Our quest to cycle the Confederation Trail from east to west on Prince Edward Island took us to what may be the most remote section of the trail last week. On our return ride from Selkirk to New Harmony, we only met one person, which is unusual. In addition, a section of this trail has not been groomed yet this year which made it look untamed. It is where I fell with my bike. However, the ponds and wetlands in this area are worth a visit.
Larkin’s Pond near Selkirk is known for fly fishing although on the two weeks we’ve been past there we haven’t seen anyone fishing.
We saw ducks on both occasions but they were too far away to photograph. The wind in the bulrushes is almost musical.
Numerous Baltimore Checkerspot butterflies flitted over the trail in this area and one posed for a photo.
Further along, in a peaceful wetland area,
reflections of the occasional cloud overhead adds to the scene on the water.
We crossed the road to New Zealand, PEI,
a tiny farming community whose name first appeared officially in 1925. There isn’t much written about this community but several families left the area in the 1800s to settle in New Zealand. The name of the community on PEI reflects the connection of its people to that island so far away.
McVarnish’s Pond is a Conservation Area with a fish ladder which allows smaller fish,
such as smelts and gaspereau easier access to inland waters where they return every year to spawn.
The area is pristine and quiet, the run of small fish over for another year.
Near New Harmony spring water flows, rising from the earth below, at a constant temperature of 7 degrees Celsius year round.
This section of trail has pristine water features and is more isolated than many areas of the trail. It will be safer for bicycles when it is groomed for this year.
29 comments:
An unexplored area... so it seems.
A beautiful, if treacherous, place for a cycle ride. there's always something very calming about being near water. We have a New Zealand Farm not far from here, allegedly named by a man who always intended to emigrate but never got any further. There's also a seaside resort called California and a hamlet called The America.
So beautiful, so green! I love going on these trips with you, Marie. Thank you for taking me along, even if only virtually.
Such a beautiful place Marie. Thank you for always sharing your adventures with us!
Glad you're giving every part of the Trail some luuuuuv!
A very peaceful looking area.
Hello,
What a pretty spot. I like the views of the pond, the reflections and the fish ladder is cool.
Pretty butterfly. Have a great day!
Peaceful and beautiful, a great place to explore. Thanks for taking us along, I enjoyed the journey.
You live, in Paradise....
🌼🍑💛🍑🌼
Such Beauty - And All While Riding Your Bike - I Am So Proud Of You Two - Its Good To Be Us
Cheers
I hope your ankle is much, much better. Thank you for sharing this incredible beauty. I do find fish ladders fascinating.
The whole area looks so beautiful .
It looks like a beautiful place to explore and to cycle around. A great set of photos and I love the reflections. Keep safe Diane
Nice looking wetlands to explore! I've never seen a Baltimore Checkerspot.
Do you plan to cycle it all this year?
AC, We plan to finish the east to west part of the trail when my foot heals. There is only one more section of that trail to do. We started this quest when I got my bike last October and rode for a month then.
I used to live off Route 306, in Lake County, Ohio. Now I live near 303. This was a lovely series.
Trail up keep is most important for safety when riding. I t looks like the trail really needs some work for bikes.
Strange you mention "Selkirk" our Mountain range west of me, is called Selkirk
Coffee is on and stay safe
The Baltimore Checkerspot is exceptionally handsome. It' seldom seen here in southern Ontario, and would have been new for me.
i am sorry for the fall !
i can see how land is loaded with thick grass dear Marie ,this can be bit difficult for cycling ,all i pray that you are safe and perfectly alright !
your photography is therapeutic as always,wet land is truly wet with splendid ponds and streams oh i found them healing and tranquil !thank you sooo much for sharing the magic of your ride during this season specially :)
more blessings to you and loved ones!
Well done getting straight back on thd bike after your fall Marie, mind you the incentives here are obvious, superb series of shots, a really beautiful outing, merci beaucoup for taking us along 💜
The trail has beautiful views.
The marshes and wetlands are so beautiful. I especially like the photo of the fish ladders and the butterfly.
I hope your are healing from your fall..as we get older the harder the fall...
Sue
oooooh the road less traveled, those roads/areas/trails are always the best!! but you fell off the bike, i am so sorry to hear that. i have had a few spills myself but i know they are not fun!! the first image is so pretty, as are all of them!! it's always nice to spot a butterfly, it looks so perfect, perhaps newly emerged!!
you have such great knowledge of this area, i appreciate learning about it!!
Wonderful, tranquil, trail beauty but I do wonder if the mosquitos descend when you stop to take your awesome photographs. I know from experience it is a possibility.
Helen, on one or two occasions the mosquitos have been bad. We always take bug spray to use if needed. We eat in open areas and most days it’s windy so the bugs aren’t a problem.
Well, I didn't expect to see New Zealand on here LOL. I hope those folk were happy settling here - they certainly would have noticed a difference in the weather!
Really love your second-to-last photo, it looks like a beautiful painting :)
The photos of the area look cool and refreshing. It's so hot here right now.
The shot of the butterfly is exquisite.
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