Ooohhh, les îles...

Last week I took my first real vacation (i.e. not just somewhere away while working on my thesis) in a loooong time. Pure. Heaven. First, Jane, Colin, Sadie & Henry stayed two nights in Quebec en route to PEI. Can't tell you how great it felt to have them here, to see where I live, to have their energy in my apartment. It made me feel like this isn't so far away from "home" and everything I know.

The day after they left I drove east to join them for two nights at their rented cottage. It was just past Abram's Village in the SW, on the Strait, near Summerside. Where Kathy's family owns a group of cottages. Being able to see the ocean from your deck, now that's what I call civilized living.

Next stop was Souris in the east to catch the 5 h ferry to les îles de la Madeleine, a place I've long daydreamed of visiting (I'm always intrigued by islands, the further the better). So, I thought, why the heck not this summer? I practically live on the Atlantic coast anyway ;) I'd describe the islands as an idyllic blend of PEI + Quebec: red cliffs, stunning beaches, fresh seafood, a charming Acadian flavour to life, and ubiquitous, yummy bread and pastries. Brightly coloured homes dot the landscape like jewels. I was captivated!

These next shots are from my boat trip back to PEI. I took the night ferry. The sky turned 50 different shades of pink and orange, uplighting 'ile d'entrée' as we passed. And I musn't forget the dolphin that kept swimming alongside in the golden waves.

I heart vacations =)