Sunday, September 26, 2021

Vacation in Atlantic Canada - Part 2

     Before parting company with Rick and Marie, Marie marked up a map for us with suggested places to visit. Chief among these was Prince Edward Island National Park at Greenwich about which she rhapsodized more than a little. Initially our mind was made up to go there, but later Miriam said, "You know, it's about an hour and a half each way. Do we really want to spend three hours of a day on PEI in a car?" We mulled it over and little by little reoriented our thoughts towards the north shore around Cavendish, a mere half hour or so from Baker Shore.
     That was our plan until Lynne came to chat with us at breakfast. We told her of our plans. She set us straight in a hurry! "You must go to Greenwich," she said, "It's fabulous there." She went into all the reasons we should go, including the fact that it was a lovely drive, and in short order we were convinced.
     Greenwich it would be.

09 September 2021
Baker Shore - Greenwich National Park - St. Peter's Harbour - Savage Harbour - Baker Shore

     Following another of Darrell's incredible breakfasts, our drive up to the park was uneventful, a little slow at times around Charlottetown, but there were no serious delays.
     We arrived in great spirits buoyed by Lynne's description of all that we would see.


     The walk to the dunes and the beach was a modest 4.6 km round trip, and we set off. The Mi'kmaq First Nation has a long history with this area, and a reconstruction of a typical encampment has been established, the tepee having been constructed in the traditional manner.


     One is invited to explore the rich heritage of these original custodians of the land.


     Initially we traversed a forested area and were soon at a large marsh that is crossed by means of a floating boardwalk.


     I had visions of the bird life during the breeding season and could only salivate at the number of interesting species that could be found there with the investment of a few hours.


     There was both wet, boggy habitat and an expanse of open water.


     Lynne had been very enthusiastic about the range of ecosystems we would encounter and now we understood why. Miriam and I were already ecstatic about this wonderful place.


     The dunes were in sight.


     Every so often we would look back to see where we had come from.


     A path led to the top of the dunes.....


     ..... and this is what greeted us on the other side.


     It was utterly wonderful and sparsely occupied by people. Perhaps some, unaccustomed to walking, elected not to do the whole route.
     One of our most exciting bird sightings of our entire trip took place as a single Northern Gannet (Sula bassanus) cruised along the inshore waters, close to the beach. I am sure that most gannets have already departed for the open ocean and this was a straggler on its way to join them. It's a spectacular bird to see.
     We walked along the beach, entranced, by everything - the dunes, the coastal vegetation, the sand, the ebb and flow of the water - and shorebirds!
     By my best estimate there were about twenty Sanderlings (Calidris alba).


     In fact there may have been more because they scurried along, took brief flights, the flock split, some landed close by, others farther up the beach, and they were hard to count.



     There seemed to be about half as many Semipalmated Plovers (Charadrius semipalmatus) as Sanderlings.



     Sometimes it's good to take a nap.


     These birds really did entertain us. It was a happy experience to share their beach.



     Eventually, however, it was time to leave.


     Thank you, Marie, for suggesting this magical place, and thank you, Lynne, for making sure that we made the visit. 
     We hope to do it again one day.
     Marie had also mentioned St. Peter's Harbour and Savage Harbour as attractive destinations, and we checked in at both locations.
     The following pictures were taken during that period, but I confess to being unsure exactly where.

Fishers' huts

American Herring Gull (Larus smithsonianus)

Great
Great Black-backed Gull (Larus marinus)

Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodias)

     We stopped for dinner at a restaurant in Summerside called either Two Brothers, or Brothers Two, I was never quite sure from their logo. Miriam had a sweet chili stir fry while I had a cup of seafood chowder and a Buddha Salad. All was very tasty.
     We returned to our room at Baker Shore, well satisfied with another great day on Prince Edward Island.   
     

 

David M. Gascoigne,
David M. Gascoigne,

I'm a life long birder. My interests are birds, nature, reading, books, outdoors, travel, food and wine.

65 comments:

  1. The other part is intensely populated with birds.

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  2. The beaches are beautiful. I love the fishing huts and the sleeping bird -- and wonderful you got to see that one little guy before he takes off! It sounds like a fabulous trip and I'm glad you headed out that way.

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  3. Hari OM
    A little slice of heaven right there... YAM xx

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  4. The floating boardwalk is a great idea enabling you to walk safely across the boggy habitat whilst admiring its beauty and then on to the sand dunes. The bird life, the vistas and the peace and quiet must have made this a memorable visit.
    By the way what does PEI stand for?

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    1. Hi Rosemary: PEI is Prince Edward Island. It is commonly referred to as PEI.

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  5. Hi David, the photos show what a beautiful place you visited. I haven't been by the sea for a long time, so your photos were a treat. Glad you saw so many beautiful birds. Hope you will be able to return one day. Hugs, Valerie

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  6. Hello,
    The Greenwich Nat'l Park looks like a great place to visit. The Sanderlings and Plovers are so cute! The boardwalk and beach are beautiful. Wonderful photos from your trip! Have a happy Sunday and a great new week!

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  7. That's the problem with local knowledge; they always know so many places that it's difficult to know where to start. It sounds like you had a good time at the various destinations.

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  8. Sounds like you had a grand time. The scenery is beautiful and the birds were plenty. Glad you decided to go to Greenwich, it was definitely worth the time.

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  9. You were lucky to know local people (and to listen to them).
    It is such a great idea with the path through the landscape and dunes. We have a lot of dunes along the North Sea here in Denmark and they suffer from heavy traffic.
    Lisbeth

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  10. Fabulous captures of a fabulous day. Thank you both (and your advisors).

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  11. I remember seeing my first M. Gannett...my heart sank ( I was in disbelief)...great shore birds. Love the napping one best of all.

    Now, I'm off to read part I

    Thanks for linking up.
    Anni@ I'd Rather B Birdin'

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  12. What a wonderful adventure. You'll HAVE to go back!

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  13. Hello David,:=) I read part 1, before I read part 2 of your long trip to Prince Edward Island. What beautiful scenery you encountered, and many bird species. The sleepy Plover captures are lovely.All your photos, and descriptive narrative, made me feel that I was right there with you. The fantastic B&B Where you both stayed looks very welcoming as were the hosts, and breakfast looks delicious, and no I have never eaten a pear presented that way at any meal.Ha Ha! What a fabulous time you had, and well worth the long journey. Thank you for such an entertaining and informative read.

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  14. C'est super comme sortie, les enfants doivent aussi aimer.
    Une balade agréable, bonne soirée

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  15. hello David
    the second part is also very exciting, the insider tips are sometimes a real gold mine, it was worth it ...
    Greetings Frank

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  16. It looks like a very nice place to visit, David. The birds are so beautiful and the dunes looks great. I guess you will visit this place in the future too.
    Hugs, Marit

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  17. Hello Both,
    Again anotheramazing visit certainly a varied eco system and then to finish on the shorebirds. The boardwalk is so useful in getting to the beach.Where next???
    Best wishes.
    John

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  18. Gorgeous pictures. I enjoyed my visit.

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  19. Miles should not be an obstacle David! In winter we drive 5 hours to see the Wallcreeper and 4 to see the cranes.
    Bravo for the close-ups of the sandpipers, they are magnificent.
    Kisses dear David.

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  20. Going across the bog and up and over the sane dunes--the sight was like Dorothy opening the door to Oz!

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  21. wow, that´s a wonderful trip and some gorgeous birds. Love the sanderlings. I did not know you have them. :) Now I really wish I could travel again. Would love to walk on those dunes. :)

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  22. I did enjoy reading about your trip and seeing all of your fabulous photographs.
    I especially liked the Fishers' huts and the sleeping bird.

    All the best Jan

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  23. We were there about 20 years ago and had the beach all to ourselves.

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  24. I just had my previous comment refused -- something about Firefox not allowing aaccess to Blogger. So, I'm going to try this to see if I can get through.

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  25. Well, that worked, so let me try again. I was quite taken with the idea of floating boardwalks. We have floating docks at most of the marinas, but I've never seen a floating boardwalk. I do think I remember reading about them at some peat bogs in the northeast. It's quite a clever idea.

    The landscape there is so varied and beautiful. I wish I could visit, but since that's not in the cards, it's good to have your reports -- and your beautiful photography -- to make it all visible.

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  26. That looks like a fantastic place to visit. I am putting it on my if I ever go to PEI/ places to visit list. Sanderlings are such fun to watch, and gannets are really handsome, aren't they? It looks like a great walk, and worth the drive time. Happy new week.

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    1. I am sure you would be tickled pink with PEI, Erika!

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  27. Greenwich never disappoints! Love that area. Great photos, Miriam.

    I look forward to the Nova Scotia leg of your journey.

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    1. We hope to return to PEI, Marie, and a return visit to Greenwich will be high priority. It was nothing short of fabulous there.

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  28. Looks interesting going towards the sand dunes to the sea. The photos are lovely and it's nice to see the birds there.

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  29. Hi David - how wonderful ... gosh I'm so glad you went and have been able to show us a few photos ... amazing place to see. I love the floating boardwalk ... what a fabulous journey - those wonderful dunes and colours of the waters. I'd also love to see the First Nations village ... and learn more about their backstory. So pleased you went and then had the stops on the way back ... cheers Hilary

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    1. Well, Hilary, you spent some time in Western Canada. Now it's time for the east!

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  30. Hi David.

    Glad we can watch the wonderful journey you have made.
    I love the teepee.
    Beautiful landscapes and great dunes.
    Beautiful birds and a long walk it was to get there.

    Greetings from Patricia.

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  31. What a beautiful place. Thank you for sharing it with us. Many blessings.
    www.rsrue.blogspot.com

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  32. Love the birds, grey herons are common here too in our wetlands. Tepee looks interesting with so much stuff leaning or hanging from it!. The marsh (?) water looks incredible clear, I always imagine marshes are muddy. I can even see the plants/weeds growing inside. Appears you both had a looong walk to the other side of the dunes, but it was a good surprise. Lots of algae on the beach, hope the sanderlings and plovers don't get entangled. Enjoying your holiday as much as you and Miriam!

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  33. We weren't in PEI for a long visit, but I certainly was never informed about Greenwich. Do they pronounce it 'grenich' like the Brits or the way it looks.

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    1. We heard both pronunciations. We used the British version.

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  34. What an experience walking above the marsh out onto the dunes of the beach. You always have such beautiful stories to replay in your photos.

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  35. Your photos are wonderful, beautiful birds. I admire wonderful landscapes.
    Hugs and greetings.

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  36. I just caught up with both parts of your travel posts. What a fantastic trip you two had!

    You are so right about visiting other places and cultures. Interacting with people from beyond our normal routine breaks down barriers and fosters better understanding of our complex world.

    Happy to hear you made it home safely. Thank you for sharing a few of the birds you encountered. The breakfast photo has made me hungry so I'm off to the kitchen.

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  37. UN precioso, encantador y mágico lugar, gracias por compartirlo David. Una playa maravillosa con esas dunas, y un extraordinario recibimiento con ese típico y original tipi. Todo es encantador en esos bellos parajes.
    Un fuerte abrazo amigo y compadre Davis.

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  38. Hi David, your photos of P.E.I. bring back memories of the year I lived there, especially the fisher huts and the Sandlings. Thanks so much for your dear comment on my blog last week.

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  39. No es una larga distancia muy larga para caminar. Has hecho unas buenas tomas de paisajes y además un buen avistamiento de aves.

    Me ha encantado ese poblaco típico de la historia antigua de ese lugar.

    Que tengas una feliz semana.

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  40. Looks absolutely splendid! I'd like to jump in the car right now and head on up there!

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  41. Querido David, me encantan las playas vacías y está es preciosa, las dunas son especiales por la flora y fauna que las habita. Me alegra que disfrutarais del viaje. Como siempre las fotos espectaculares. Un enorme abrazo para ti y para Míriam.

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  42. If I have a particularly good breakfast, the only place I want to go is back to bed. I congratulate you on your get up and go.

    Love,
    Janie

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  43. Greenwich looks like a must see if you travel to PEI. Thanks for the great narrative and pictures. I hope to traverse that boardwalk one day! And enjoy a bowl of eastern seafood chowder too!

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    1. If, or more likely when, we return,Carol, it will be one of the first places we visit.

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  44. I'm enjoying reading about your trip. The B&B sounds perfect and it looks lovely. How fantastic to see a Gannet too, they are such a beautiful bird, certainly making the trip to Greenwich was the right idea :)

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  45. The beaches are beautiful, David.

    Interstate travel is still prohibited in my corner of the world and I miss the sea - your photos are such a treat!

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  46. I'm so pleased that you eventually decided to go to this magical place, David. It would appear that much thought and work went into its creation, and lots of well-spent money too! I'm looking forward to Pt.3. With best wishes to you and Miriam - - - Richard

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  47. I love the idea of boardwalks to protect the environment - so many people seem incapable to adhering to a pathway. The whole area sounds awesome, and that beach looks so much like many of our beaches here :)

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  48. Wonderful landscapes and beautiful birds.
    Thank you for celebrating my son's birthday with me.

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  49. What a beautiful day you had to visit this special National Park. Memories rekindled! Thank you.

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  50. What a wonderful place David. Worth indeed a long drive. So good to see you could observe so much birds. The landscape is wonderful.
    Regards,
    Roos

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  51. I read your posts in reverse order and my last comment on part 1 applies to part 2 as well.

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  52. Wonderful photos of the Sandpipers, well done. it looks an amazing place and I am sure it was well worth the drive. Great memories for you and I am sure it is a good reason to return. Cheers Diane

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  53. Me ha encantado verlo de vuestras manos, el lugar se ve maravilloso. Abrazos.

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  54. Thank you for this wonderful post, David. It has been too long since I was in PEI. My great uncle Chester lived in St. Peter's Bay which is near Greenwich. He had a north shore farm which is now part of the national park. He used to train his race horses in the surf and sand there, and I have so many memories of the dunes and the seashore. Seeing all your lovely pictures did my soul good! I hope to see it again in this lifetime! Take care!

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  55. A glorious post about a magical area, area David! Thank you! I long to see the Hopewell Rocks again. And thanks for the larva of a Spotted Tussock Moth picture. I saw a lot of them as a kid. We called them fuzzy caterpillars, and I hadn't see one in many years.

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  56. Hi David,
    I'm catching up on your holiday posts and learning some more about your wonderful country.
    It's a good thing you were encouraged to visit Greenwich, you've had a wonderful experience. The dunes, th beach and even the birds look familiar to me though. But no way you can come so close to sandpipers over here. I love picture 16! It looks so sweet.

    Best regards, Corrie

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