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Prince Edward Island
Prince Edward Island is the only province in the Canadian Maritimes that is not yet represented in the IAT/SIA. But two P.E.I. trailblazers, Allan MacKenzie and Els Schurman, attended last fall's Annual International Meeting in Nova Scotia; and once geologist and board member Walter Anderson confirmed that their island consisted of debris from the ancient Appalachians, all agreed to invite the province to join.
On April 16, Walter and President Dick Anderson were in Charlottetown to make a presentation at a regular board meeting of Island Trails, the non-profit organization dedicated to the development, maintenance, and promotion of P.E.I.'s extensive network of trails. (www.islandtrails.ca) Island Trails president Denis Dunne arranged the visit, and Dick and Walter were accompanied by board members from Maine -- Herb Hartman, Don Hudson and Thomas Urquhart -- and New Brunswick, Paul Jorgenson.
Given P.E.I.'s low, rolling landscape, some islanders were a bit surprised by Walter's assertion that P.E.I. is indeed part of the Appalachians. They were impressed, however, by Dick's summary of IAT/SIA's achievements since its inception in 1994, including, to date, some 1,900 miles of trail from Mt. Katahdin to Newfoundland. Several Island Trails board members, including Vice President Tom Connor and past President Brendan McGinn, came back for more at the public meeting that evening.
The Maine/New Brunswick contingents had arrived the previous evening and were met by Denis and Leo Gill, who is responsible for trails in the province's Department of Transportation. Even though no official meetings had been scheduled, in the course of a short walk through the historic center of Charlottetown, Leo introduced us to the Minister of Transportation and an MLA. Then, over platters of world-renowned Malpeque oysters, Denis and Leo outlined P.E.I.'s very considerable commitment to trails for hikers, bikers and snow-mobilers.
Next morning, Denis and Leo gave us a whirlwind tour of the island, which has the highest population density of any Canadian province. The Confederation Trail, a converted rail-line, runs through the island "tip-to-tip," connecting with a number of sites of interest on the island (although not Green Gables.) We stopped at several points on the Trail, including the Trailside Inn, which offers food, rest and entertainment for hikers and cyclists; an impressive array of wind turbines almost at the island's eastern tip; and the Brudenell River Resort (which would make a terrific site for an International Annual Meeting, if P.E.I. decides to come on board.)
At East Point itself, the island's red hematite soils finally give way to outcrops of bedrock: red sandstone eroded from the original Appalachian peaks and laid down in the Permian era, between 250 and 300 million years ago. These rocks have come a long way in space as well as time: the whole area was on the equator when they were deposited. Its extremely arid environment oxidized the iron, producing the bright red hue. Walter held us all spellbound describing this, as well as the more recent history. A mere ten to fifteen thousand years ago, these ancient beds were covered first with ice a mile deep, then as the glaciers melted, with a rising sea, before finally emerging once again as the land rebounded from the weight of all that ice.
At dinner that night, the IAT/SIA connoisseurs explored further the differences in Malpeque oysters with names like Colville Bay, Raspberry Point and Beausoleil. Our favorites were the ones from Pickle Point; who could resist what the restaurant described as their "ivory lips, glistening meats and a nice green tinge to the shell?"
Before leaving we went to P.E.I.'s "highest point" of land. The notion was a novel one on the island -- at 466 feet above sea level, it is hardly a point -- but Denis and Leo diligently calculated and located the place for us. And, proving that it can be climbed, we will shortly submit photographs to Governor Baldacci for consideration after he and New Brunswick premier Graham have climbed Mount Carleton.
Then, with the van loaded with fresh oysters -- no sweat at the U.S. customs: the merchant gives you the paperwork to get them through -- and local cheddar, we headed for home. Portland to Charlottetown is about 500 miles, and with a couple of stops, the drive takes less than nine hours.
As always on IAT/SIA road trips, an important element was the bird count (see attachment). Mid April is not the best time for birding, perhaps, but we nevertheless chalked up a respectable final tally of 56 species, the highlight being a female wood duck, at the northern extent of its range, and several breathtaking views of northern harrier. But if we set no record for birding, we surely set one: the time it takes to lose $100 on the slots at Charlottetown's racino!
Submitted by Thomas Urquhart
PEI East Point Rks.- PEI/IAT group at East Point and standing on Permian(240mya) red rocks of
Northern Appalachians-note sea ice. L-R. Poul Jorgensen(N.B.), Herb Hartman(IAT), Don Hudson(IAT),
Dennis Dunne(PEI), Dick Anderson(IAT), Thomas Urquhart(IAT), Leo Gill(PEI).
PEI-Highest Point- IAT Brigade pointing to PEI highest elevation in background
(152 meters,468 ft. above sea level). L-R: Thomas Urquhart, Herb Hartman, Dick Anderson,
Don Hudson.
Mt. Stewart Trail Head-- Well maintained trails for hikers and bikers. B&B's, food and parking in
nearby towns.
PEI. Trail - Bridge-- Well maintained PEI Trails.
Shelter and info signs on St. Peters Bay Trail.
PEI Meeting- Board Members of PEI Confederation Trail, PEI Island Trails, International Appalachian Trail.
L-R= Dennis Dunne(PEI), Walter Anderson(IAT), Leo Gill(PEI), Collen Hatcher(PEI), Tom Connor(PEI), Brenden McGinn(PEI),
Thomas Urquhart(IAT), Mary Gorman(PEI), Don Hudson(IAT), Dick Anderson(IAT), and Poul Jorgenson(N.B.).
Also, PEI Provincial Flag: 3 small trees= 3 PEI counties; large tree= Province of PEI; Lion= Royal icon
PEI-Pub Group - Attitude Adjustment and Discussion. L-R= Dennis Dunne(PEI), Herb Hartman (IAT),
Dick Anderson(IAT), Don Hudson(IAT), Leo Gill(PEI), Poul Jorgensen(N.B.), Thomas Urquhart(IAT).
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