I'm really racking up the provinces quickly now, though everything seems quick after three weeks crossing Ontario.
I left my stealth campsite shortly after sunrise. It was a quick teardown as rain was approaching. Much of the morning was spent riding along the Northumberland Strait, often through torrential downpours. I stopped for a photo at Shediac's giant lobster, but the busload of tourists meant I didn't get a chance for the traditional trapped-in-the-claws photo. Oh, well.
I avoided the main highway where I could which offered me beautiful views of the salt marshes and coastal shores.
When I reached the edge of Cape Jourimain where I'd be catching the shuttle across the Confederation Bridge I opted for a rail trail, but that proved unwise. It was very soft gravel with lots of debris, and some sections that were unrideable. I was glad when I reached the end of that trail.
As I crossed the bridge our shuttle driver told us a group of swimmers had left New Brunswick at 9 am. Most had already made it across (it was mid-afternoon by now), but some were still at it as we went by.
In PEI I biked along the roads to Summerside where I'm staying with the Wedges, parents of my friend Ben who I stayed with in Toronto.
I met the Wedges last year at the end of Ben's bike ride across Canada. They were great hosts today, taking me on a tour of Summerside, then buying me oysters and local beer at the yacht club before a dinner of sous-vide pork chops and salad made fresh from their garden. Richard was full of advice on what to see and do in PEI, and which roads and trails to travel on. I was definitely spoiled tonight.
Today's Distance: 116 km
Cumulative Distance: 7101 km
