Point Prim

I slept well last night and am up early. I have brought my knitting with me, (don’t laugh) so I enjoy my coffee and knitting today while the rest of the house wakes up. I have my breakfast and set out for my day.

The first stop today is a place where the owner has created a little ‘village’ out of bottles. Yep, you read that right. He started this for his granddaughter (who had cancer) and it just grew. The whole place is awesome with different buildings made out of clay and bottles. I have no idea where he got them all but it is amazing to see. All proceeds go to the sick kids’ hospital and so far he has collected over $80,000.00 to date.

Today we can add 5 more lighthouses to the collection. Let’s start with Point Prim. It is a large lighthouse and is unique for a couple of reasons. It is the oldest lighthouse on the island built in 1845. It is 18.5 meters (60 feet) tall and one of only two in Canada that is round. It is also made of bricks and not the usual wood. This one has a lighthouse keepers house and has had 13 keepers since it was built (it was automated in 1969).

After this I hit a crafters place who has homemade soaps and pottery. The lady was from Ontario and had moved there several years prior. She told me about a wool store. Well, you know me, I can’t not go! So off I go to get some island wool.

Next up is a three-for. That means three lighthouses in one location. So let me explain something here to you non-nautical people. There are lighthouses (big tall structures that we are used to seeing) but there are also what is known as “signal houses”. These are smaller structures that are place so that when seen from a distance can help ships navigate. So, two of these ‘lighthouses’ are actually signal houses that were lined up off shore to help ships navigate the area.

After this I have to do lunch. I head to a place called Point Prim Chowder House. Yeah, I’m immersing myself in local food. Let’s start with some crab cakes and then finish with some pasta with scallops, shrimp, spinach, tomatoes with oil. Check out the pictures. I get a take-out chowder for dinner. It was just as delicious.
The last lighthouse is Cape Bear lighthouse. Built in 1880, it stands a mere 12.4 meters (40.7 feet) tall. It also has a keepers house.
Well after all this it is time for me to head back and write all this up for you to enjoy.Read more