The Friendly Island: PEI
Imagine running over a bridge, 13km in length, taking you from a vast last mass to a small island on the other side. This was our desire, as we approached Confederation Bridge. And things were looking good… until we saw the first set of signs that prohibited cycling… Vanessa: OUT! And right beside it, the international symbol for no runners… Matt & Steph: OUT!
So we settled for a nice 13 km view high atop the RV, landing September 18th on what is affectionately known as ‘The Friendly Island’: Prince Edward Island. And boy they were right… the media was friendly, our hosts (Matt’s agent’s sister, Jane) had us over for a home cooked meal, even the dogs were friendly!
September 19th had us up and rearing to go for another packed day of school events, with our first being at Grand Tracadie Elementary School! Now this isn’t just any school filled with 30 students, but this is a school that collectively is “running across Canada”, just like us, by way of tracking their mileage done around their newly built track. The kids continued to inspire us with not only their enthusiasm for what we’re doing, but with their knowledge and environmental activism, for in the Sping they will be planting natural grasses back into the sand dunes to prevent erosion.
After another tour of the Mothership, and countless requests to “sign my arm!”, the Road Team continued on our way to the school named after the famous author of Anne of Green Gables: Lucy Maude Montgomery.
Once again, at LM Montgomery Elementary School we were met with an enthusiastic group of school kids who really identified with what we’re doing out here. Our ‘school-version’ for Tip #10: Kids, Teach Your Parents and Teachers Weller” continued to be a hit. Friends we made in Quebec, Sebastian and mom Chris, even made the trek cross island for our show.
Parting words for PEI: our one wish would have been to spend a whole day discovering the beauty of the whole island and the magic of Charlottetown, a city full of civic pride by way of clean streets, beautiful unobstructed harbor views, right down to the hand-build receptacles, separating garbage, recycling, and compost. Isn’t it interesting that a small island province can show such environmental leadership through the simple act of taking care of their neighbourhood, something that perhaps larger cities and provinces can learn from and make their own.