A Sneak Peek At My Favorite Island

photo by Jack Slade, of Montague, Prince Edward Island

Sailing on the Brudenell River





Hi Everyone

There is nothing better than a day on the water....Or is there?

Here is a little video to give you a taste of what YOU can experience if you decide to come visit my Hidden Island Paradise.



If you feel the urge to share my paradise island, come visit and to get more info click here to link to my Hidden Island Paradise visitor information.

Don't forget to stop by for a tea while you are on the island. I would love to treat you to tea on the patio at the Station Cafe with a fabulous view of the Montague River I might even consent to be your guide while you are in my part of the island.

If you like what you see, hear and feel, why not sign up as one of my Net Friends to receive more free goodies on a regular basis. New Net Friends are being added every day, just click here to become my next Net Friend.

Till next blog post,

Smiles :o)

Gary

Prince Edward Island Tales

This cover just draws you in as indeed does our hidden island paradise...


Hi everyone

I just wanted to put up a quick post to draw your attention to a new book that has just been published.

This wonderful little book is the product of nine individual writers working cooperatively. They are all members of the Montague Library Writers Guild, drawn together by their common love for the written word.

Since all of these writers make their home right here on Prince Edward Island it seemed only natural that they would all reflect the flavor of Island life in their work.

The book is now available on Amazon.com and here is a snipit of what they have to say about the book.

Product Description

Product Description
"This collection of poems and short prose pieces showcases the talents of the Montague Library Writers Guild members. They have focused their talents on accounts of life on Prince Edward Island, Canada ranging from a description of cluster flies, to an account of a 5-year-old making the rounds of his community over 50 years ago. There are poems about the shore, fishing, and a youth hockey match. A piece describes why someone should choose to live on PEI while a poem describes the exhilaration of a February day."

Don't waste a minute pondering as to whether or not to buy this book. If you love Prince Edward Island or know someone who does then just go ahead and buy this book today (now)

You will not regret your taking action on this opportunity but hurry as supplies are limited.

Buy it right now at Amazon.com

Don't forget, you can receive free stuff from me on a regular basis. Sign up for my Net Friends list.

Wishing you many enjoyable hours with this wonderful book as it reflects the beauty of my Hidden Island Paradise.

Till next post.

Smiles :o)

Gary

Tour de PEI 2009

Hi Everyone

Well this past week brought some beautiful weather as well as women to Prince Edward Island.

It was the week of the Tour de PEI 2009.

This is the week that 100 fast women literally took over the gentle country roads of my hidden island paradise.

I was out and about (as they say in Canada eh) on Wednesday and managed to catch them as they flew by. Once on the Wood Island Hill in Montague and again at the finish line in Georgetown.

Here are the videos that I shot from those locations. (don't blink or you may miss them)




Tour de PEI 2009 Montague, PEI




Tour de PEI Georgetown, PEI

Check out the Tour de PEI Facebook group for even more videos of the 2009 event.

More people are signing up for my Net Friends list and you can too. Just click here to sign up.

Til next post.

Smiles :o)

Gary

BRITS great fish and chips

Hey Everyone...Welcome back

I just wanted to let you know about a great place to eat if you love fish n chips. I was in Charlottetown on Friday to run a few errands, visit my new grandson and attend the Brain Injury Coalition of PEI's annual fund raiser.

As the afternoon was drawing to a close my mind wandered off to the land of fish n chips. I had heard good things about this place called BRITS on University Ave and so I thought I should give it a try.

I was very happy with the quality of both the food and the service. The London decor added to the atmosphere and the booths allow for privacy. The washrooms were clean and well maintained.

I highly recommend if you are in the area and you have a yen for fish n chips do check out BRITS.

Click Here to see their Lunch on Line Menu.


As I travel around the Island I will continue to post about interesting places that I visit. I also share interesting tid bits of information with my Net Friends as I travel the internet.

Please accept my invitation to join my Net Friends list to receive my emails . Just Click Here to sign up.

Wishing everyone a very enjoyable dining experience on Prince Edward Island.

Till next post,

Smiles :o)

Gary

p.s. Let me know by way of a comment if you would like me to check something out for you if you are considering a visit to our beautiful island. I will see what I can do.

Montague Fanily Fun

Hello Everyone

Montague is a great place to live. Where people take time to spend with their family.

Montague Oktoberfest 2008 from Rodney Smith on Vimeo.

Click Here to visit the Montague Prince Edward Island web site.

That's it, short, sweet and to the point. Besides, if a picture is worth a thousand words then how much is a video worth. - Thank you Mr Smith!

Till next post.

Smiles :o)

Gary

P.S. Oh and by the way, dont forget ! Click Here to sign up for my Net Friends list...Thanks

Road Trip To PEI 09'

photo credit John Quimby 65 GMC step side


Hello everyone

Welcome back to my Hidden Island Paradise!

Today I would like to introduce you to a person of interest. Mr John Quimby

This is what John says about himself:

" I've been a broadcaster, radio programmer,voice talent, copy writer and media producer. I'm a husband, a dad, a certified organic farmer, an a mature horseman, a dog and kid trainer and a history nut. I've been lucky enough to work with some of the most talented and creative people in the world."

Now, let me take you far away from my Hidden Island Paradise to Santa Barbara, California where John lives with his wife and two sons.

Why?

Because John is traveling from his home in California across the USA to Prince Edward Island, Canada in a vintage 1965 GMC stepside truck. Reason being... well, why don't I let John tell the story.

John writes his personal blog posts at:

Dunn Creek Organic Farm PEI, Canada

"From life in the city to living in the country"

Click Here to go to read John's blog. (you can link to other sites that he has from links on his blog

I know you will really enjoy John's story and please, please don't forget to listen to John's podcasts found throughout his blog posts.

Till next post.

Smiles :o)

Gary

Big Break Prince Edward Island

Hi Everyone

If any of you watch the Golf Channel then you might know about the Big Break show that airs there on Mondays.

Well a few months ago they rolled tape right here on Prince Edward Island.

Meet Caroline Larsson, 24, Orlando, Florida. The Stockholm, Sweden, native is an accomplished player on the Duramed FUTURES Tour and competed in the 2007 LPGA Final Qualifying Tournament. Watch Big Break Prince Edward Island - Mondays starting at 9 pm ET on Golf Channel.

Click Here to check it out

If you like golf you will love Prince Edward Island. (my hidden island paradise)

By the way in the opening shot of Caroline beside the West Point Lighthouse, she is standing on my favorite beach spot on all of Prince Edward Island. I love the sunsets there as the red fireball of a sun sinks into the Northumberland Strait to the West. The bigger than life full moon is rising from behind the dunes. It is one of those WOW experiences on the Island. (I guess Caroline being there would make it a double WOW!!!)

Enjoy! and we'll meet you at the 19th hole...

Till next post,

Smiles :)

Gary

Seen From Away

Hello everyone

There is a question that we islanders are asked more than occasionally. That question is this "is the color of the soil on P.E.I. really red?"

Well when you look at the picture of the cover of my friend Tom Schultz's book "Prince Edward Island seen 'from away'" (above) you tell me. (the picture is a view looking South on route 23 from just North of Newtown Cross Prince Edward Island)

In this quick read book (about 118 pages) that Tom wrote last year he tells the story of how he and his wife came to retire on P.E.I. It is also a description of people, places, and practices on the island as seen by a newcomer.

Tom's book gives you the flavor of just how delicious life can be here on my Hidden Island Paradise.

Tom's book is available for under $15.00 USD by contacting Tom Schultz at

Wood Island Prints
670 Tran Canada Highway RR 1
Belle River, PEI C0A 2B0
Canada

Or email him at schultz@pei.sympatico.ca

Also at Amazon.com

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

"This book describes the people, places, and practices of Prince Edward Island, Canada (the smallest province, located just north of Nova Scotia in Atlantic Canada) as seen by a recent newcomer. "From away" is the local term for anyone not born on the island, no matter how long they have lived there. This book can be a useful visitor's guide or a tool to help long-time Islanders recover an appreciation for the things they have stopped noticing because of long familiarity."

Tom says that his book is "dedicated to the hope of new beginnings inspired by the Creator"

If you are looking to a new beginning on a hidden island paradise get a copy of Tom's book and let him give you a proper introduction.

Don't forget to sign up for my Net Friends list over on the Right hand side of this blog. If you enjoy the subjects that I research and explore I share interesting finds that I come across as I travel.

Mostly these are free and usually contain many times the value of similar products sold on the net for cash.

Till next post,

Smiles :o)

Gary

Tea Time in Paradise

Welcome

Today I had a special treat. I was out with Franca, Tony and Red when we decided to visit the Farmers Market in Charlottetown. When we got there, there was only about three quarters of an hour til it closed. Not to worry, there was plenty of everything and lots of people too.

This was my very first visit to the market and my what a treat. Everywhere I looked I saw people that I knew. (or knew me) I spent the first bit of time just walking around and getting the lay of the land so to speak. The atmosphere was friendly and the aromas mixed and pulled you along as if on a gentle leash.

I bought hot Italian sausages at Taylor's Meats and Cranberry Almond Biscotti at Lady Bakers Tea Trolley.

I happened to inquire at the Tea Bar as the sign called it if they sold online. She told me that she had just set up a web page but did not have very much traffic as of yet. She asked me to check out her web page and let her know what I thought. I said that I would, gave her a card and was off to the car.

I found the web page and also a Facebook Fan Page which I thought was pretty cool. I think she is on the right track and I plan to be a regular visitor. I have some thoughts for improvements which I will pass on to her if she is interested.

In the meantime I wanted to share with you my readers some information on her business. Now if you are a tea drinker (and many of us are) be sure to check out Lady Baker's Tea Trolley right here in our Hidden Island Paradise. (oh and let them know what you think)

email: sales@ladybakersteatrolley.com

Website:	http://www.ladybakersteatrolley.com
Company Overview:	After catering tea parties in Charlotte, North Carolina, Lady Baker turned over a new leaf and relocated to Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, one of Canada's most beautiful provinces. She set up a tea bar at the local Farmers Market and continues to cater her delectable and charming tea parties at Beaconsfield Heritage House on Charlottetown's Harbourfront and at historic Avonlea Village in the summer season. Her loose tea products have a reputation of being excellent quality and with the use of the Affinitea brewing machine at the Market she can make the best cup of tea ever and serve you a latte to die for! And that's not all. Her baked-from-scratch cookies, scones and lemon curd have become so popular she decided to hire extra help. (read less) After catering tea parties in Charlotte, North Carolina, Lady Baker turned over a new leaf and relocated to Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, one of Canada's most beautiful provinces. She set up a tea bar at the local Farmers Market and continues to cater her delectable and charming tea parties at Beaconsfield Heritage House on Charlottetown's Harbourfront and at historic Avonlea Village in the summer season. Her loose tea products have a reputation of being excellent quality and with the... (read more)
Mission:	To be full to overflowing with hospitali-tea so friends go away smiling and return soon. Favourite quote: While there is tea there is hope. Arthur Pinero (British Playwright)
Products:	Loose leaf black, oolong, green and white teas; a variety of herbal tisanes; tea accessories; home baking and the traditional tea party experience

Ciick Here to go to the Trolley Facebook Fan Page.

Til next post have a cupa tea and relax mmmm...good

Smiles :o)

Gary

Islanders by Choice

Welcome everyone

Have you ever considered living on a Hidden Island Paradise? Well my friends Ian and Julie (photo credit) did. My friend Julie tells the story of how they came to be "islanders by choice".

"In December, 2007 we visited friends in PEI. We fell in love with the province, yes even in the winter, came home finished our house renos, sold the house, bought a house on the island and moved here in May of 2008. So now we are islanders by choice.

Ian is starting a roofing business, when he is not sailing that is, and me well I am taking a much needed break. I just wish we had bought a place with smaller gardens so that my break was more relaxing and less gardening."

Click here to visit Ian and Julie's website and in turn view my Hidden Island Paradise through their eyes.

If you enjoy the subjects and people that I blog about on my Hidden Island Paradise then why not join my Net Friends to make sure that you get my new posts whenever they are released as well as other interesting stuff that I will be sharing. Just enter your first name and email address in the form on the Right margin and click submit.

Til next post,

Smiles :o)

Gary

Unique Experiences on Hidden Island Paradise...

Hello everyone

If you are "from away" as we Islanders say and you are planning to pay us a visit then why visit the same places that everyone will be visiting when you can have a unique experience with these Island folks. Making Shine, is just one of these unique experiences.

Experience PEI has the means to give you a truly unique Island experience. Just read a bit of what they say on their site.

"Prince Edward Island is a wonderful place to spend your vacation and even if all you do is what everyone else does, you'll have a good time.

But at Experience PEI we believe you're looking for more. That's why we have designed our exclusive experiential adventures to take you off the typical tourist routes to meet fascinating Islanders, share their lives and participate in hands on learning activities.

We will show you the real character of the Island... the unique and the unusual as opposed to the common and obvious.

We have grouped our experiences into themes. Check out each of the themes below to find the experiences that most suit your sense of adventure. If you don't see what you're looking for, tell us what you'd like to do and we'll work to create a custom experience just for you.

If you haven't yet decided where you're staying during your visit to Prince Edward Island, the accommodation operators listed on our Links page share our belief in making your vacation memorable."

So do plan to come to our island but make sure that you have at least one unique experience while you are here. Click Experience PEI and book it now!

We love our hidden Island Paradise and we know that you will too.

If this is your kind of experience then sign on to my "net friends" by filling out the form on the Right and click the submit buton to receive more as they become available.

Till next post,

Smiles :o)

Gary

Big Snow in The Old Days

Hi everyone

This is just a short entry to share a photo that I found of a train stuck in the snow near Murray Harbour, P.E.I.

This is what the website had to say.

"Then as now there were heavy winters with lots of snow. Trains got stuck, especially in “cuttings” where tracks were lower than surrounding land. Train crews were away from home for days or weeks and work trains with 40 or 50 snow shovelers were dispatched to dig them out. The early wooden plows were relative light and had difficult time. These were the days before Employment Insurance and the railway paid well. The years 1905, 1909, and 1923 were particularly bad, predating the use of rotary plows which became available after 1930 when the branch was converted to standard gauge track (56 ½ “ between the rails).
Despite long waits for normally late trains, people in Murray Harbour depended upon the services they delivered. The train was an important daily event that was eagerly anticipated at the end of the line."

Click Here to go to the Murray Harbour website.

So if you are ever feeling down with snow in your driveway think of the train crews of days gone by when they had to shovel (sometimes for days) to get the train unstuck so it could bring needed supplies, mail and passengers to it's destination.

If you have great snow pictures of big snow on P.E.I. during days gone by please let me know. Just leave me a comment or shoot me an email...thanks!

Thanks for reading and till next post.

Smiles :o)

Gary

PS Something new here is my sign up form for my Net Friends List. (on the Right Margin under my profile) Don't be shy I plan to give away free stuff as well as personal updates and tips that work for me.

GG

A Hidden Island Paradise Adventure

Laura-Jane and Cam

Hi

This post is to highlight a most interesting Hidden Island Paradise adventure. Imagine both you and your partner resigning form your jobs. Then selling your home and setting out in the depths of winter to cross the Canadian Rockies. Everything that you own is packed into a tiny covered trailer attached to a Toyota Land cruiser and you are headed East, four thousand miles East into a land where you have never been before. Why? You might ask, would anyone do such a thing. A great job? A chance to get rich? No, just the image of a tiny house on the internet that was calling to the hearts of two young residents of Victoria B.C.

So leaving family, home and jobs the adventure begins.

Read and see the entire adventure here

This is an adventure that all of us need to become part of.

Join the adventure

Till next post,

Smiles :o)

Gary

Had lunch today at Famous Peppers.....

Hi again everyone

If you are in Eastern PEI (Prince Edward Island) give Famous Peppers a try...

	Famous Peppers A Healthy Alternative in family dining in the heart of the village
	6876 Water Street Cardigan, PEI C0A 1G0	Tel 902.583.3366

Famous Peppers is fast becoming a favorite lunch spot in Eastern Prince Edward Island.

I had the pleasure of being treated to lunch there today. My friend Peter said I am taking you to lunch my friend and we are going to Famous Peppers. The menu is always on line at Lunch on Line and they have the best pizza around. (we had a great pizza)

Peter and I each ate a quarter of the pizza and Peter had the other half boxed to take home with him.

The location is perfect located in the tiny village of Cardigan you can sit out on the deck and have a commanding view of the marina and of course the always beautiful Cardigan River.

Sidebar: I first saw the village of Cardigan in 1989 when our family was vacationing in the Eastern part of the island. I instantly fell in love with this quaint and beautiful little village. We had the opportunity to live there for a year (1993-4) when we first moved to this end of the island. The people are very friendly and the salt of the earth.

Just as we were finishing lunch a couple from Ontario came in . They were not in the mood for pizza but had a yen for some great seafood so we directed them to a great restaurant about 10 minutes away in the community of Georgetown called the Clam digger. I will save the Clam Digger for another post.

Our Island hospitality is to be experienced not just read about. Come join us here in my hidden Island Paradise. Prince Edward Island.

Till next time.

Smiles :o)

Gary

A beautiful unique momento of Prince Edward Island

Hello readers

Welcome back to my Hidden Island Paradise.

Inspired by Prince Edward Island's beautiful beaches- swirled with red clay and seaweed and scented with a soothing blend of pure lavender, bay and cedar essential oils. A mini vacation!

Natural scented soap making right here on Prince Edward Island. Check out this very successful local business and learn how they make this beautiful product. Read the comments and if you wish, try out any of the unique natural Island products. If you like this unique line please be sure to tell Jennifer and Marcus.

Click here to visit the site.

Relax and enjoy, mmmmmmmmmm this is the life!

Smiles :o)

Gary

It's Comming Back!...Get Ready...

Hi

Are you getting excited?... The Tour de PEI is returning to P.E.I. (My Hidden Island Paradise) on June 8th, 2008. Read the exert below and click through to the official website to follow all of the great world-class action... (these ladies are FAST!!!) Be sure to notice the bridge cam link below.

World-Class Cycling Returns to
Prince Edward Island with Tour de PEI

CHARLOTTETOWN – Prince Edward Island’s seaside villages and idyllic countryside will be transformed into Canada’s most exciting new cycling destination with the return of Tour de PEI from June 8-12.

The inaugural race was named Road Event Organizer of the Year by the Canadian Cycling Association in 2007. The event is now attracting a growing amount of interest from athletes around the world.

One hundred female cyclists are expected to participate in the five-day, five-stage race. The new route highlights the Island’s scenic countryside and coastline for thousands of spectators and 600,000 television viewers who are expected to tune into a feature presentation of the race. Media coverage reached one million households during last year’s event.

“Tour de PEI is a perfect fit for Prince Edward Island because it showcases before the world everything the province has to offer,” said the Honourable Valerie Docherty, Minister of Tourism and Honourary President of Tour de PEI. “This event is more than a bike race as it presents Prince Edward Island to the world.”

The participating athletes will cross scenic but challenging terrain covering a total of 403 kilometres, including a 120 kilometre-long race across the hilliest regions in central PEI.

A highlight of the race will take place on Monday, June 9, when cyclists will race in a time trial across the 12.9-kilometre-long Confederation Bridge. The bridge will be closed between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. on that day. (Read more....)

Also check out the LIVE Bridge cam. The Confederation Bridge in real time

Smiles :o)

Gary

This is a one time special post!

Hello to my Social Networking friends. If you think that Barack Obama (see video “Yes We Can!”) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jjXyqcx-mYY can change the real lives of millions of American people. Then Ed Dale, Dan Rain and the Thirty Day Challenge (see video " The Thirty Day Challenge Music Video") http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2eX0_EEvUWE can change the real lives of billions of people around the globe in ways they could never imagine in their wildest dreams. I just wanted to share this little known but empowering information with friends within my own social network. Shhh don’t let the cat out of the bag so to speak. You can check it out if you wish at http://www.ThirtyDayChallenge.com/challenge/336

Rodd Brudenell River Resort Set to reopen...

Hi Everyone

If you are considering organizing your conference between now and October 2008 this is the place!

Located right here on my Hidden Island Paradise right next door to me I can tell you first hand that your conference will be the success that you desire it to be if you hold it here.

Just read the quick intro below and click through to the site to get the full experience.

Smiles :o)

Gary

You Belong. At Rodd Brudenell

With its four star facilities, tranquil setting within Brudenell River Provincial Park, and wide variety of activities offered on-site, Rodd Brudenell River -- A Rodd Signature Resort offers an unparalleled resort destination in Eastern Prince Edward Island -- only 30 minutes from Charlottetown.

Click Here to Enter the Rodd Brudenell River Resort website.

Experience The PEI Lobster Supper!

Another Prince Edward Island tradition, The Lobster Supper...I have to tell you. Tonight a group of about twelve of us got together for this fabulous experience.

Fresh PEI Lobster in the shell, Fresh PEI potato salad, fresh home made rolls with real butter and a variety of finger deserts. If you don't think that it is a special experience just read what Marialisa Calta of the Globe and Mail has to say. (Perhaps you might consider a visit to our Hidden Island Paradise just for The Lobster Supper experience)

SOURIS, PEI -- Sure, we've got spectacular scenery and untamed wilderness,
but with the country's burgeoning wine regions and
regional cuisines drawing international accolades,
Canada has a lot to offer the travelling gourmand

Every year, when my husband, two daughters and I make our annual trek to Prince Edward Island, I take the "seafood pledge" -- that no meat shall pass my lips for the duration of my stay in this seafood paradise. It's a pledge I keep happily and, with the exception of an occasional turkey sandwich or a burger, almost successfully. PEI is awash in mussels, oysters, clams, lobster and fish, including Atlantic salmon, char, haddock and cod.

Because we were once campers and now own a cabin on the island, we've done most of the cooking of grilled, fresh fish ourselves.

The island offers the ubiquitous battered-and-fried fish joints and a number of fine dining establishments, but for budget-minded travellers like us with kids in tow, the perfect compromise -- offering fresh seafood, family-friendly atmosphere and excellent prices -- is the PEI lobster supper.

Click here to read the remainder of her article and some links to follow.

Smiles :o)

Gary

Art Gallery B & B

Hi Everyone

From kayaking on the Brudenell to being a guest for the weekend at Arno and Linda's Art Gallery B & B in North Bedeque.


I had a wonderful weekend with great friends and the hospitality of Arno and Linda was second to none.

If you have the opportunity to visit our island then please consider the Art Gallery B & B for a night or two. (you won't be disappointed)

Here are just a few of the benefits of being their guest.

quiet, restful century home, located in the country, surrounded by wheat and potato fields.

15 minutes from Confederation Bridge, 8 minutes to Summerside.

Five spacious bedrooms, ensuite bathrooms.

Linger over our 'all you can eat' country breakfast.

Close to beaches,golf courses, theatres, fine dining and shopping, 20 minutes to Cavendish and Anne of Green Gables. *Free Wireless Internet access* . 72 hour cancellation policy. English and German spoken.

Click Here to visit Arno and Linda's web page (Art Gallery B & B)