Cavendish - Green Gables

Our second western PEI ride was to Cavendish, home of the Green Gables experience.  One of Canada’s most famous authors, Lucy Maud Montgomery, wrote her Anne of Green Gables novel while living in Cavendish.

The historical site is a joint venture between the government of PEI and the family trust.  The house that served as the muse for Montgomery is still there.  It belonged to LMM’s cousin and was built in 1830 and renovated in 1870.  LMM spent many hours in that house while being raised by her grandparents in a nearby house (the foundation is still there to view).  LMM was an only child just like here character Anne and she spent time with in her grandparent’s cousins.  They were sister and brother just like her characters Mirella and Mathew.

House Built in 1830 & Renovated in 1870

Looking Good For Over 100 Years (Anne, Not Deborah)

We knew the ride was to be challenging.  It was only 33 kilometres there but the road grades included many 10%+ hills.  We were luck to catch a tailwind on the way out and arrived in one hour and 58 minutes.  Linda and Dianne graciously chose not to ride and took a taxi to a Farmer’s Market and purchased supplies for a picnic lunch at the historical site.  After lunching and walking around the site it was time to return.  It proved to be a little more difficult.

Phil & Glen

Picnic - Thanks to Dianne and Linda

In addition to the normal afternoon lag, we were greeted with head winds that threatened to knock you off your steed.  We worked together to share (breaking wind doesn’t sound good but in fact we took turns doing just that) the challenges and made it home in just slightly over two and one-half hours.  We were spent and the beers disappeared quickly.