PEI’s iconic Teacup Rock is gone after Post-Tropical Storm Fiona lashed the island for more than 12 hours over the weekend, leaving widespread destruction and tens of thousands of people without power.
The Thunder Cove beach landmark was one of the most photographed rock formations on the island, gaining popularity in recent years thanks to social media.
Dale Paynter took a photo of what remains of the rock on Sunday.
Teacup Rock at Thunder Cove Beach was one of the most photographed rock formations on the island. (Twin Shores Campground)
“I can remember the cup of tea before it was called ‘the cup of tea,'” he told CBC News.
“She was a bigger rock with three legs, and she was probably attached to the cliff before. I was glad to see her spend her last years as a ‘rock star’.”
Marg Chisholm-Ramsay also took pictures of the gap where Teacup Rock used to be on Sunday.
“I have seen many great things in my travels: the Great Wall of China… the Great Pyramid of Giza and the Lion of Lucerne, but to me the Thunder Cove Teacup was most magnificent because it was formed from of nature,” he said. said
“The Teacup has seen baby announcements, gender reveals, family pictures, marriage proposals and even ashes spread near the Teacup, all significant life events.
“The cup of tea is ours (Islanders) but it meant a lot to others too.”
“A sad milestone to lose”
Debbie Murray also headed to the beach on Sunday to see the damage for herself.
“It’s very sad to know that a lot of people will never get to experience it,” he said. “They won’t be able to experience the ‘wow’ factor of going around the rocks through the water to see the Teacup. Our coastlines have so much beauty and the sea is to thank for most of it… Goodbye to always Teacup Rock, thanks. for all the memories.”
Katie McCrossin’s family has cottages on PEI’s North Shore overlooking the rock, where her parents confirmed the rock formation is no longer there.
Dale Paynter shared this photo of Teacup Rock in its prime at left, and a photo of what remains of the iconic landmark taken on Sunday. (Submitted by Dale Paynter)
“My parents have confirmed that Teacup Rock was taken by Hurricane Fiona,” he said. “It’s definitely a sad landmark to lose. … It’s sad for a lot of people. I think a lot of memories have been made around that rock and around that area of PEI and the beach.”
McCrossin spent her childhood summers at the beach and says the loss doesn’t come as a surprise to those who live in the area.
“My childhood was playing down there, catching crabs and swimming on those rocks. And now my three children were doing the same. It’s been there for generations. But so have other rocks, and they’ve gone and new ones have come … The coast is changing forever,” he said.
“It’s definitely a sad milestone to lose,” says Katie McCrossin, who spent childhood summers at the beach. (Jane Robertson/CBC)
“Every year, every fall, we think, ‘Oh, this winter is going to go away’. I guess it took a little bit earlier, you always think it’s going to be the ice that’s going to take it. But Hurricane Fiona was a big storm.”
The rock formation gained popularity in recent years thanks to social media. (Laura Meader/CBC) The destruction of the rock was not a surprise to those who live in the area. (@michael.gallant1/Instagram)