Introduction to Red Head Harbor and Our Hosts
Red Head Harbor, located on the stunning Prince Edward Island, is a picturesque destination that offers a tranquil retreat well away from the hustle and bustle of city life. This harbor has a smallish number of slips for the ocean-going boats that harvest the famous PEI mussels and is a short distance away from PEI Mussel which ships PEI mussels world wide. Despite this activity, the area is quiet and without a lot of noise and traffic. This quiet harbor set the stage for our memorable summer escape.
Our hosts Will and Brian, proprietors of the Dune Vista Cottage were instrumental in curating a memorable adventure during our stay at Red Head Harbor. Their understanding of the local landscape significantly enhanced our vacation experience, not only with advice on beaches for the dogs but other local happenings, sights and activities. Will and Brian went above and beyond to make sure we felt welcomed and had everything we needed, ensuring that our summer sojourn was full of joy and exploration.
Will pointed us to a great public access beach, about a 45 minute drive away, that was usually deserted or very lightly occupied. This sounded like an ideal place for Xena to get some swimming (she loved the water) and Kojak to get his feet wet, figuratively as well as literally. The light utilization of the area ensures ample space for our dogs to frolic freely while families can enjoy their time by the water’s edge. With plenty of room to roam and the gentle lapping of waves in the background, it became the perfect locale for Kojak’s first beach experience.
Kojak Meets the Ocean: A New Adventure Begins
Kojak’s first encounter with the ocean was a moment filled with anticipation and wonder. No, not really – poor little guy was more confused by all the sand and rocks and way more water than he had ever seen before. Not only that, the water MOVED, it wasn’t still like in the pool at home, and as be moved forward to investigate a wave would come in and startle him so he stepped back. Xena was so excited she couldn’t wait to get in the water, especially since we threw her ball in the ocean. She always loved to swim and this was great – no worries about the sides of the pool, ripping the liner or being in water way over her head. The mild waves came about the middle of her side and was just enough to swim in. However, it was evident that Kojak experienced a mixture of curiosity and hesitation as he approached the shoreline.
As the ocean waves lapped at his paws, we could see his character shining through – a true embodiment of adventurous spirit. The joy in his eyes was evident, marking the start of an exciting journey that would shape his memories of a summer filled with adventures at the beach.
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Xena’s Playful Spirit and the Game of Fetch
Xena’s playful spirit truly came alive during her first beach experience in Prince Edward Island, especially as she enthusiastically engaged with the ocean. The moment we arrived, her excitement was palpable. While Kojak appeared more cautious and observant, Xena dashed towards the incoming waves, reveling in the salty spray and soft sand beneath her paws. Her instinctive love for water was apparent as she splashed through the shallow surf, a stark contrast to Kojak’s hesitant approach.
The game of fetch became the highlight of Xena’s adventure. Armed with her favorite brightly colored ball, she eagerly waited for it to be thrown, her tail wagging with anticipation. When the ball soared into the azure waters, Xena leapt with abandon, a picture of agility and enthusiasm. The sun glinted off her fur as she swam, effortlessly paddling through the waves to retrieve the object of her affection. Observing her playful determination, one could easily see the joyful connection she formed with the beach environment.
Xena enjoyed playing “Fetch in the Water” way more than Kojak did, of course he is STILL challenged by the finer nuances of the game of Fetch. You could almost see the little thought clouds over each dog’s head: Xena – see ball, get ball; Kojak – um I’m supposed to do what? He did rouse enough to try and wrestle with Xena when she got back to the beach. I do think both dogs enjoyed their first round of beach going.
This dynamic interaction at the beach showcased Xena’s spirited personality and robust zest for life. The joy she derived from her beach adventures not only enriched her own experience but also set a lively tone for Kojak, subtly inviting him to join the fun, even as he watched from the sidelines.
Kojak’s Growing Confidence and Adventures on the Beach
Kojak’s first experience at the beach was just another in a long line of “firsts” for our newest puppy. Initially I think he was a little overwhelmed with all the new sights, sounds and especially water that seemed to chase him back to the beach. But by the time we left that first encounter he was dabbling in the water and actually trying to nip at the waves as they crested around his legs. Of course he was only maybe 6 inches deep in the water, but hey, it’s a start!
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Immediately below Dune Vista Cottage was a small beach, bounded on one side by the jetty for Red Head Harbor. Our hosts assured us they took their own dog swimming there and since it was within walking distance we did take the dogs there a couple of times. The whole area was deserted and we felt free to let the dogs off leash and let them gallop around both on shore and in the water. The waves there were almost non existent and Kojak became pretty comfortable splashing around in the water, jumping on and wrestling with Xena and just generally being a big goofy puppy. We would have taken them a few more times but the last time we went we were instantly cloaked in a cloud of Canadian mosquitos (I think I lost a quart of blood) and we just couldn’t stand it. Besides, all those mosquito bites can’t be good for your health.
As on any beach, there were clumps of seaweed and other things that had washed up on the beach. Kojak took a keen interest in all of this, sampling each one as if at a wine tasting. We spent way too much time pulling things out of his mouth and once we did, what do you do with it? Throw it in the weeks, he simply runs over and gets it again. Throw it in the water? Same result now, no fear of the water (I think because it didn’t move….much).
Our hosts had thoughtfully provided numerous “dog” towels to be used for drying dogs and floors. We used these vigorously on both dogs, then let them lay around, resting, on the deck in the sun to complete the drying time. Overall, taking the dogs to the beach was one of the highlights of our time in Canada.
