The Original Plan: Walk 21 km from where we left off yesterday in New Zealand (yes, it is an actual place in PEI) to Elmira.
Our Modified Route: A few factors conspired to slightly alter our course today. Sandy, our motel co-owner, suggested we walk the beach to Elmira instead of on the trail. She said that it was roughly the same distance. Beach walk? We were in! Then Richard, aka our studier of all-things-maps, proposed that we walk on the beach directly from our hotel to Bothwell, around 22 km. That sounded good to me.
And Then This Happened:
Our Coastal Views:
Despite the conspiring elements, we were delighted with this walk. Our cameras were in nonstop motion.
East Point Lighthouse: In under three hours, we reached East Point Lighthouse. Built in 1867, it remains an operating lighthouse today. For nature lovers, there is a bird viewing tower as East Point is a favoured spot for migrating pelagic birds.
And Then There Was Another Change in Plan: As we were nearing the lighthouse, we were praying that it included a nearby open cafe or restaurant. Heck, we would have settled for an overpriced machine dispensing bad coffee. Sadly, none of those were to be had. As my waterproof trail shoes proved not to be as waterproof as they had claimed, and I literally could have wrung out my socks and caused a small flood, we waved the white flag and dialed 911-Sandy! Her shuttle service (operated by the lovely Kaylee) arrived quickly. We were soon back in front of our motel room’s fireplace warm, dry and munching on our packed-lunches from Valerie, owner of The Boat House Cafe).
Noteworthy: Eastern Kings Wind is located in this area. It is owned and operated by PEI Energy Corporation. This Wind Farm is projected to supply 7.5% of PEIs electricity and displace 75,000 tonnes of greenhouse gases per year.
See you tomorrow when we head out to Elmira, Bothwell or Souris (still to be decided). Stay tuned!
Today’s Distance Hiked: 12.36 km (slackers, we know)!
Retirement Reflections 
Calling a shuttle sounded like the right thing to do when your feet are wet!
LikeLiked by 1 person
How nice that you have so many options and are open to being flexible. Great lighthouse!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Well done! Very windy between North Lake and East Point I bet! I expect to be feeling your pain tomorrow. I’m walking 24 – 26 km from near Stanley Bridge to Rustico with a writer from Travel + Leisure magazine. Day 2 for her – Day 1 for me. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Sometimes capitulation is just plain common sense. There’s always tomorrow.
LikeLiked by 1 person
There’s lots to be said for flexibility. Your day was fun. That’s what matters.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Walking in wet socks isn’t fun… but you were able to get some lovely shots. That’s a great lighthouse too.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Good call!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m impressed! You were dressed for success! Love the pictures. Yesterday’s sunset picture was fabulous! Joe
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi Donna, Good call to return to the motel. A load of clean and dry laundry is worth weight of gold on hiking trips. I love the lighthouse and the red sandy beach. I hope the weather improves for your walk tomorrow.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m always in for a beach walk! Great photos today, Donna. The lighthouse is gorgeous!❤️
LikeLiked by 1 person
Well this one took a bit more commitment – but your enjoyment of it all still shone through (and I’m glad there was a dryer at the end of it all – and some delicious looking food!)
LikeLiked by 1 person
You did what you could with the elements. Cheers to having an if-needed shuttle!
LikeLiked by 1 person
How great to have a 911 Sandy. The views looked incredible, but I know what it’s like when it seems impossible to be any wetter, yet, it’s wetter still. Yay to flexible plans…
LikeLiked by 1 person
Had my winter coat on today
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi Donna – I think I might have just gone back to bed!! … seeing that weather – so well done for going on. Beautiful photos and it seems ‘getting home’ was very well worth it – lovely looking pick me ups … also nice to know about the birding. Cheers Hilary
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great pictures and part of growing up is to know when to throw in the towel.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You guys are doing it right! 911-Sandy – that’s awesome 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Am so blown away by your fitness.
I would have had 911-Sandy on speed dial.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Congratulations on finishing this day! I love the color of the rocks and sand!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I loved all the pictures and descriptions. Closing with the photo and inventory of your day’s clothing was brilliant. And there’s nothing wrong with changing plans when “things” stop being fun!
LikeLiked by 1 person