Not Exactly Fun in the Sun...

...but wonderful all the same. We're vacationing in my hometown on PEI this week - I'm originally from North Cape and we're staying at Driftwood Country Cottages (about 10 mins from there). Normally we'd stay with mom and dad but we're here for the whole week so it's nice to have some space of our own to entertain and stretch out in. So far we haven't had much sun - lots of stormy, cool weather but I'm not complaining. I'll take the cool Gulf breeze over suffocating humidity anyday! :-)

As far as knitting goes, I've completed the first campfire sock and it's a perfect fit! Here it is enjoying the view from our cottage window...


I've also been working on the Rowan Peace Cardi - I'm just about to start the armhole decreases on the back. I've struggled with the shaping on this one. The pattern has the decrease shaping reversed and matches k3tog with k3tog tbl. k3tog and k3tog tbl are not a very good match and come out noticeably different. I actually was going to rip back and try something else but decided to put it away for a few days before doing it. When I brought it back out this week, I thought "Meh, I can live with it." so I'm forging on although I may try some different things with the front as it will be more noticeable there.


So back to vacation...

If you ever make it to the Island, I would highly recommend Driftwood Country Cottages in Tignish - the cottages are lovely and right on the beach. There is plenty to do in the area as well - including MacAusland's Woolen Mill where you can walk the factory floor literally inches from the machines - crazy! I will definitely be stopping there for some shopping on our way out and will try to get some pics. Their wool is fantastic and has some great colorways - I particularly like their greens.

And if you're lucky enough to get some blustery weather while you're on the Island, you can head to North Cape and watch some Irish Moss harvesting. When we were kids and a "moss storm" came in, the entire family would head to the shore. Dad would work with the horse and the rest of us would work with rakes, etc. to gather up the moss. Us little ones spent more time playing than working of course but when I smell the beach in blustery weather, it brings back fond memories of PEI. Dad is retired now but both of my brothers have work horses that they take to the shore to harvest when the moss comes in. They were out today...


This is Jason out on his horse - they just happened to get hit with a big wave as I snapped the shot.


Jason coming out of the water to dump the scoop (that metal thingy dragging behind the horse picks up the moss in the water).


Finally, a close up of Jason and his horse. They've been out most of the night - coming in for a few hours this morning to eat and rest. There are certain conditions that bring the moss in to shore and they don't come often so these guys will squeeze as much work as possible into a day or two before the winds take it out again.


My younger brother Ricky has also been out with his horse most of the night - this is a picture of him and my cousin Scott on the shore this morning. Ricky is the one holding the horse reins. In case you're thinking these guys are crazy to be out in this weather all night, they can get about $1000 per truckload so it can make for a great couple days work if they bring in several truckloads.


Anyhow, so far vacation is going great...I can finally get caught up on my blogging!! I'll be posting more vacation pics and knit progress shots later this week.