
Another testament to the polite and helpful nature of Canadians was reflected when Ellen Locke offered her home in PEI to walkers facing rough weather during their island walk.
In late May, Krissy Tower and Gavin MacNeil visited Prince Edward Island to hike the Island Walk, a 707-kilometre trail. They camped along the way and were grateful for the kindness of Islanders who offered help or gave them little tours, like visiting lighthouses. Things went smoothly until May 31, when heavy rain left them with a leaking tent. Their appeal for help on a Facebook group reached a kind stranger, Ellen Locke, who offered them a warm, dry place to stay for the night.
Although the walkers were prepared for their journey, their tent was unable to withstand the rough weather. Locke’s welcoming them in her home displayed just how much small acts of kindness can mean during a trip like theirs.
Helping Island Walk hikers is not new for Ellen Locke of Fortune Cove. Though she’s never done the Island Walk herself, she’s often offered a room or a place to rest for walkers passing by. Years ago, she hosted Bryson Guptill, the founder of the Island Walk, and another hiker at her cottage. Locke says it’s just her nature to be kind and help others. Not only did she give them a warm, dry place to stay, but also breakfast, a short tour to a lighthouse, and a ride to the Canadian Potato Museum. Krissy said the kindness they received from Locke and other islanders made their trip special and restored their faith in the goodness of people.
Source: Kristin Gardiner, Saltwire