The Ferry to Prince Edward Island

We are off early to get to Caribou, NS to catch the ferry to Prince Edward Island. We are trying to make the 1 p.m., but Dorkette (our GPs) sends us a new way out of Cape Breton which is a gorgeous drive around Bras D'or Lac, but is fraught with peril...it's very narrow, very winding and very, very bumpy. I would actually recommend this drive called the Bras D'or Lac Scenic Trail as opposed to the Cabot Trail if you are in a car. Much prettier. We pass what looks like a cute place called Rita's near Irish Cove if you want to stop for lunch or tea.

We are now on a real highway and racing to the 1 o'clock...but it's 12:35...not sure we'll make it...but it's quite okay..there's another at 2:45 and maybe we can just relax for an hour or so. It's only a 75 minute crossing, so catching this is not crucial as our drive after deembarcation is only 28 miles to Charlottetown, PEI.

Remarkedly, I've read there is no charge going one way on the ferry. We are a 40' motor home, towing a Jeep Grand Cherokee with two people aboard. I know they get you on the bridge on the way off the island, but looking at the round-trip rates...$98 for vehicles over 40' and including all passengers....it still appears to be quite a bargain being underwritten by the Canadian government. We'll see on the way out.

We make the 1 pm ferry....almost last ones to get on. Settle in for lunch...Rick chooses pizza, I have a bowl of chili...the weather is very cold and rainy and the chili hits the spot. Everything is going just fine...until...we reach the PEI port and hear there are mechanical difficulties. Apparently they cannot get the bridge that gets the vehicles and people off in its correct position...we see people welding things all over the place...we are stuck on a water tarmac! Fortunately it only takes about 45 minutes and we can disembark.

Head to our next destination near Charlottetown and are pleasantly surprised. There's an inexpensive motel at the Southport RV Park, but the RV sites are on the Charlottetown River overlooking the city. Our space is wide, gracious, on the end with no one near us and quite pretty. If you come here reserve space #40. We'll be here for three days as we explore the eastern end of PEI.

The long delayed dinner is on the grill...chicken shish kebobs with pomegranate sauce, rice and grilled asparagus. The evening lights glow in Charlottetown across the river.