More Prince Edward

I have to return to Prince Edward County if only to revisit Sandbanks Provincial Park; fascinating place. But by the time I reached the really big dunes a light drizzle had started, so my camera was stowed in the car. They are the biggest dunes I've ever seen and adjoin a long, narrow spit that separates West Lake from the main body of Lake Ontario. Nobody was around. Unlike Tuesday when solitude felt relaxing, yesterday's gloomy sky and empty spaces felt desolate. I stopped on top of the highest dune. A strong steady wind plastered West Lake's waters flat and whistled in my beard.

My hostess had recommended I stop at the local pub in Consecon for dinner. Who would have guessed that in a village of a few hundred people the place would be inundated by middle-aged lesbians on a Wednesday evening? I am told Friday is their usual pub night, but this was a special occasion. My hostess's nephew, Matt Marr, recently finished third in So You Think You Can Dance Canada (please excuse the ads, the clip from his routine is worth watching). Matthew had also escaped to Prince Edward County to recover from the recent excitement and spent the past two nights sleeping across the hall from me at his auntie's B&B. He is totally sweet and down-to-earth. So last night he had to meet his Consecon fan club. All auntie's burly and beautiful friends who have been cheering Matt through the season came out to bring him flowers and otherwise congratulate him. My hostess's friends strikingly resemble mine in Guelph. Judy was there. So was Perch, same hairstyle but with a Dutch accent. I bonded easily with Brenda's doppleganger, a reclusive sculptor with a 20-year-old son. Anyway it felt just like a Wednesday evening at the Penny Whistle. I was quite at home. Seriously, there were about 20 people in the bar and less than half of them were straight.

Actually, as much as I like it here I'm ready to leave. The locals are friendly, I'm not alone, and I quickly overcame the bleakness of Sandbanks Beach. But by last night the thrill of newness and adventure had started to wear thin. I just wanted to curl up and read Guy Gavriel Kay's newest novel. My vacation lasts until Wednesday, and I look forward to spending the rest of it at home. Just one more night in Consecon.
( +1 photo )