Cornwall, PEI

6-30: Toured Charlottetown today, did lunch at the Gahan House, PEI’s only brewpub: superb fish chowder and microbrews. Lots of Victorian homes, very European feel to downtown area.  This is the birthplace of Canada.  In 1864, 23 representatives of Britain's North American colonies met here and agreed to create the country.  

The 4 pix below were taken in Charlottetown. 

Beaconsfield Victorian Mansion built in 1877.

 

Government House, home to PEI lieutenant governors since 1835.

Victoria Park.

Neo-gothic St Dunstan's Basilica, built in 1913.  It's right behind the Gahan House where we had lunch.

6-29: Had to go with the old standby KOA, once again the only game in town without reservations made well in advance.  Arrived here at 5 PM, later than we like but then we didn’t leave Caraquet until 10:30.  Got a triple whammy going on PEI: first weekend of ‘the season’; Canada Day is July 1; Bill and Kate are due here in a few days.  That’s Prince William and Princess Katherine if you’re being formal.  Royalty doesn’t float our boat so we’ll not stick around to hobnob with them.  For sure, they will be sad they missed us but thousands of adoring pseudo-subjects will bolster their spirits, so no worries.  Don’t know their itinerary but doubt they’re staying in our campground.

.
Where are all the US tourists?  Thought there’d be scads of ‘em up here, have only seen one US licensed rig in the last few campgrounds, a small RV from New Mexico in Rimouski.  The ‘season’ here is July-August so we’re a tad early.  The US tourists are probably all massing just south of the border, like salmon at the mouth of the Columbia River.  Upon hearing the report of the starter’s pistol bright and early on July 1^st, they’ll all crank up their engines and head north, reminiscent of the Oklahoma land rush.  In that scenario, we’re Sooners.

.