For Old Times Sake

Today I didn’t have plans for travelling far and I wanted the final hours on the Island to last. When you start heading home it feels like the vacation is over so I was in no rush. I checked the tire pressure, re-organized some packing and walked to Tims for a last Island coffee. Finally packed and ready, I  was on my way. I stopped for one last photo, then said, “Good-bye” to Prince Edward Island one more time.

The temperature was moving to near brutal on the thermometer and I was glad for a short day. For old times sake I found a Motel 6  (time for a ‘space’ break; to be able to stand up when I wake up). Although I appreciated the 400 steps to the bathroom, I will appreciate both the head space and the nearness of the plumbing even more tonight.

What I wasn’t expecting was the rough gravel parking lot. The large grader in front of the motel should have been my first clue. The place is under renovations, and I have brand new, recently revamped room that looks just like every other Motel 6 room only fresher. They just haven’t finished the paving yet.

Moncton wasn’t really my first choice of places to stop but fits best with what I hope to do on the way home. And I remembered the riverwalk trail. Hot day for walking, but the heat amplified a beautiful fragrance which I finally decided might be the field of milkweed in bloom. I spent some time looking for Monarch evidence but didn’t see any. That doesn’t mean they weren’t hiding there, I hope they are.

Along the way I noticed a brightly coloured building. I remembered it from last year, and in need of a shade break went inside the “Starving Artist Café and Gift Shop”. Glad I did. It was filled with the works of local artists, photographers and artisans. If only I had a side car! I bought my famous ‘trip ring’ and some trinkets for the little girls at home. Have I ever mentioned my ‘trip rings’ before? If I haven’t, I meant to and that’s a whole other post.

With a motel room, also comes TV and the weather channel. Yikes, looks like rain might be heading into my path. But I’ve seen that before. It must be ‘fake news’.