So… up and at it early after a very decent sleep. Janie has a great tent set up process, as we actually drop army cots in our one piece tent… Everyone up and off the ground! Showers were great too with lots of hot to go around (or at least there was at 6:30).
Having the cooking equipment in our area, we busied ourselves with ideas of a grandiose breakfast. I think there was something for everyone and we had so much fun putting it all together. Fruit, cheese, bacon, scrambled eggs, toast (even kippers), juice and an emergency coffee run rounded out the menu. A hearty start to the day (not Porter’s X2 pancake extravaganza but it got us by). Amen…
Shortly afterward, following morning Arts & Crafts session, our day began to take shape as a loose plan had evolved Friday evening. Talk of sand beaches, flavour filled craft beers, hippy-tested songbooks, Anne of Green Gables and succulent mollusks were the coming agenda. By noon all hands had packed into three vehicles and the caravan was aimed at PEI National Park (Cavendish Beach). Some mysterious man, who streaked across the toll booths with bill fold in hand, secured our entry at $20 bucks a carload!
Cavendish beach is comprised of sand, sand dune, sand-wich and salt water (with the odd jellyfish thrown in). We wandered to stake a claim up beach and tent, chair, sand castle and football marked our area! Everyone found a way to relax, be it through feet in sand or chasing the long ball. The more adventurous made their way to the water, while others held down chairs on the beach and noodled with iGear. After our arrival a steady flow of family, tour bus and nature enthusiast visitors made their way to the quiet space of beach beyond our spot. A lasting image of children buried to their necks in fine white sand remains… I guess that is in the parenting guide somewhere?
By mid afternoon we had departed, with all hands making the pilgrimage to secure evening provisions at the tourist mart. Bunch of stuff in there alright. The afternoon saw refreshments and chatter, while supper was to be a mussel fiesta, hosted by the Taylors back at the campground. Bicycles, tennis and a supper time swim in the recreation centre area rounded out the physical activity for the day.
By mid evening washers were being tossed, mussels in a fancy new pot were opening to steam, and guitars nearly in tune! The Taylor/Porter combo did a professional job on what was 15 lbs of bonafide PEI farmed mussels. Really an excellent evening, very family like, shared by our group (and perhaps more aware neighbours). I had a great time swapping guitar tunes with Thanner, Tom and Pete under the excellent guidance of the lady with the book! I think the concert may have been sponsored by Bud Light and Rickards.
As darkness and the first drops of rain overtook, we headed down hill to the tent sites to gather up items to keep dry and spark up the fire pit before rain. Once again, Tommy landed with dry hardwood and refreshments were enjoyed by all. Even as the rain began to drip through the canopy of trees above, we made conversation well into the wee hours and huddled around the fire prepping s’mores and enjoying the company. All settled in for what looked to be a diminished weather day on Sunday.