Most Popular Post

Monday 27 May 2019

Homestead Trail

There are a number of trails in the National Park on Prince Edward Island which my husband and I haven’t explored. Recently we hiked part of the Homestead Trail, which was a new to us. It was a beautiful day, without any wind and too early in the season for mosquitos. The day couldn’t have been more perfect.


The trail cuts through forest,





runs alongside New London Bay, 





ponds, 





sand dunes 





and farmland with fog rising in the morning air.





The trail is well maintained and flat but the setting is varied enough to make it interesting. There are benches and picnic tables along the way. We did the shorter of two loops.


Sea gulls, ducks, yellowlegs and geese abound as we hike the area. A squirrel enjoyed his perch atop an old piece of farm machinery and stayed while we admired him. 





However the most interesting animal for us was a snake. 





Being from Newfoundland where there aren’t any snakes, it was exciting to hear something in the grass just off the trail and discover the Maritime gartersnake. We watched it for a long time as it flicked its tongue and turned its head to follow our every move.


We had a picnic at the end of the trail. The day was a holiday and by the time we finished lunch, the area was busy with walkers and bikers. The crowd was a glimpse of the number of people who will visit the park this summer.





18 comments:

Anvilcloud said...

I have a feeling that there won’t be too many unexplored trails for too long.

Debra She Who Seeks said...

Such a lovely time of year right now before the mosquitoes show up!

Shammickite said...

A nice flat trail, that would suit me just fine! The snake is interesting. Beautiful markings to blend in with his surroundings.

Laurel Wood said...

Another great place to hike and enjoy the scenery and a picnic. Great snap of the snake!

Secondary Roads said...

What a delightful way to spend a day. I particularly like that first pic. It really invites one into the scene.

PerthDailyPhoto said...

What a lovely walk Marie, the flatter the better for my wonky knee at the moment 😊 what a gorgeous shot of the squirrel, so cute, the snake would have been interesting, not poisonous I'm guessing?

William Kendall said...

What a pretty path!

The patterns on the snake are quite photogenic.

Elephant's Child said...

How wonderful for you (and us) to find a new trail.
Our snakes are moving into hibernation mode now. Love the patterns on the one you saw.

Ruth Hiebert said...

What a lovely walk. The trail looks well maintained. Great scenery along the way.

Barbara said...

Lovely part setting. I love a walk through trees. I'm even more excited if the ground is level and I can stroll without worrying about tripping. That was my kind of path.

Joanne Noragon said...

We are in full foliage here. Interesting throwback to bare branches.

likeschocolate said...

I am impressed you had the cool to take the picture of the snake. I would have probably run the other way! Lovely photos! Have a great week.

Retired Knitter said...

Lovely walk. I am not a snake person. That would have sent me walking quickly away. He was well marked however.

DJan said...

Your pictures took me right there next to you on the trail. I love the feeling of your walk, and the snake picture is priceless. A beauty, well captured in the photo. :-)

Ginnie Hart said...

Believe it or not, when I got to the image of the snake, rather than jumping out of my skin, I actually said to myself, "Oh, how cute. Look at that sweet face!" That alone is the "most interesting" take-away for me from this post, Marie! :)

Natalia said...

Beautiful place and great photos☺

John's Island said...

Hi Marie, Enjoyed going along with you on the trail. I really like that country where you live. I noticed you mentioned too early in the season for mosquitos. Wondering if you have lots later in the summer? I have been surprised living in Seattle that although we have a marine climate we don't have too many annoying bugs. Looks like you had a great day for your outing and I sure enjoyed all the photos. Take care and have a good weekend ahead. John

Debbie said...

beautiful pictures of such a pretty area and trail...not the snake thought, i'm not too fond of those!!

i'm always a sucker for those picnic table pictures, they always make my heart smile. i can't wait to go for a picnic, we did have one before i got sick and it was super fun!! i like eating outdoors, at a picnic table!!