Out and about

 ,Sometimes, the best thing we can do for our tired writer’s brain is to take it outside and into the natural world. To celebrate the release of ‘The Governor’s Granddaughter’, in early September, a friend and I, our worldly goods in our paniers, took the plunge and  cycled the Confederation Trail from one end of PEI to the other. The Confederation Trail, a multi-use pathway on the former rail line, starts in Tignish in western PEI and, 273 kilometres later, arrives at Elmira in the east. But we took ‘Tip-to-Tip’ seriously, starting at North Cape at the very northern point of the Island, and continued past Elmira to East Point Lighthouse, 6 days later.  We were rewarded with sightings of birds and animals,  with a backdrop of maples in their fall finery of vibrant red, yellow and orange and the many glorious views of rivers, bays, and picturesque little villages. We took our time, stopping to read the dozens of fascinating historical and natural history plaques along the way. Our accommodations were a mix of charming cottages, a luxurious resort and historic bed and breakfasts. We were thrilled to that most shops were still open this late in the season including some excellent bakeries and ice cream shops not far off the trail.  We were sorry to have our trip end but we were rewarded by the wonderful staff at East Point Lighthouse with a ‘Tip-to-Tip’ certificate so we won’t forget the adventure. Not that there is any chance of that - it was the best adventure and in our own beautiful province! How perfect is that? So refreshed and recharges, it's back to my research...