Tuesday, July 16, 2024

Zuiderdam Viking Adventure, Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island...

I was up and out for our sail into Charlottetown this morning at 0530. We got the pilot at 0630 and we were still a long way from Charlottetown…  Should have gotten more sleep.  It’s always such a beautiful sail into Charlottetown with the highlight being the Block Island Lighthouse. I decided to walk around town today and get at least 5 miles exercise along the way. It was great being in port with the Volendam, giving us the possibility of seeing some friends. I started my walkabout, and the ladies stayed onboard, packing, they get off tomorrow in Sydney, Nova Scotia. They will spend a week visiting our friend Laura there before heading home.  I walked through the Confederation Landing Park around the harbor to Peake’s Wharf, the waterfront boardwalk. I looked in a few shops before walking to Water Street with its beautifully preserved Georgian architecture. Cutting through the PEI Regiment Armory and Museum grounds we rejoined the waterfront boardwalk.  First, I decided to check out the Irish Settlers Monument. This memorial honors the Island’s early Irish immigrants and is modeled after the High Cross of Moone in Ireland. Its circular floor has 32 flagstones, originally imported from each of the Irish counties where the Island settlers originated.  Next, I passed the Beaconsfield Historic House, a great example of Victorian architecture with historic tales about Charlottetown.  Continuing to the boardwalk along the Charlottetown Harbor.  I headed to the Governor’s House across the street…. The gate was open, so I walked up to the Government House, home of PEI’s Lieutenant Governor. I then headed across town, taking in the sights and visited the St Dunstan’s Cathedral…  The original St Dunstan's Cathedral was built from 1897 to 1907. The present stone structure was built from 1913 to 1919 after a fire destroyed the original cathedral in 1913. It was built in the Gothic Revival architectural style.  It’s a beautiful church… The weather was getting hot and sunny, so headed back to the ship for some much-needed sunshine therapy. Another great day in Charlottetown… So, we are coming to a close on the magnificent journey…  We have seen and experienced so much it boggles the mind.  The last few days will be devoted to relaxing in the sun and packing.  I hope Ann & Cathy have a wonderful stay in Nova Scotia and a safe journey home. As for me, I head home on Saturday…