Breath of fresh air
With many facilities closing, the great outdoors remain an option
WOODSTOCK – It was a busy afternoon on the tubing hill and the cross-country ski trails Monday at Mill River Resort.
It was the first official day of what is shaping up to be a long March Break on Prince Edward Island. What’s usually a one-week break has been extended to at least three weeks because of the precautions the province has put in place to help prevent the spread of the global pandemic coronavirus (COVID-19) on Prince Edward Island.
For some of the resort guests, Mill River is helping to make up for cancelled March break plans elsewhere.
The MacKay family from Cape Traverse had planned to be in Halifax but opted for a vacation closer to home and enjoyed the Mill River outdoors.
However, The aquaplex and fitness centre at Mill River closed at the end of the day Monday. The pro shop for tube, snowshoe and ski rentals remain open as does the tubing hill and cross-country trails.
Despite many facilities across P.E.I. being closed, the MacKay’s don’t expect to have problems throughout the extended school break.
“We’re pretty creative,” said Mom, Robyn.
“We’re usually outside a lot,” added son Thatcher, who offered to help come up with ideas to help keep his younger sisters entertained
What they can’t make up for, though, is the loss of hockey time. Thatcher’s team had just qualified for provincial before Hockey Canada sanctioned games and events across the country were cancelled.
Peter Foley, Julie Desjardins and their family chose a Mill River stay after cancelling a trip to London, England. “We’re having a greater time here,” Foley suggested.
“It’s the best vacation,” said Desjardins who is relieved they cancelled their trip to Europe. She said she has a brother stranded in Italy because of the coronavirus.