XCan Day 80 - Cornwall/Charlottetown to Murray River, PEI

Distance: 75.3 km
Time: 3:27
Speed: 21.8 km/hr
Ascent: 715 m
Flats: 0
Bathroom Rating: 10

Today we had a divergence: Dave and I rode from Cornwall to close to the ferry between PEI and NS while Heidi and Greg went with their son Dustin did a driving tour through Charlottetown, Summerset, and the north side of PEI.  Today was the first day Dave and I felt lost.  Google had us going on the Confederation Trail a bit through Charlottetown, which was nice, and into the country. The Confederation trail is a lovely trail but it's gravel, which is nice for mountain bikes and walkers but not great for road bikes and none of the intersecting roads are marked.  After turning this way and that, we ran into a woman who directed us to the driving route (rather than the biking route) and after that we made good time.  UNTIL we hit highway 24 with 11, 12, and 13 percent incline hills - one after the other after the other.  Every time we said it's got got to go down to the water, we met met another steep incline.  Fun but tiring! We stayed at a B&B in Murray River that is owned by a couple from Newfoundland - our first introduction to the Newfoundland accent and we could only understand every third word.  But a lovely couple who leant us their car to drive into Murray Harbour first for beer and later for supper. Above and beyond our expectations! We went to a super cute little cafe in Murray Harbour called #5 Cafe - if you are ever in Murray Harbour go to this cafe and order the pear and blue cheese salad - you will not be disappointed!
Cheers,
Nancy and Dave