Hello readers, I am ashamed to admit that I have never been to Pelee Island.

There. I said it.

Quite unbelievable I know, given how long I’ve now lived here, but nonetheless true.

I’ve been meaning to get over to the island for ages. It’s been on my list since I first moved down here, but I just never got around to it. Thinking, I guess, like many people do, “I’ll do it later,” or “I’ll go another time .“

Well dearest reader I am happy to report I have righted this wrong. My sister and I went over a couple weeks ago and here’s what I learned.

#1.  The island is farther away than it looks, and the ferry ride is much longer than I expected. Since you can see the island from the mainland, I was shocked to find out that the trip takes about 90 minutes.

Now this was not a problem for me whatsoever, as the day we picked had perfect weather, and the boat was big enough to be quite stable in the water, and not at all vomitous, which had been a concern of mine.

I am a landlubber for sure, and there appeared to be enough of both staff, and flotation devices, to make me feel comfortable.

I think my perception of the boat ride was the primary reason I hadn’t made the trip previously.

Turns out I really enjoyed it, and it felt good to be out on the water. Who knew?! This brings me to revelation …

#2. … I actually enjoyed a water-based activity.

#3. The island is much bigger than I thought it would be. I assumed (and you know what they say about people who do this) one could easily walk around it.

Ummmm, not really. I mean you could, but it’s gonna take a while, and you may not make the ferry back. Mind you, there are golf cart and bike rentals, but I would recommend …

#4. … booking those in advance, which of course, I didn’t. So realistically because I was on foot, I saw only a small part of the island. Nonetheless it was beautiful.

I can understand the appeal now. There is a raw beauty to the place, and I can see it in my mind’s eye, as it would have looked years ago.

I imagine the stars are magnificent out there.

I visited Pelee Island Winery, and although I don’t drink wine, my sister sure does, so she wet her whistle, while I poked around the beautiful grounds.

We had some gorgeous bruschetta and a couple drinks at  Stone House ( 1891) Restaurant, and then it was pretty much time to get on the ferry for the ride back.

I’ll admit, I thought I might be bored, but on the contrary, and I think my next trip over will be better planned and longer in duration so I can see more of what’s there.

Overall the whole experience was great. We met a lovely couple from the states on the ride over and I tried to be a good ambassador for Canada, and not talk about politics or world events.

#5. Americans need love too.
It was a good day and I will definitely go again, and I can tell you this …

#6. … it will not take me as long to go back, as it did to go this time.

Thanks Nettie for another fun day.

~Photos: Jolene Carley