Going home to Prince Edward Island
‘The ache for home lives in all of us, the safe place where we can go and not be questioned.’ Maya Angelou
Prince Edward Island is one of those parts of the world that almost seems too good to be true. It is known for its painted farmhouses, green fields rolling down to sandy beaches, the warmest ocean water north of Florida and lobster boats bobbing quietly in compact harbors. Oh yes, and Anne of Green Gables.
Though I live and work – very happily – in BC, I’m still very much aware of that old adage that you can take the man out of Saskatchewan, but you can’t take the Saskatchewan out of the man. Wait a minute, this is supposed to be about Prince Edward Island. Those of you that know me, are aware I was born and raised in Saskatchewan. Yes, I still cheer for the Roughriders. What most of you don’t know is that my late mother was originally from Prince Edward Island and I have many aunts, uncles and cousins still on the island. My last visit was in 1989. So after the Funke family reunion in July 2016, and watching my two children have so much fun hanging out with their cousins, I decided to make the summer 2017 trip about getting to know the other side of my family and make a trip to the other side of Canada.
PEI has welcomed visitors of all ages for many years, creating authentic island experiences for everyone to enjoy. The coastline offers some of the most stunning vistas in the world. Further inland, the rolling green hills and scenic farmland will keep your cameras busy. The tremendous local cuisine, including some of the freshest seafood available anywhere in the world, will make your mouth water for more.
As a visitor to the island, you can do more than just witness the island way of life. You can live it with; real experiences, simple pleasures and being active and relaxed at the same time. I was extremely impressed with the trail system around the island. The railway has long disappeared and in its place is an amazingly well kept trail system to run, hike, and bike your way around. Any island is its own unique world. Stories, music, recipes, and skills are preserved and passed down for generations. But here you’re welcome to take part, and take home some of the traditions. I my case, I went home to the Flood family reunion. Yes, my mother’s maiden name is Flood, and it is 100% Irish.
Family is very important to me and having my children get to know and be part of such a wonderful and caring family is very precious to me. We toured the island but more importantly kept it very simple. We used my cousin’s five acre farm as our home base from where we explored. We went to Grandpa and Grandma’s old farmhouse near Emmyvale and visited all my aunts and uncles. It was a trip they will not forget.
So, if you’re looking for a holiday with some real life behind it, you’ll find it in PEI. Yes, you might get your hands dirty, you might get your shoes wet and you might find your knees stained but this is all temporary. The memory of your PEI experiences will last a lifetime, just as mine have done.
Geoff Funke, Senior Wealth Advisor, Scotia Wealth Management, 604.535.4721.