Please, go visit Greenwich National Park in PEI.

I don’t usually recommend natural environments, but after a recent trip to a psychic, she told me that I would be able to best find my inner peace outside, in a natural environment. I know this sounds silly, and maybe a bit unbelievable if you don’t have a superstitious bone in your body, but give me a chance to explain.

I have to admit, I tried to recall a time where I truly appreciated a natural environment, because I think for most of us, we unfortunately overlook it. The one place however, that I do hold near and dear to my heart, is Greenwich National Park.

I remember going there with a school exchange group back in high school. I remember the day like it was yesterday. The 15-passenger van pulled into the National Park, the students noisily piled out. It was a cool day, but not one of those days where the wind literally cuts right through you. It was a calm day, not much wind and a bit of overcast, but the area still appeared beautiful.

Other than the chattering of the students, the area was completely silent. So peaceful. No animals to make a sound, only a few pesky mosquitoes buzzing, and the odd chirping from a nearby cricket. 

As we headed down the dock, to the Dunes trail, the pounding of our footsteps on the creaky wood drowned out all other noise. On the trail though, you didn't need to hear anything-the actual scenery was breathtaking. It made me feel at peace. Completely relaxed, with no worry in the world at that particular moment. Although I was walking, I felt motionless. Completely still. A euphoria filled my body, numbing my legs. I loved it here.

The trail seemed to go on forever, although it was only about 4 km, it seemed endless. Being on top of the water, looking down at the wet lands was an experience in itself. I wondered how deep the water was, and what lurked below. 

I thought that the smell of this place would turn me off, but it didn't. The smell there is best described as natural. There was no noticeable pungent smell; it smelled like the true outdoors. That refreshing smell of the natural habitat. 

When we came up to the dunes, we all let out noises of disbelief. We had never seen dunes like these before. These sand dunes were enormous. They were solid, but at the same time, they appeared vulnerably fragile. 

As the wind picked up, I remember the taste of dry sand. The wind had carried the loose sand that covered the nearby dunes and wet lands in our direction. I could taste it, along with the moisture from Bowley Pond that had seeped through the cracks of the old, but well maintained dock. 

I finally tuned in, just as our teacher was waving to us to head back. I remember looking down, seeing those water spiders swimming excitedly. You could tell they loved it, like they never wanted to leave this place. I can't say I blame them. I didn't want to leave either.