The land

Last week on the way to the beach where we saw fishers off shore setting their lobster traps for the season, we passed numerous fields where farmers were turning or had turned the soil for this season.

I was surprised to see the dust from this field. We have had so much rain recently and lots of snow this winter which has only melted in the last month. It is an indication of how much water is needed to keep the soil hydrated.

Of course we are never far from the sea on Prince Edward Island. You can see Malpeque Bay in the background at the right of the photo.

This field was on a hill above Brander’s Pond.

The road to the beach runs alongside the field. This equipment was more modern than the previous tractor. I remember my grandfather with a horse and plough which he manoeuvred holding two handles as he walked behind. A part of history now!

These fields off the Confederation Trail 

and beside Scales Pond appear to be ready for planting this year.

Land and sea are woven into a rich tapestry which make this little island so special.

Island spring

One of the many things I love about Prince Edward Island is how the land and the sea are entwined in the lives of the people. While the sea separates us from others, it is a focus of life here as it provides food and a source of income as islanders harvest the sea in a sustainable way. The sea also lures us to its shores to play on the beaches and in the waters which lap the shore.

On this island, farmers’ fields drop into the sea as the rich red soil supports agriculture. 

Animals are part of that life too including cattle, dairy cows, horses, sheep, pigs, chicken and others. The land has supported farming for centuries as the original settlers cleared the land and planted vegetables and raised animals. Today, potatoes are the largest crop.

This connection of land and sea was evident last week when my husband and I stopped at Seacow Pond on the north coast of the island. The lobster fishery which normally begins at the end of April has been postponed until May 15th. There is concern for the safety of crews and their ability to social distance. Also, the markets are gone since restaurants aren’t open though that will change over the next few months.

Fishers are preparing for the start of the fishery and traps are ready to be loaded aboard the boats, the colourful marker buoys ready for their sentinel duty with the lobster traps.

As we looked over boats at Seacow Pond, just over our shoulders two horses walked around a pasture which will soon turn green. 

In the distance fields will be ploughed for another crop in rotation.

Island life embraces spring in spite of the pandemic.