Breakfast report: what breakfast? When we bolted from the Comfort Inn syndrome we left those niceties behind. We were expected to dine in a proper dining room at the Loyalist Inn…and not before 7:00 AM. Donut shops were up and atta em – so we partook. “Do you want breakfast”, the bright and cheerful clerk asked. “Yes- what do you have?”
“We have – donuts, 16 varieties, flat ones too, and muffins, 9 types, and biscuits and toast – whatever you want.” We had eggs in mind – but then remembered we were in Canada.
This is the kind of day that creates anxiety in travelers. It rained…a lot.
The glorious landscapes and sights were muted. The before-the- real-deluge drive to Charlottetown was beautiful – green rolling hills, potato fields, tidy farms…we bought PEI new potatoes, hoping FDA won’t object. Counted Acadian stars and maple leaf flags. Charlottetown is lovely - every person we passed as we walked around had something to say – often “Isn’t this a beautiful day”…which it was at that point. There is a shade of blue I saw there that is incredible – maybe marine blue could be a name for it, and I amy have seen it in Maine –but, to me, it is now Charlottetown blue.
Rushing to the ferry, we were sure there would be a lobster salad sandwich place on the route – but no, only the cafeteria at the boarding area., where I saw Fries with Everything carried off to the picnic table. A very big pile of fries, with gravy and something chunky and topped with peas – yes – green peas. Cringe-inducing. I think only people with eating disorders, or people too dumb to think things through would partake of ferry terminal food.... but there we were. My perfectly good-looking plate of fish and chips was pretty tasteless...and the peas!!!!! - nothing like my gold standard in St. Stephens.
We crossed the channel and then the rain came down. We went back to Anne Shirley, of Green Gables – her spunk and sunshine appreciated. The CBC was droning on about MPs fixing tickets and health care woes – and I wanted to be uplifted by Canadian politicians.
Then Baddeck, the starting point for the Cabot Trail – many inns – we went budget, Victorian budget on the first round – ok – perfumed mustiness, but the real problem was lack of wi-fi signal. We visited 2 more – no rooms , and I was getting tired of that curtained Victorian and Colonial excess. Then, beginning to get worried, we found a lodge version of inn – with great beamed public and dining area – with live Celtic folk songs and the evening looked rosier. I had to cut off a couple of mortorcyclists rushing to get to the front desk, and I think they got the last queen bed. Food was pretty good – Jost a very decent Nova Scotia wine label. This a Scottish area – Alexander Graham Bell, a Scot, preferred to live here as it reminded him of home – and his ancestors still inhabit the family property.
Canadian TV : the weather channel
Taking the Canadian pulse: they do like their French fries and Victorian/colonial decorating.
NOT recommended
When there's a will, there is a way - Charlottetown
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