Monday, September 9, 2013

sometimes

- adv
1. now and then; from time to time; occasionally

Sometimes, wishes come true. 
And those times, I must say, are glorious.

I spent last weekend on Prince Edward Island.  
This place was simple, charming, peaceful... and absolutely breathtaking.

I can't begin to tell you how many times my friend Andrea and I turned another corner and found ourselves again at a loss for words for the stunning beauty surrounding us. 

Pictures will never do it justice. However, we did take a few... Okay, several?... Alright, we took over 1,000. Join me for the journey! 

*Disclaimer: this post is long. And it looks a little...maybe a lot...like a photo shoot. Just know that when two camera-happy girls travel together to beautiful places, we can't help but try to capture ourselves enjoying them :-)

First, we drove through

Portland, Maine
and checked out the Head Light (what we could see of it anyway)





Then we took our time driving the
Coastal Route 1 







and stopped in Columbia Falls for

Wild Blueberries  
which were definitely a highlight for me...no, I did not plan my attire accordingly, but I was more than thrilled once I noticed it.
 




This is Dell Emerson, and we got to visit his farm. He has been growing blueberries for most of his life. He even went to school to study them! His wife Marie runs the store where they sell everything and anything blueberry. We enjoyed a muffin, scone, honey, and jam...all blueberry! Then I got to eat the real deal all weekend long. I was in heaven. They've had lots of missionaries stop by (including my little brother Elder Stephenson the first); Dell said, 
"I think they're trying to save me."  :-)  Incredible people.

Next we drove all the way to the most Eastern city in the USA, 
Lubec, Maine 

 

 




Our first "Lobster Roll"... When in Maine, my friends.

Soon after, we crossed the border into
Canada!

Ferry to Deer Island, ferry to New Brunswick, many hours on the freeway, moose-crossing warnings, "Welcome to the Maritimes!" from our new friend Phil, an extremely long bridge, and then...

Prince Edward Island  

We stayed here, in the most adorable cottages with the kindest host, in North Milton... (North and South, anyone? Sometimes, my life is awesome.)


And of course, bright and early the next morning, we visited 
Green Gables

*Note: This happened. For real. I'm not even kidding.












 Screen Shot. The local weather app doesn't lie about location. 
Oh the joys. :-)


Ready to explore the Haunted Forest...





 And stroll down Lovers Lane...



 And take in a view of the Lake of Shining Waters...




 At this point, I would love to spout off all the interesting facts I learned about L.M. Montgomery, as well as share many of her beautiful quotes. However...there is much more to see on this island, so just know that I am incredibly appreciative of and fascinated by this woman's contribution to literature and her wonderful reflections, experiences, and fantasies embodied in her creation of Anne. 

We traveled next along the Central Coastal Drive and stopped at
Cape Tryon 

 









The next morning we made our way along the Points East Coastal Drive and explored a trail in part of the national park called
Greenwich








And around the tip of the island, past the East Point lighthouse, and into Basin Head Beach to enjoy the 
Singing Sands 

This fascinating phenomenon actual exists...google it. Better yet, go there and hear it for yourself :-)







We made a stop at the most ghetto gas station I've ever encountered, enjoyed the sunset, then ventured into the most adorable attempt at a "big city" I've ever seen,
Charlottetown






The next morning we went to church! Followed by an afternoon drive and perfect Sunday nap along the coastal cliffs of
Argyle Shore Provincial Park






 
  
That evening we may have just driven slowly along red back-roads until we returned to our darling cabin, cooked dinner, and curled up to watch Anne of Green Gables.

 On Prince Edward Island. 

Sometimes
I just can't quite get over how incredibly wonderful this world really is...and how blessed I am to continue to enjoy glimpses of it. 


Not pictured: 
The endless rolling hills and patchwork fields of all kinds, the adorable homes everywhere, the many fantastic people we met along the way, the darling white churches, the breeze blowing through our hair as we drove miles and miles of beautiful country in my sturdy lil' car, the smell and sound of the ocean, the feeling of foamy white waves washing soft sand between your toes, the instance after instance when things just "worked out," and the indescribable peace of knowing God lives...

knowing He always loves me because I am His child.  
 



  
 





  

10 comments:

  1. I looks like you are having too much fun... I am a bit jealous. It makes me want to take a trip. It is so beautiful up that way. We have always loved spending time in that area. We miss you but are glad you are having a great time.

    ReplyDelete
  2. You make me want to be you! Can I live your life for a day or two? I have fond memories of a trip to Maine once too...black and white cows and black and white houses, green rolling hills, lighthouses, blueberries, and moose crossing signs. LOVE IT THERE! Never got to Prince Edward Island though. You made me cry happy tears so early in the morning! Pure joy! Love you!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Karen said it, "happy tears" are rolling down my cheeks. I loved your post, your pictures, and your way with words. You are amazing. I can hardly wait to see the other 900 pictures. Love you lots and miss you even more!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Thanks for sharing your adventure! I thoroughly enjoyed this post!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Umm I love this. Your pictures are amazing and you look like you are having so much fun. I makes me want to come visit today and go on a trip with you! I miss traveling with you! Keep have an amazing time back east. I am going to live vicariously through your pictures!

    ReplyDelete
  6. No way. I am jealous of every single aspect of this post. Seriously! You are living the dream!

    ReplyDelete
  7. So fun!!! I also loved the pictures and stories. That was in my mission but I never had the blessing of serving there....someday :)

    ReplyDelete
  8. Jealousy. Seething jealousy. Grrrrr.

    ...but glad you had fun! and your pictures are BEAUTIFUL!

    ReplyDelete
  9. Holy monkey...Prince Edward Island?! Green Gables?! I might be having a little bit of a panic attack of jealousy right now. Such beautiful pictures! Looks like you are having a fantabulous time!

    ReplyDelete
  10. Man, I miss you! You have such a way with words! Sounds like things are going well!

    ReplyDelete