Before the bridge was built, access to PEI was by ferry most of the year and iceboat in the winter.  Farmers, fishermen, tourism operators and residents of Prince Edward Island had sharply contrasting opinions about how year-round access to the mainland would affect their way of life and livelihood.  The question was eventually put to a vote by islanders, and 60 percent wanted the bridge.

At a cost of one billion dollars, Confederation Bridge was built to last for 100 years withstanding the driving winds and crushing ice of the strait and even impacts with passing ships.  Wind barriers were required in the bridge's design because the strait is often buffeted by high winds (including today), sometimes gusting so high that bridge traffic is disrupted.  The toll for the bridge is C$42.50, but you are not required to pay until you leave the island.

  

On PEI, we had no difficulty tracking down a few lighthouses. One interesting example was Blockhouse Point near the village of Rocky Point.

Walking along the waterfront in Charlottetown this evening, we saw a baker's dozen sailboats engaged in what we can only describe as synchronized sailing.  No doubt, this is not what this activity is called.  However, they were all close together performing the same maneuvers at the same time.  It was fascinating to watch and we're hoping before we leave town we'll be able to find someone who can enlighten us about what was going on.