Columnists
Island Time
I’ve been thinking about this lately. We love visiting islands and this year we took the RV to Isle de la Madeleine. To get there we had to first go to Prince Edward Island to catch the ferry, which took five hours to get to the islands. What a beautiful place with white sand beaches and beautiful vistas everywhere one looks. There’s one main road running through all of the islands that are connected by causeways or narrow land along sand dunes.
Our own Prince Edward County is an island, albeit the Murray canal created the island when it was dug for the boats. Nevertheless, there’s an island feel here in the County. That’s right up until you’re driving along a road and a car or truck rides your bumper. I have a friend who tells me each time we talk about the speeders in front of his house.
It’s not often that I travel in the County other than the trek from Green Point to Picton for work and back again. This longawaited construction on 49 is making me take alternate routes and see different scenery. Elmbrook road is quite picturesque. Then, the other day, I had occasion to ride to Lake on the Mountain. Have you noticed how beautiful it is driving Glenora Road? Then, the view from the Mountain is even better. On our way back a car cut us off when it ran a stop sign.
Driving south in the County is even more picturesque and some of the scenery leaves one breathless. We don’t have to go to Isle de la Madeleine to find white sand beaches and beautiful views. We have them right here. People move here to enjoy this and others come here every summer (and some hardy folks come in winter) to enjoy all the County has to offer.
So, this is the thing, people travel a long way to enjoy what we have and others live here and enjoy it every day, or do they? When I ponder this I wonder if we could install signs at every entrance to the County— ”Welcome to Prince Edward County. You’re on island time now. Slow down, enjoy the scenery. Be safe.” Do you think it would make a difference? I sure would like to try it.
Maybe island time isn’t really about being in a hurry to get somewhere. Maybe it’s about remembering where we are while we’re getting there. We live in a place that people save their money and vacation time to come and see. We have winding roads, water views, beaches, fields, villages and scenery worth slowing down for. So, the next time you’re tempted to ride someone’s bumper, rush through a stop sign or hurry along one of our beautiful County roads, remember where you are. You’re on an island. Slow down. Look around. Enjoy the drive. And, most importantly, let’s all get where we’re going safely.
Debbie MacDonald Moynes is Executive Director of The Prince Edward County Community Care for Seniors Association.
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