Friday, May 27, 2022

Visit to Prince Edward Island and New Brunswick - Part 1.

 08 May, 2022
Waterloo, ON - Montmagny, QC

     We set off from home in high spirits, looking forward to our visit to Prince Edward Island and New Brunswick, and settled in for the long drive to Montmagny, an hour or so east of Québec City on the south shore of the St. Lawrence River.
     It was a great day for driving and our journey proceeded smoothly the whole way. Miriam kept me on my toes by asking for a translation of many of the signs and billboards we saw as we sped along the highway in Québec. It kept us both alert and entertained. We had packed food and drink for the whole day, so other than breaks to refuel and to use the washrooms we didn't need to stop.
     We stayed at the Econo Lodge in Montmagny, a faceless motel with little to distinguish it. The room was quite large, but expensive. We had clean sheets, lots of towels and hot water, so were all set for the night.

09 May, 2022
Montmagny, QC - Summerside, PEI

     The "free" continental breakfast was a miserable affair, but a bowl of raisin bran cereal with a coffee got us on our way. As usual, the utensils, plates, bowls etc were a sea of plastic and styrofoam, making me shudder. In every other part of the world we have had real plates, and metal knives and forks. Why we are so backward in North America is beyond my level of comprehension.
     We were on our way a little after 06h:00, after watching a huge skein of Snow Geese (Anser caerulescens) while filling up at the gas station. We were looking forward to a renewed acquaintance with Prince Edward Island. Visions of Baker Shore B&B were already dancing in our heads.
     Our drive was pleasant for the most part, except for the fact that I got a speeding ticket. Now let me say right up front that I was exceeding the speed limit. It was in a rural area of New Brunswick where the speed limit drops from 90 km/hr to 60 km/hr for a very short stretch at a small settlement, and I would bet that this is a regular speed trap well known to local residents. I was offered service in English or French by the smiling officer and after he dinged me for $172.00 he bade me to have a nice day!
     Google Maps had suggested a route other than the Trans Canada Highway and we took it through the back country where the scenery was splendid, other than for some ghastly clear cuts, but the roads were atrocious at times. From a birding perspective it was interesting with woodpeckers, thrushes, White-throated Sparrows (Zonotrichia albicollis) singing everywhere it seemed, Bald Eagles (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) overhead, and others. Sadly, a Ruffed Grouse (Bonasa umbellus) appeared to have been struck by a car, and was in its death throes when we saw it.


     It expired as Miriam was taking her pictures.


     Road kill always seems especially tragic to me. In addition to having taken over so much wildlife habitat, we then mow down the creatures with our lethal machines, with alarming regularity. Perhaps this grouse was seeking a new home having witnessed its forest haven being destroyed.
     By early afternoon we were entering Prince Edward Island via the Confederation Bridge.


     In no time at all, we were pulling into the driveway at Baker Shore B&B, with Lynne and Darrell there to greet us.


     Some regular readers may recall that we fell in love with this place when we last visited in September last year. We became quite convinced that it was the best B&B in the world, with the most convivial hosts. 
     Since then, I'm happy to report that I have done further research. A quick check with the International Space Station revealed that nothing rivals it up there, the accommodation is crowded, the washroom facilities limited and the food bland and repetitive. Nothing to approach the standard of Baker Shore was found on Mars, Jupiter was devoid of B&Bs, and the moon offered little in the way of hostelries. So, it is safe to conclude that Baker Shores is the best in the Universe! And you can't get much better than that.
     Here is our lovely room.


     
What you don't see are the delicious, home-baked cookies Lynne left on the dresser for us. The pampering had begun.
     A Song Sparrow (Melopsiza melodia) warbled in the garden, and Common Grackles (Quiscalus quiscula) adorned the trees.



     We went out for dinner - I had fish and chips and Miriam had a Cesar Salad - and returned to Baker Shores to have a glass of wine on the front porch.
     You don't have to look far on PEI to see an American Herring Gull (Larus smithsonianus).


     We were happy to be back!

10 May, 2022
Baker Shore B&B - Cavendish Grove - North Rustico - Baker Shore B&B

     It was our custom each morning to have a coffee in our room before going to the dining room for breakfast, and Lynne kindly placed milk in the fridge for Miriam, and never failed to make sure it was there every day. 
     Breakfast at Baker Shore is always a splendid affair, and this is how it began on our first morning.


     At home, what you see above would be all we would eat, but a vacation is a time to indulge after all, and Darrell made sure that we would not lack for energy on our walks.


     This picture is actually cribbed from our final morning because we had forgotten to take a picture the first day, but the plate is the same.
     Lynne was always there for a friendly chat, often joined by Darrell, and since we were the only guests we had them all to ourselves. 
     Breakfast every morning was an event!
     We had been contacted by our friends, Rick and Marie, and had arranged to meet them at Cavendish Grove for a walk through the park and a picnic lunch.


     We arrived early, so had a little time to explore.


     The leafing out of the trees on PEI was behind Ontario by a week or more, but it made it easier to spot small birds among the bare branches.
     Myrtle Warbler (Setophaga coronata) was very common, and that morning alone, even before Rick and Marie arrived we saw a half dozen.


     I was gazing into the marsh looking for amphibian activity when a pair of Gadwall (Mareca strepera) splashed down for a visit.


     Black-capped Chickadees (Poecile atricapillus) called cheerfully from everywhere, and were not shy.


     We were unable to make up our minds whether this individual was checking out a nesting cavity, or simply probing for insects.


     The same might be said for this one.


     Rick and Marie joined us and we set off to explore. 


     The Cavendish section of Prince Edward Island National Park is very lovely.


     That's a bit of an oxymoron actually, the whole island is lovely!
     Common Grackles, for those who take the time to look, are exceptionally handsome birds.


     We heard White-throated Sparrow frequently, and every so often saw them too.


     American Robin (Turdus migratorius) was never out of earshot and rarely out of sight.


     We meandered along together, stopping every now and then to discuss some finer point of nature, or to resolve the problems of the world, since the politicians we elect are totally incapable of doing so!



     Marie and Rick brought a terrific lunch for us all to enjoy - quinoa salad, various cheeses, ham, buns, pickles, olives and coffee. While we were enjoying our outdoor repast a male Blue-winged Teal (Spatula discors) dabbled in the wetland. 


     Lunch over, we returned to the parking area where we said goodbye to Rick and Marie, and four Bald Eagles, three adults and a juvenile, soared above our heads.



     It seems to me that's better even than a royal gun salute, without the noise and smoke.
     The red sandstone cliffs are spectacular, yet fragile, and the wind and waves are responsible for constant erosion, making for wonderful views, however.


     Highly photogenic, yet ephemeral scenes are to be found all along the coast.


     One cannot help but wonder what the coastline will look like fifty years from now, or even twenty years,  as storms become more severe in a changing world climate.


     Perhaps the following view will have been swallowed by the ocean. It seems likely that it will.


      The fishing village of North Rustico is a picturesque Acadian community, almost totally dependent on the fishing industry.


     In recognition of the importance of the fishery a statue of a fisherman in the water was unveiled in 2018.


     The Acadian heritage of the region is commemorated too.




     Other sculptures by the same talented artist are to be found along the boardwalk skirting the ocean.



     The afternoon was wearing on, nudging early evening in fact, and we had trudged enough for one day, and headed home towards Summerside.
     Still well satisfied from Marie's splendid meal we opted to pick up a couple of wraps at a Pita Pit, and enjoyed them on the front deck at Baker Shore, with a glass of wine, waiting for the first hummingbird to arrive.
     We left the deck in suspense, however, sans hummingbird. There's always tomorrow!

11 May, 2022
Baker Shore B&B - Prince Edward Island National Park, Greenwich - Baker Shore B&B - Scales Pond - Dunk River Nature Trail - Baker Shore B&B

     After a great night's sleep, we had coffee in our room, and sallied along the hall to the dining room at 08h:00 for breakfast.
     How's this for a start?


    Darrell, who I am quite sure could wrestle a bear to the ground, then served us the following delicate masterpiece. All of this is homemade I hasten to add, and carries the stamp of Darrell's creative flair.


    Fresh fruit, a pear drizzled with honey and topped with cream, freshly baked toasted cinnamon bread, and sausages, with maple syrup on the table to make it even more delectable.
     We are so grateful that Darrell gave up his pipe-wrench for a spatula, and he would go on to surprise and delight us every day.
     Both plates were empty before we arose from the table! 
     When we had visited PEI last September one of our favourite places was the National Park at Greenwich, with its floating boardwalk, and we headed there for a return visit.


     Even before we entered the trail a male Hairy Woodpecker (Leuconotopicus villosus) put on a display for us.


     As we walked along, we were never far from views of the Gulf of St. Lawrence.


     Alas, when we arrived at the entrance to the Greenwich Dunes Trail to the floating boardwalk it was closed!


     Even boardwalks need periodic maintenance and the work was being done before the official opening of the season. Our disappointment was but momentary and we embraced the opportunity to explore another trail.
     I am quite sure this Song Sparrow sang a hearty welcome to us.


     We benefitted greatly from picturesque views as the trail wound its way along the shore.


     Savannah Sparrows (Passerculus sandwichensis) were very common, and fervent males advertised for mates.


     It was a delightful walk.




     From shore to forest, from woodland to grassland, the path meandered through different habitat.


     Northern Bayberry (Myrica pensylvanica) is an interesting looking plant.


     Wild Strawberries (Rosaceae) were not hard to find; the fruit no doubt provides food for many of the park's creatures.


     As was true everywhere we went on the island, Myrtle Warbler was ubiquitous. This warbler is also often referred to as Yellow-rumped Warbler and you can see why.


     American Crow (Corvus brachyrynchos) was never far away.


     We returned to Baker Shore to refresh ourselves a little and then made a visit to Scales Pond, a mere twenty minutes or so away from our B&B.



     It was a pleasant walk around the pond, but we were surprised at the total absence of waterfowl. Not even a Mallard (Anas platyrynchos) graced the waters, not a Black Duck (Anas rubipres) dabbled in the shallows. Gulls didn't even call to us from overhead.


     I could get into a whole discussion of misplaced apostrophes, but that's best left for another time!
     The lake was tranquil, with the signature red soil of PEI along its shores.



     An American Robin kept us company for a while.


     Scales Pond is part of the International Children's Memorial Place, which commemorates the lives of young people who died far before their time, some even stillborn. A tree is planted with a plaque to honour the child, providing grieving parents a connection to the healing power of nature.


     It is a sobering experience to see the memorials to children who died so young, made especially poignant as I write this by the senseless murder of innocent schoolchildren in Uvalde, Texas. I hope that their parents too will be able to find solace in nature.



     Across the road from the Children's Memorial Place is the Dunk River Nature Trail, a wonderfully tranquil spot.


     Miriam and I both commented almost instantly about the becalming sound of water trickling over rocks, burbling and singing, hauntingly calling to all who care to listen


     Fish swam in the water.


     Having just experienced a sombre reaction to the death of young children, commemorated across the road, my mind shot back to the days of my youth,  loving even then Alfred, Lord Tennyson's poem, "The Brook". How often did I wander alone, as a young child even, and contemplate the enduring qualities of nature.

"And out again I curve and flow
To join the brimming river,
For men may come and men may go,
But I go on forever."

     A crow had none of these thoughts; the next meal being uppermost on its mind.


     Ferns are a sublime component of a forest understory, difficult to identify as to species, but always delightful.



     One may observe the shallow root systems of trees that make a home on meagre soils on top of rocks.


     It is not surprising that many are felled by strong winds, crashing to the forest floor to return their nutrients to the soil, continuing the eternal cycle of decay and renewal.
     The highlight of our walk was to come across a Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (Sphyrapicus varius).


     I have seen many Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers, so why such a highlight you might ask.


     It landed quite high on the slender trunk where it had been excavating holes so that sweet, nutritious sap would flow, and hitched its way downwards.


     Soon, it was lapping up the rewards of its labours. As mentioned, a sapsucker is no stranger to me, and many is the time I have seen them busy with their excavations.
     This was the first time, however, that I have actually seen them feeding on the sap. And for a lifelong naturalist that's quite an event!
     I doubt that this Black-capped Chickadee was equally impressed!


     Shortly afterwards we left for Summerside and decided to have dinner at Brothers 2 restaurant. We shared a spinach-cheese dip with nachos, which was quite delicious, and in fact could have served as the whole meal. However, we had ordered chicken quesadilla (Miriam) and a donair for me. Neither one was exceptional, and the restaurant was a little noisy.
     It was good to return to Darrell and Lynne's Shangri-la on Baker Shore to finish the evening with a glass of wine on the front veranda - still without a hummingbird to keep us company!
David M. Gascoigne,
David M. Gascoigne,

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

84 comments:

  1. ...it's been 60 years since I've been to New Brunswick, back then there was no bridge to PEI.

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    1. The first couple of times I visited PEI I had to take the ferry.

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  2. Hari OM
    Am so delighted to be taken along on your return to PEI, David and Miriam - and with hearty breakfasts like that, one can go with the lightest (or no) lunch and be ready for any evening repast! YAM xx

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    1. Most days we skipped lunch, YAM, but we had fruit in the car if we felt a little peckish.

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  3. David,

    Oh how I wish you could see the Bald Eagles congregating at that pond at Cavendish where you and I saw the eagle that day. I lost count at thirty stationed around the pond yesterday. Lots of juveniles as well as adults in the old trees and along the banks. We were there just before lunch. We’ll try to get there earlier next time. They must be quite the site when they are feeding. The Gaspereau run is far from over.

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  4. Making me think I should revisit this place as you have found a few new treasures.

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  5. Except for the ticket, this was quite the wonderful excursion … and staying at the best B&B in the universe! The people that run the place must be over the moon with your deep appreciation of their facility and service.

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  6. What a splendid vacation! Those food photos are exquisite. Love the soaring eagles and woodpecker as well as the sapsucker. Cute! That sculpture of the fisherman standing in water is so beautiful. Thanks so much for this post!

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  7. I remember when you stayed with Lynne and Darryl before -- and the high praise you heaped upon them! I'm glad to hear it is equally high this time. What a wonderful spot to settle after a long day of very productive birding! You're seeing some wonderful things -- and it looks like a beautiful part of the world. A terrific vacation for you both and I can't wait to see more!

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    1. That little island province really is beautiful, Jeanie. It would be a perfect get away for you and Rick. And I can recommend a great place to stay!

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  8. Looks like that you and Miriam had a great time! The Common Grackle looks really beautiful. I love esp. those photos of the coast.

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  9. It looks like you are staying on a nice place, and the food are looking great.
    The sculptures are beautifully made. The ferns are one of my favorites in spring. They look almost like an animal to me.
    Hugs and kisses, Marit

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  10. An upsetting start to your trip with that speeding fine and then finding the injured Ruffed Grouse taking its last breath, but I am pleased that the rest of the trip was what you had hoped and expected. A B/B encounter such as your first one would not go down at all well here. Although we do not eat a full blown breakfast at home when we are away we like a really good hearty breakfast that will keeping us going throuighout the day.

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    1. The grouse was more upsetting than the ticket, Rosemary.

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  11. What a fabulous, fabulous trip. I even recognised some of the seas stacks from ogling them on Marie's blog.
    Fabulous trip, fabulous company, fabulous food, fabulous scenery. Sigh at the speeding ticket though. A tiny sigh in the middle of so much delight.

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    1. If a speeding ticket is the worst thing that happens this year, Sue, I will have nothing to worry about.

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  12. The shore area has an interesting relief.

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  13. How naughty to get a speeding ticket! It seems to be very expensive over there. Your wonderful B&B with almost royal food and accommodation seems to be a fabulous treasure. I have never been in a hotel which didn't have real table ware etc. But Bakers made up for it. Thanks for sharing all of the beautiful photos, I would love to visit that coastline. Glad you saw so much. The eagles were my favourites again. Big hugs, Valerie

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  14. I haven't been to PEI. It's on my list, and I am going to keep that B&B in mind when I do get there. It looks lovely. And your breakfasts look so delicious. It is probably good to visit before the summer season starts too. I hear there are nice beaches in PEI, so I'm sure that brings lots of families. And I had to laugh about the speeding ticket. Not the fact that you got one or that it cost money, but it made me think of when we went to Newfoundland and we were driving through a little town. I told my husband he was going over the speed limit, and of course, he didn't want to hear it. Sure enough, the lights came on, and he got a ticket. It was in Flower's Cove (I double checked that to get the apostrophe correct-smile). It makes a good story though. Have a great start to your weekend. hugs-Erika

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    1. You will really enjoy PEI, Erika, and if you stay with Darrell and Lynne they will take very good care of you.

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  15. Ce sont de belles sorties, et même la nourriture est bonne.
    Des balades dans la natures et de belles observations, le colibri peut-être pour la suite :D
    Bon weekend

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  16. So enjoyed your travel log. We hope to make a trip north to Quebec sometime this year. No plane flights for us and border crossing should be easier by car. I think we are only 3.5 hours to Montreal. We've been to PEI, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Newfoundland many years ago. They are all a lot closer now that we live in NH so maybe return visits called for.

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    1. You will enjoy Québec and its culture. I used to live in Québec City and my daughter was born there.

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  17. This was a wonderful, wonderful return engagement.

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  18. Thanks for all the wonderful pictures and for the information you provided about the place. It sounds like a birder's paradise.

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  19. Magic trip, B & B looks good, I could easily stay there but with a much lighter breakfast. All the photos are lovely, sad to see the bird died and we too have a lot of road kill in some areas. The birds a lovely as always and the post is informative. Thanks for sharing.

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  20. I thoroughly enjoyed reading about your trip. It made me feel as though I were there with you both. Wonderful photos and descriptions. I particularly liked the sapsucker, a bird completely unknown to me.

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  21. I think overall it was a wonderful trip. Beautiful birds, scenery, comfortable and good hosts at one of the best place to stay and being served delicious breakfast. I enjoy this virtual tour.

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  22. Many years ago my brother managed to pick up two speeding fines while on holiday, both at exactly the same place, which seemed somehow unfair, especially since in nearly fifty years of driving these are the only two he's ever had.
    Very pleasant to see PEI through your eyes.

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    1. Sometimes these speed traps are as much about revenue as they are about safety.

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  23. I can understand your delight of seeing the Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers feed on the sap.
    As always, it's good to be out and about with you. You notice so much and Miriam's photos are wonderful. One thing I particularly like is your calm way of commenting on plastic overuse, climate change and politicians. You do it so neutrally and in the same way as when you show us a bird. It's very effective and I wish I had that ability.
    (Yes, imagine the coastlines we enjoy today are disappearing. Future generations will look at pictures and wonder. Spooky!)
    I'm looking forward to part 2. Lisbeth
    PS the sculpture with the missing child gave me quite a shock. Very precise and touching. (And sadly very actual.)

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  24. Hi David - oh dear poor Ruffed Grouse ... road-kill is unfortunate. Darrel and Lynne are wonderful hosts for you ... and what a great place to stay and travel from - knowing 'home' is there for you as you return. Lovely to see you spend time with friends - and yes ... what will that coastline look like in a few decades. Excellent photos and bird stories you've given us ... cheers Hilary

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  25. Hello David,
    Sounds like a great trip, except for the speeding ticket. The B&B looks wonderful, great breakfasts, the views are beautiful, awesome bird sightings and great collection of photos. It is nice you were able to meet up with Marie and her hubby. Thank you for linking up and sharing your post. Take care, have a happy weekend. PS, thank you for leaving me a comment.

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  26. Hello David, indeed that B&B look fantastic, a wonderful room and for breakfast the most delicious food. The birds you saw on your walks are again amazing. All in all I understand it was a great trip.
    Regards,
    Roos

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  27. The best place in the universe to stay....well, it doesn't get any better than that! Your room is lovely and the food looks amazing. I have always wanted to visit PEI and should put it back on my wish list. Love the birds you saw and interesting rock formations. What a wonderful trip. Maybe you could stop by and pick me up the next time you go! lol

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    1. It's a bit of a detour, but we'll be sure to let you know next year!

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  28. Hi David. With the exception of the speeding ticket (trap), it sounds like you and Miriam had a great start to your return visit to the Maritimes. Your commentary and Miriam's photos once again took me along on your journey. Can't wait for part two!

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  29. Your vacation seems to have been a very lovely time, and it's great that you have found a B&B that's so entirely to your liking. Birding appears to have been fairly effortless-- the birds seem to want you to photograph them! Somehow when birding we always have to work harder than you admit to doing.

    best... mae at maefood.blogspot.com

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  30. lol, nice to share your great trip. Lots of beautiful nature and birds. :)

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  31. I thought it was so interesting that you experienced the birdless pond. One of the little mysteries of my Walden West has been the relative absence of birds. The occasional cardinal flits through, and I've heard a woodpecker, but that's it. Of course, there are times when the birds disappear, but it's still interesting to come upon a spot without them. I especially enjoyed seeing the various sculptures; they seem to fit their environments well, without being obtrusive.

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  32. Thanks for sharing your trip. I feel a bit envious

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  33. I thoroughly enjoyed reading your descriptive report of your time away - and loved (and laughed) at your extraterrestrial research! :)

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  34. Sounds like such a perfect get-away!! After viewing all your nature scenes & beautiful birds (and what looks like delightful weather), I can fully understand a return trip!!

    Have a terrific week ahead, and thanks for sharing your link. Happy birding!

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  35. It sounds like you've found a B & B that's definitely one to return to. Pity about the speeding ticket but the rest of your time made up for it I'm sure.

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    1. I am quite sure we will be back there next year.

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  36. Thank you for sharing this wonderful holiday! I feel all happy.

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  37. So much here. I enjoyed all your pictures, even of the food. It sounds like a wonderful little vacation. When I lived in Houston we had robins in the yard all the time, some even wintering over. When we moved 60 miles SW to this small town 15 years ago, no robins. Never saw a single one until last spring when a huge flock moved through, stayed for several weeks, and then they were gone.

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  38. What a beautiful trip!!....for sure it was fantastic to be able to see all the variety of birds and to walk in PEI and NB.....however, I think that not only you went for the birds, but also for the awesome breakfast too!!!.....Abrazotes, Marcela

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  39. David - a delightful trip. A B&B with a good breakfast and pleasant hosts is a treasure indeed!

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  40. As always, wonderful photo's of the birds but this time you got lots of other interesting things. The shoreline is beautiful. Your B & B looks very charming and the good is making me hungry. Sorry about the speeding ticket. Hope your return trip is without incident.
    Sandy's Space

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    1. As you say, Teresa, when we see the oak, we will think of Betty, and all that she meant to us.

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  41. Looks like I'm able to continue leaving comments here after all. Continue to enjoy your wonderful photos and interesting commentary. We have to watch out for speed traps. That was a ridiculously high fine.

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    1. Glad you got it resolved. There seems to be no end to problems with commenting of late. We had a perfectly good system that worked impeccably and you would think that would be reason enough not to tamper with it.

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  42. Hi David.

    This was a great vacation.
    You have seen so much and what beautiful nature everywhere.
    What a shame about the Sea Eagle.
    You have seen beautiful birds and ducks.
    The sculptures are very beautiful.
    And the coastline is beautiful.

    Greetings from Patricia.

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  43. What a great trip! It does sound like that's the best B&B in the Universe, look at those breakfasts!!! (I always focus on the food lol)...I've been to most of the places you mentioned. P.E.I. is so great because you can visit so much on the island on a short visit because it's so tiny! Cavendish beach is a great place to go off season! Makes me long for the ocean. I'll have to take a few more trips to the Rocks this summer! ☺ (With our new dog!!! I'll post about that this week!!!)

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    1. Off season is definitely the time to visit PEI, Rain. I wouldn't even consider going in July or August.

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  44. Hi David,
    I'm sure Miriam and you are very happy to go out exploring again. The way you describe your favourite B&B I can imagine you wanted to go there another time. For me it's nice to learn and see some more of your wonderful country. Enjoying your post and Miriam's images.

    Best regards, Corrie

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    1. And Prince Edward Island is a great place to explore, Corrie.

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  45. Greetings, David! We are now back home again but, sadly, Lindsay started showing Covid symptoms on the way home and tested positive yesterday. So far she's not suffering too badly, but this will be a brief reply, as will that to Pt. 2 of your PEI report.

    It seems that the weather was quite kind to you for the first part of your visit. Having a perfect base, such as you have found at Baker Shore, is always something to look forward to returning too. Have very much enjoyed reading your post.

    Best wishes - - - Richard

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    1. Give our best to Lindsay, Richard. We hope that the symptoms will be mild and that she will speedily recover. I know that she has had all her shots so that should create a firewall against the virus. In the meantime, take good care of her!

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  46. Siempre disfruto con tus reportajes, y este viaje es encantador, maravilloso todo. Abrazos.

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  47. A great trip!!....Now, I'm thinking that you not only travel for the scenery, landscapes, and birds, but also for the food!!....I would love to go to PEI one day....in my bucket list!!.......Abrazotes, Marcela

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  48. Dear David,
    I read the first part of your report about your stay on PEI with great enthusiasm. I have to make a note of this island for a visit to Canada (and the magnificent B&B too ;-)) You describe wonderfully - all the beautiful, but also the sad, and your love for nature sparkles from every line. Your photos are fantastic too.
    I was also traveling, I've only been back since the weekend and therefore I can only gradually find time for more detailed blog visits. I'll take your descriptions with me into the night and will read your second part tomorrow. I hope there are hummingbirds in it ;-))
    All the best,
    Traude
    Have a good start into June!
    https://rostrose.blogspot.com/2022/05/zwei-auszeiten-im-mai.html

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  49. Thank you for sharing these wonderful photographs.
    What a lovely holiday/vacation for you both.

    All the best Jan

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  50. Sounds like a relaxing time. You find such a variety of birds on your walks. PEI seems lovely.

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  51. Excellent post as always, showing a beautiful place that you seem to like very much, and it is not for less the lodging looks magnificent. I liked the birds, I was surprised by the sapsucker and Spatula discors that I have not yet seen in my travels, it is a rare visitor. But what caught my attention the most are the abundant breakfasts, which although I had news for a long time, I had never seen exactly how they were, with that abundance and combination of foods, very different from what we are used to eating here for breakfast! Cheers

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  52. If ever you visit Canada, Hernán, we will make sure you have a breakfast like that!

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  53. I'm thoroughly enjoying traveling along with you through PEI. I'd love to get there someday. The scenery is beautiful, especially the red sandstone cliffs.....and the breakfasts have my mouth watering!

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  54. What an enjoyable account if your getaway, so far. It’s obvious how much you both are enjoying your travels after such a long time o not being able to do so. Too bad about all the erosion with more to come, sadly. The best accommodation on earth is indeed high praise!

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  55. Creía haber comentado esta entrada y ahora veo que mi comentario no está. A veces tengo problemas con meter los comentarios, ignoro si es problema con el ordenador o que haya pasado a la lista de spam. aveces reviso la mía, porque hay comentarios que me lo calificán de spam y no lo són.
    Ya he visto tu última entrada y te felicito por tus recientes reportajes.
    Espero tener mejor suerte y puedas leer mi comentario.

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  56. All I can say is, you are so fortunate to visit such an incredible place. Thank you for sharing it.

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  57. This is a great start to the trip David. Especially with these breakfasts!
    All these encounters are magical.

    When I find an injured or dead bird on the side of the road in summer I always think of the brood that often ends up dying.... :(

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  58. I haven't been online much lately so I figured I'd start at the beginning of your blog series on your visit to King Edward Island...

    Always a great idea to pack your own food and drink. Such a shame the motel used plastic and styrofoam. They obviously don't care about the environment.

    Not good on the speeding ticket. Do you have a points system there? Here, on an open licence, we have 12 points and different offences mean you lose some points on top of a fine. You regain the lost points after one year. IF you end up losing all your points, you lose your licence for a period of time, depending on what options you choose.

    It always saddens me to see bushland cleared.

    OH, the poor Ruffed Grouse...so sad. Humans are the cause of so much wildlife loss. Even our poor koalas here are now endangered. When will we wake up?! It upsets me no end.

    Good to know the International Space Station approves of Baker Shores B&B. hehe

    Such a beautiful room! What a difference breakfast would have been compared to your previous lodging. You would have felt like Royalty.

    I absolutely adored all the nature and bird pictures throughout your post and learning their names. Great capture of the Yellow-bellied Sapsucker feeding on the sap.

    We have similar coastline scenes here along The Great Ocean Road. Wonderful sculptures!

    I wonder why there were no waterfowl at the pond? Time of year?

    A heartfelt memorial for young lives lost way before their time. Re. Uvalde, Texas - I will never understand how Americans put their love of guns above the lives of innocent children.

    A wonderful post showing the start of your trip. I'm off to read the next segment.

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    1. Hi Serena: Thanks for this long, thoughtful comment. It is much appreciated. We do have a points system for driver's licences, similar to what you describe. The ticket I received was the mildest form so no loss of points was involved. In fact, I am not sure how it works when you get the ticket in a province other than your home province. All driver's licences are provincial, not national, and I am not sure whether provinces report transgressions to each other. I will have to find out. It has the potential to raise your car insurance rate.

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    2. Ah right. That's interesting. Here, if I were to receive a traffic offence ticket in another state of Australia, it would still be recorded in Queensland. The digital world has made it so much easier for them. hehe Our car insurance can be raised if we are the 'at fault' driver in a car accident. I don't think traffic offences make a difference unless it is a loss of licence.

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