Return to Prince Edward Island

 On Thursday, 27 August, 12.20 am, after 32 hours of travel and no sleep, I was finally greeted by my wonderful son at Charlottetown Airport. My body clock was still on Brisbane time, so even though I was feeling totally shattered, I only managed 5 hours of sleep before I was up and cuddling my Grandees.

The week before departure was stressful. Air Canada cancelled my flight from Vancouver to Toronto and offered me a refund, just 5 days before flying! Thankfully, our wonderful travel agent, Alana, spent many hours securing seats for me to travel a day earlier. 'The Book', my Grandfather's memoirs, was finally completed Saturday night. I pressed send Sunday morning, but there was a glitch! I had to wait until 9 am on Monday for assistance. Again, I was rescued by amazing service. Marie from Photobookshop spent most of the day guiding me through the problem. 9.30 am Tuesday finally saw the files successfully sent! The following day, at the same time, I was boarding Air Canada flight ACO36 to Vancouver.

Day one: the family had all left by 8.30. I sorted my luggage and then headed to my favourite pond. My tiredness faded immediately. My photos will tell you why. 

Late summer colour

                     

I have been surprised by autumn's presence. It seems so early.

The breathtaking natural beauty of Hyde Pond.

A wondrous introduction to the beauty of the island to be explored over the next few weeks.

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Any Excuse to Sit by the River.

 Monday 17 August

The weather throughout Monday was cold, overcast, damp, windy and miserable. Farewell nibbles and drinks were planned for 4.30 pm at The Quay Riverside Green at Southbank. The weather Gods favoured us. The last drops of rain fell as I stepped onto my bus. The sun was shining by the time I arrived.

Joc, Jan and I have made 'drinks by the river' a tradition when we are all off on an adventure.  Jan is now in Slovenia. Joc explores South America in October, and I am off to visit the Grandchildren in Canada on Wednesday.

On arrival, we had the grassy area to ourselves. Soon after, extremely unusually, a pelican flew in. Then a few seagulls, and then many. They were expected, but not the further 6 pelicans who paraded before us. How lucky were we? They eventually left, but as the sun set, we were joined by 3 curlews and their crazy calls and movements.

After a hectic day, these few hours with my wonderful friends brought me a deep sense of peace. The balmy air felt like a gentle embrace. As the sky softened, we all appreciated the beauty of nature, our wonderful city and our good fortune to live where we live. Would we find better in our travels?

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