After replenishing our supply of ice and enjoying a quiet morning at the MacKinnon household we made tracks for Cavendish, and the Sunset Campground. It was a quick 35-40 minute trip from Summerside after a short lived Walmart trip to purchase potatoes (that were imported from Iowa). We thought it prudent to get there early and scope things out… Perhaps get the site set up and help others with duties as they arrived.
For what must have been a somewhat random pick, completed by our reunion team captain Conal, it was an excellent decision on accommodation. Tent sites were well sized, fairly clean (minus the odd bottle cap), with lots of shade, and fire pits/tables in place. Further, we were close to the washrooms and just a short jaunt to the top of the hill to the pool, playground, etc… Well done!
We got the space set up with tents for sleeping and a “kitchen” area, with chairs and a charcoal BBQ to boot! Lots of fun arranging the space and gathering sticks and firewood. Then exploring “the local” to see the rest of the campground and locating a site for supplies (ie grub/beer/seafood) in the big city of Cavendish. Tip: Gotta visit the Cavendish Tourist Mart… Just about everything imaginable jammed in there with great hours!
Next to arrive on scene were Conal and Chris, who had travelled together in separate cars from Sackville. After hellos all hands set out to make sure their sites were up and ready. Camping gear and cameras everywhere! Good to see the boys again. Loved Mackay’s “Stanfest ’98” chairs that arrived in mint condition. Not long after, Tommy and the twins biked in after getting his camper situated in the serviced lots… Bugger doesn’t seem to age! We hadn’t met the twins, and their excitement and energy were infectious!
With all the commotion, we decided that grub was in order. I had a great time experimenting with the Weber Charcoal BBQ Janie had secured, and set to work preparing a scoff that included potatoes, carrots, and smoked ribs I had cooked before departure. All went okay with nothing getting burnt and rib bones everywhere!
Early evening saw Chris and Conal headed for “provisions” (an on road and off road excursion) and settling around the campfire. Thankfully, Tommy had thought ahead and was toting a fine crate of dried hardwood! Voila… there was fire! As we hunkered down to enjoy its warmth and a fine summer evening, the Porters arrived. They had approached from across island after doing the ferry run! Quick hellos were replaced by mobilization of troops to set up that site amidst the last gasps of daylight.
The rest was campfire, snacks, and drinks with friends… Lots of catching up! Interesting to view the younger set prowl in the background, nudge into the conversation and listen so carefully in what seemed a quest for understanding.