Out and About, Spring ‘25

Picnic day, first of the season. It was sunny and the temperature was going up to 7 degrees Celsius without any wind, great conditions for us to pack up the lunch box and head west to North Cape.

As my husband and I drove towards the Cape, the white water was obvious along the coastline. Lower tide meant waves entered shallow water farther off shore and the tumbling lengths of bubbling water were impressive amid the blue of sea and sky. 

When we arrived at North Cape, we hurriedly left the car! Although my husband and I have lived on Prince Edward Island almost fifteen years, we had never seen the ocean like this. While we have lived though tropical storms, we did so from the safety of our home, never seeing the surf conditions. These surf conditions in this setting were spectacular.

A stretch of reef visible at the North Cape was formed where the waters of the Gulf of St. Lawrence, north of Prince Edward Island, meet the waters of the Northumberland Strait to the island’s south. The waves from both bodies of water collide at the reef.

But the sound…the sound was like a roaring dragon which didn’t take a breath, rather a huge exhale which surrounded you. One could only stand and take it all in.

After the initial experience with the sea, we began to notice the animals which were enjoying the environment that day too. Common Eider ducks bobbed over the waves as they advanced to shore.

Black Scoters were is a row, as one elevated itself ahead and above the others, possibly trying to attract the female farther back. 

Various species of Gulls, played on the breeze and along the shoreline. And typical of this time of year, along the shoreline, a Song Sparrow sang from its heart although its song was drowned out by the roar of the dragon.

Eventually we walked along the shoreline toward the location of a sea arch which looked fragile last year. Sure enough, as Newfoundlanders say, “There it was…gone.” All that remains is a sandy looking sea stack with some holes, making its survival questionable. 

Looking along the shoreline, waves crashed into the cliffs although snow still clung to the coastline in places.

Reluctantly we left North Cape and drove to Kildare Capes to the south. Along the way, we stopped at Sea Cow Pond where fisherman are preparing for the start of the lobster fishery at the end of the month.

Across from the Pond is a horse ranch which always catches my attention. The horses were enjoying lunch at the far end of the pasture.

We had lunch at Kildare Capes, in the yard of Christ Church, built in 1867. It is surrounded by huge trees so even on the windiest of days, the area is peaceful. One can easily imagine the peace people have found in the church for more than a century. After lunch, we walked back to the Capes where the waves crashed into the sandstone cliffs.

My husband and I also walked the boardwalk last week and the beach at Mont Carmel. One evening, I did an Owl Prowl with my friend Lucy and her family. I am determined to see an owl this year on the island. Our prowl at dusk was unsuccessful thus far, but we have just started! 

Here’s hooting for the best!