We knew the forecast didn’t look promising today. 100% chance of rain or very nearly, with the rain predicted to subside around 8:00 pm. The rain had started overnight, and while that made for great sleeping conditions, it did not make for good biking conditions. We enjoyed a cool drizzly rain while we slept and slept with all the windows open. Something we could never do in July in Kentucky’s heat and humidity!
After a full breakfast at Cliffside Inn, we donned our rain gear and started out. Our plan was to ride the coastal roads again, exploring the little villages and harbors along the way. We’d checked the route the night before and had a plan to cut down the miles if it was just too miserable in the rain. But even at the shortest distance, we would be in for an 18 mile ride to our next stop of Vernon River. So we took the plunge!
With the rain, we decided we’d bike to Point Prim and see the lighthouse there, and then reassess and see if we wanted to have George (PEI Guide and Drive Service) pick us up and drive us to our next lodging. George had been shuttling our luggage for us each day, and we knew he’d be in the area.
The rain was steady and blowing at us from an angle, making it hard to see. There was standing water on the road and the ride took our full attention. I did not take pictures. We’d only gone a few miles when Jimmy’s cell phone rang. We pulled off to the side of the road to take the call, and it was George, offering to come get us. He was surprised we’d already left the inn, and we arranged a place to meet him after he picked up our luggage. That made the ride much more tolerable, knowing rescue was on the way! I was already soaked through! He told us there was a stop a few miles ahead of us, and if we’d wait there, he’d be there in an hour or so. We arrived at the Woods Island Market area George had described, and found a candy shop, visitor center, old train depot, shops, and a trail-head for the Confederation Trail. We spent some time looking around a bit while we waited, and the owner of the candy shop offered us some hot tea. It was perfect! I wasn’t cold in the rain while we were riding, I guess I generated enough heat to keep me warm. But when we stopped and got off the bikes, I was so cold! I couldn’t get out of my wet clothes until we arrived at our next lodging and the hot tea helped! I sat under the covered porch on a bench and drank my tea.
George soon arrived, loaded our bikes onto the trailer and off we went. He had his wife with him this time. She just retired from her career as a labor/delivery nurse on Friday! So she is starting to pitch in to help George with the visitors to the island as this is his busiest time of year. We enjoyed the ride and the conversation. I especially enjoyed being in a warm vehicle!
George knew our itinerary each day, as he and Jimmy developed the ride plan together, picking routes to include all the things we wanted to see. He knew we’d not made it out to the lighthouse and said he’d take us there on the way. It was a pretty drive, but I was so glad I wasn’t biking it! The rain did not slacken at all. We walked up to the top taking in the views, and reading the information. The Point Prim lighthouse, built in 1845, is the oldest lighthouse on the island, and the only round one. It’s one of only three round ones in all of Canada. All the others we’ve seen have been short and square.
The Point Prim lighthouse was the first one built on Prince Edward Island, and every ship that sailed into Charlottetown was guided by its light. The climb to the top was all by ladder, no steps! I thought it was especially interesting to see it during weather conditions that would have made its presence most useful to sailors!
This part of the island is very rural, with grocers and restaurants few and far between. George recommended we stop at a little market on our way to Vernon River since we would have no dining options. We hadn’t had lunch yet either, so we had to buy enough for lunch, dinner and breakfast. We bought just the basics, plus a quart of freshly picked strawberries. The strawberry field was across from the market and the berries were sold at the counter while they’re in season.
We soon arrived at our lodging for the night. Though we were earlier than the check in time, it was no problem. George had called ahead to let them know our ride was cut short. The owner, knowing we were soaking wet and cold, had walked over to our cottage and turned on the heat for us so it would be warm when we arrived. It felt so good! There were not many options in this area. George, who made all the lodging arrangements for us, except for the one we’d already made in Charlottetown, had booked us a little cottage in this area. It was cozy and cute and situated on a big farm behind the farmhouse. Fields of potatoes and vegetable gardens surround the cottage. The view out our front window is a big red barn. There are 3 cottages and a separate little shed with a washer and dryer. I took these pictures after the rain. As predicted, the rain finally ended about 8:00 pm.
We grilled burgers for dinner (still raining!) and checked the forecast for tomorrow.
Tomorrow will be our last day of riding and the day promises to be gorgeous! We’ve been very fortunate that in 11 days of riding so far, we’ve only had one complete rain out! We’re looking forward to bright blue skies again tomorrow. (Here’s the curious little kitty that watched me type this morning as I finished up this post. Notice the bright blue skies! Yay!)
Deb Cooks and Bikes 
Another adventure ! Good memories , even with the rain ! Hope today is wonderful !❤️