Day 6: Basin Head to Rollo Bay Lookout (Final Walking Day). Distance Walked: 21.64 km. Terrain: Several rolling hills. Scenery: Stunning vistas, easy roadside walking, quiet dirt lanes, beautiful beaches, colourful fields. Accommodations: Siren’s Beach Motel.
Rich is delighted to see his name in print.
This lookout point just passed Rollo Bay (across from Myriad View Distillery) is our final stop.
We made it! We officially completed 143.36 km on The Island Walk in 6 days. Our shortest distance day was 12.36 km, our longest was 38.08 km, making our average day 23.92.
This is such a flexible walk with so many options it could be easily enjoyed in as many km that work for you. (Sandy is currently helping one of their upcoming guests who are planning to walk 10 km per day.)
To celebrate our completed walk, Richard and I joined Sirus Beach Motel owners, Sandy and Liz, for dinner at nearby Red Neil’s.
If you are interested in walking, biking or visiting this area, you can find out more at: http://www.theislandwalk.ca.
Tomorrow, Richard and I are off to Cape Breton with long time friends. I am officially beginning my full blogging break until early June. While I’m away, I will pop up some pics on Instagram (Retirement Reflections). See you then!
Thank you so much for following along. As our days have been full, I have not been able to respond to comments on previous ‘Postcard Posts.’ Your feedback has been very motivating. I promise to answer all questions and comments on this post. I’d love to hear from you!
Prior to retirement, I lived and worked in Beijing China for fourteen years (Middle School Principal/Deputy Director at The Western Academy of Beijing). Leaving international life behind, my husband and I retired to Vancouver Island in June 2015. To document both this transition and our new adventures, ‘Retirement Reflections’ was born. I hope that you enjoy reading these reflections, and will be willing to share your own.
View all posts by Retirement Reflections
68 thoughts on “Postcards from An Island Walk, Day 6”
Well done Donna and Richard, that walk actually went by so quickly (well for us the readers anyway). Such a beautiful place and I’m sure you feel you’ve accomplished yet another successful walk. Don’t forget to stretch now! LOL:) xx
Hi, Sue – Thank you so much for following along. I could feel your support all the way through. BTW – Does stretching out in bed count? After my walks, I”m very good at that! 😀
Thanks, Janis – The weather today was fabulous. Still, all of the days on this trip were more than we could have hoped for – even the incredibly wet one! Thank you for following along.
So glad you’ve enjoyed your Island Walk, Donna. We’ve enjoyed following along with you – the good days, and the windy wet ones too! I hope to meet Sandy and Liz sometime soon and wish you a safe journey to Cape Breton with your friends.
Hi, Bryson – Thank you for your vision and hard work in making The Island Walk a reality. It is a true treasure. Thank you also for all of your support along the way – it has been invaluable!
Congratulations Donna and Richard on completing your Island Walk, another camino on your ‘Done’ list. What a stunning Day 6 you’ve had. A beautiful grand finale! Thank you for the link to the Island Walk and your accommodations. Have a wonderful time in Cape Breton!
Thanks, Jill – I was trying to decide which day was my favourite and I truly couldn’t decide. Richard couldn’t decide either. We would do them all again in a heartbeat! Thank you for joining us!
Donna your trip has been a joy to follow and I cannot begin to tell you how much I’ve enjoyed it and how I’d love to do it myself one day (when I have my new bionic hip!) This last day was so scenic and colourful – thanks so much for putting in the extra effort to share each day in a post with the rest of us – and enjoy the rest of your holiday. x
Thanks, Janine – We are now on the bus to Charlottetown and began by following the same route that we walked yesterday. The view is beautiful by vehicle but absolutely stunning by walking!
Hi Donna – amazingly lovely walk you’ve had … and I think I’d like to do it every six months … or every year – unlikely!, but your photos will remind me of the eastern side of Canada that I need (and hope) to visit sometime. Cape Breton sounds really interesting – enjoy time with your friends – cheers Hilary
Hi, Hilary – Richard had never been to PEI (nor most of the eaatern provinces). It is definitely worth visiting (and revisiting). Thank you for your very thoughtful comment.
Thanks so much, Bernadette- The landscape colours have been so brilliant that most photos did not require editing. I greatly appreciate you following along!
Thanks, Anabel – This walk was so flat that my feet and legs have been fine – even after our longest hike. But my back was delighted to ditch the pack for Days 4, 5 and 6! 😀
Hey Donna! Congratulations! You did it although there was never any doubt about that. So nice to follow along with your adventure and hear the happiness in your words. You are definitely in your “happy place” when you are doing camino with Richard. Thanks for taking us all along and I would love to hear your final thoughts on the experience when you get around to it! ~Kathy
Thank, Terri – the full Island Walk is 700 km and takes about a month to complete. We hiked 145 km and then met friends in Cape Breton for more hiking there!
Well done to you both Donna! Your photos are superb. Today is the first time I’m on my lap top and have connection (am travelling) so it’s a pleasure to catch up. I’ll just mention this .. I met a friend for coffee this morning – her daughter and son in law left yesterday for Vancouver where they plan to do some hikes .. I’ll send the island link to my friend, she can pass on to her daughter – Liza andConnor de Beer – who knows you may come across them! My friend’s son James lives in Vancouver – James MacRitchie …
Thanks, Susan – The Island Walk is on Prince Edward Island – a five-hour flight from Vancouver. Vancouver also offers great hikes. Make sure they walk The Seawall!
A feast here – unusual architecture, colourful fields and water view – with a touch of humour at the petrol station. That sign NZ – is there a back story to that?
Great question, Amanda. All that I could find out is this: New Zealand, Prince Edward Island is located in Kings County in the eastern portion of Prince Edward Island, NW. of Souris. Its precise location is N 46°25′, W 62°19′.
New Zealand (Sett.) was adopted in Place Names of PEI, 1925. Confirmed 7 January 1947 on 11L/8.Status changed to Locality 23 October 1989 on 203-8.
Hi Donna, I greatly enjoyed the beautiful pictures you shared from this adventure. Yes, stunning vistas! We have not been to PEI for a few decades. Fond memories, and you and Richard share enticing photos and experiences. Cute – sneaking in “Rich” and “Connolly.”❤️
Hi Donna.
I really enjoyed walking in your shoes, Donna. It looks fabulous and your photos were inspirational. I’ve been on a few walks lately. We’ve had months of rain on the Australian East Coast and while it might be Winter, it’s been sunny and mostly not too chilly. Rather beautiful actually.
Best wishes,
Rowena
Hi, Rowena – Thank you so much for stopping by. I’ve been pretty quiet in the blogging world recently. Last week, my mom broke her hip so I am currently in full-time caregiver mode. I plan to join What’s On Your Bookshelf this coming Thursday and gently reenter the blogging world from there.
Thank you very much for reminding me to do a post for What’s On Your Bookshelf. It’s now officially Thursday here.
Sorry to hear about your Mom and your transition into full caregiver mode. I hope it goes well for your both. Will she be needing a hip replacement?
Take care and best wishes,
Rowena
Thanks, Rowena. Mom had her hip replacement last Friday. She is doing as well as she can but it is a very, very long road ahead. Thank you for your kind words. I look forward to seeing you at WOYBS!
Well done Donna and Richard, that walk actually went by so quickly (well for us the readers anyway). Such a beautiful place and I’m sure you feel you’ve accomplished yet another successful walk. Don’t forget to stretch now! LOL:) xx
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Hi, Sue – Thank you so much for following along. I could feel your support all the way through. BTW – Does stretching out in bed count? After my walks, I”m very good at that! 😀
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Yay! It looks like you had perfect weather on your last day. Enjoy your time in Cape Breton visiting your friends.
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Thanks, Janis – The weather today was fabulous. Still, all of the days on this trip were more than we could have hoped for – even the incredibly wet one! Thank you for following along.
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Beautiful, beautiful! I can lay a small claim to PEI as my father’s people came from there. Have fun in Cape Breton.
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So glad you’ve enjoyed your Island Walk, Donna. We’ve enjoyed following along with you – the good days, and the windy wet ones too! I hope to meet Sandy and Liz sometime soon and wish you a safe journey to Cape Breton with your friends.
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Hi, Bryson – Thank you for your vision and hard work in making The Island Walk a reality. It is a true treasure. Thank you also for all of your support along the way – it has been invaluable!
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Hi, Laurie – That’s cool that your father’s family came from PEI. I love that you have Canadian roots!
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On both sides, my family came from Canada. Before that, France.
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No wonder I like you so much! 😀
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Congratulations Donna and Richard on completing your Island Walk, another camino on your ‘Done’ list. What a stunning Day 6 you’ve had. A beautiful grand finale! Thank you for the link to the Island Walk and your accommodations. Have a wonderful time in Cape Breton!
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Thanks so much, Natalie. It truly was a wonderful ending to a dream hike. I greatly appreciate you joining us!
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I think this was my favorite day! Congratulations! The photos are stunning, Donna. Enjoy your time with your friends.❤️
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Thanks, Jill – I was trying to decide which day was my favourite and I truly couldn’t decide. Richard couldn’t decide either. We would do them all again in a heartbeat! Thank you for joining us!
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Been great following along Donna! Congratulations on completing the task you set yourselves. It all looked so lovely!
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Hi, Susan – I greatly appreciate you following along. I am so glad that you enjoyed it!
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Donna your trip has been a joy to follow and I cannot begin to tell you how much I’ve enjoyed it and how I’d love to do it myself one day (when I have my new bionic hip!) This last day was so scenic and colourful – thanks so much for putting in the extra effort to share each day in a post with the rest of us – and enjoy the rest of your holiday. x
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Hi, Leanne – Thank you for your very kind comment. I am delighted that you enjoyed these posts. I’m sending warm vibes that you get hip-relief soon!
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A wonderful conclusion to your Camino! Have fun in Cape Breton 😁
Deb
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Thanks so much, Deb! I look forward to catching up with you soon!
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Congratulations on completing your walk. Very inspirational xx
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Thanks, Janine – We are now on the bus to Charlottetown and began by following the same route that we walked yesterday. The view is beautiful by vehicle but absolutely stunning by walking!
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Well done, Donna and Rich. Love it when you find signs with your name. Enjoy the rest of your holiday.
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Thanks, Darlene – The name signs were very cool and lots of fun. Thank you for following!
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Hi Donna – amazingly lovely walk you’ve had … and I think I’d like to do it every six months … or every year – unlikely!, but your photos will remind me of the eastern side of Canada that I need (and hope) to visit sometime. Cape Breton sounds really interesting – enjoy time with your friends – cheers Hilary
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi, Hilary – Richard had never been to PEI (nor most of the eaatern provinces). It is definitely worth visiting (and revisiting). Thank you for your very thoughtful comment.
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Such beautiful blues in the sky, the water and the buildings.
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Thanks so much, Bernadette- The landscape colours have been so brilliant that most photos did not require editing. I greatly appreciate you following along!
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Well done you two! It all looked fabulous. Hope the feet are not too sore.
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Thanks, Anabel – This walk was so flat that my feet and legs have been fine – even after our longest hike. But my back was delighted to ditch the pack for Days 4, 5 and 6! 😀
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I thoroughly enjoyed your walk and pictures. What an awesome undertaking!
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Thanks, Anna – We are delighted that we took this trip. I greatly appreciate you joining us!
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What a beautiful place, and your photos just glow! Now I want some pancakes.
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Thanks so much, Dawne – I hope that you got your pancakes! Ours were delicious.
Hope all is well for you.
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Wow, WOW! Look at all that blue! Congratulations on putting in all those steps!
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Thanks Tracey – I greatly appreciate you following along!
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What an interesting variety of unusual structures. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a building with a diagonal entrance.
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Thanks so much for joining our walk, Peter. Our eyes sbd our feet were never bored!
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Hey Donna! Congratulations! You did it although there was never any doubt about that. So nice to follow along with your adventure and hear the happiness in your words. You are definitely in your “happy place” when you are doing camino with Richard. Thanks for taking us all along and I would love to hear your final thoughts on the experience when you get around to it! ~Kathy
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Thanks, Kathy – I’ve been following your adventure as well. It looks amazing. I look forward to your next post!
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Loved following your walk on the island!
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Thank you so much, Backroads. I greatly appreciate it!
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Wow what great weather for your final day! I love these pictures and your sense of humor.
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Thanks, Barb – The weather did brighten up for that last day…but it has been toques and mittens ever since (Cape Breton).
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I had to look up toque – what a great word! Hope things are warming up for you 🙂
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I forgotten that toque is a Canadian word. I should have said warm knitted cap (but toque is easier)! 😀
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Beautiful photos of you kids out there goofing off. Looks like such fun!
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Thanks, Ally – This adventure was more than we had even hoped for. The weather was varied…but our packs were prepared!
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Loving the wonderful buildings! Thanks for sharing your visit with us 🙂
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Congrats on finishing, Donna! I thought this would be much longer but you did it and will always have wonderful memories! Safe travels back!
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Thank, Terri – the full Island Walk is 700 km and takes about a month to complete. We hiked 145 km and then met friends in Cape Breton for more hiking there!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Well done to you both Donna! Your photos are superb. Today is the first time I’m on my lap top and have connection (am travelling) so it’s a pleasure to catch up. I’ll just mention this .. I met a friend for coffee this morning – her daughter and son in law left yesterday for Vancouver where they plan to do some hikes .. I’ll send the island link to my friend, she can pass on to her daughter – Liza andConnor de Beer – who knows you may come across them! My friend’s son James lives in Vancouver – James MacRitchie …
LikeLike
Thanks, Susan – The Island Walk is on Prince Edward Island – a five-hour flight from Vancouver. Vancouver also offers great hikes. Make sure they walk The Seawall!
LikeLiked by 1 person
A feast here – unusual architecture, colourful fields and water view – with a touch of humour at the petrol station. That sign NZ – is there a back story to that?
LikeLike
Great question, Amanda. All that I could find out is this: New Zealand, Prince Edward Island is located in Kings County in the eastern portion of Prince Edward Island, NW. of Souris. Its precise location is N 46°25′, W 62°19′.
New Zealand (Sett.) was adopted in Place Names of PEI, 1925. Confirmed 7 January 1947 on 11L/8.Status changed to Locality 23 October 1989 on 203-8.
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Ah. It all makes sense now. Perhaps named by an expat?
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Very likely!
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Hi Donna, I greatly enjoyed the beautiful pictures you shared from this adventure. Yes, stunning vistas! We have not been to PEI for a few decades. Fond memories, and you and Richard share enticing photos and experiences. Cute – sneaking in “Rich” and “Connolly.”❤️
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Thanks so much, Erica. I’m ready for our hike together…when the weather ever decides to cooperate!
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Okay, I am jealous! That looks like a LOT more fun than my recent trip…
I love the island aesthetic, along with the cooler temperatures. That had to have been heavenly.
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Thanks, Bethany – It was an awesome trip. Sadly, we returned home to a family emergency so I am still on my blogging break for a few more days.
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Aww, sorry to hear it. Sending lots of love and positive energy to your family!
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Thank you so much.
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Hi Donna.
I really enjoyed walking in your shoes, Donna. It looks fabulous and your photos were inspirational. I’ve been on a few walks lately. We’ve had months of rain on the Australian East Coast and while it might be Winter, it’s been sunny and mostly not too chilly. Rather beautiful actually.
Best wishes,
Rowena
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Hi, Rowena – Thank you so much for stopping by. I’ve been pretty quiet in the blogging world recently. Last week, my mom broke her hip so I am currently in full-time caregiver mode. I plan to join What’s On Your Bookshelf this coming Thursday and gently reenter the blogging world from there.
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Thank you very much for reminding me to do a post for What’s On Your Bookshelf. It’s now officially Thursday here.
Sorry to hear about your Mom and your transition into full caregiver mode. I hope it goes well for your both. Will she be needing a hip replacement?
Take care and best wishes,
Rowena
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Thanks, Rowena. Mom had her hip replacement last Friday. She is doing as well as she can but it is a very, very long road ahead. Thank you for your kind words. I look forward to seeing you at WOYBS!
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