorities right, 3 is perfect that gives us time to get settled and have our first Captain Morgan's of the day.

 Once again, my camera was ready, set to the "Moose" setting, like seriously can you picture a more perfect picture than a moose drinking from the pond.  So don't hold your breath, not one moose.  I almost got whiplash trying to peer into trees and along rivers as the golf cart whipped around the mountain holes.

Not bad this is the only game of golf I had in 10 days, it wouldn't be a Lynne holiday blog without at least a couple of golf course pictures.

I love these little huts, the first time I saw them was in a coastal golf course in Scotland.  They are great protection if a storm blows in.  They definitely could use them at a few of the northern courses in Ontario.

We stayed at Hostellerie Baie Bleue, it was another lovely little motel with the long balcony.  If I went again I would try and get a room in the Baie Wing.  It is right on the water.  We had a wonderful view of the water but was just across the road.  The food was only so so, we did take the package which gave us a dinner and a breakfast.  Next time I would eat in town, it looked like there were some lovely little restaurants along the main street.

Excited to see the gang in PEI tomorrow.