Rimouski, PEI

Well, as luck would have it, Lucille scored two for two, and we departed Quebec City in a light rain, which persisted all the way to Rimouski. The difference from two days ago was that we were better dressed for it right at the start and since it was a lighter rain, we didn't really get as wet, although the cold temperature made up for it. we arrived in Rimouski, found a hotel room, warmed up and changed clothes, and spent the remainer of the day and evening with Lucille's releatives from her father's side. It has been a number of years since they last saw one another.

We woke up this morning to very cold and windy conditions, but no rain. We dressed up as much as we could and got under way. The drive through NB over to PEI was always improving conditions, but if that ride doesn't convince Lucille she should have heated clothing, it is a lost cause. We arrived in PEI after driving across the Confederation bridge, and enoyed a 45 minute ride in sunset conditions over to North Rustico, where we had a lobster/buffet meal at Fisherman's Wharf. We are now settled in a motel, ready to explore PEI more in the morning. We may even stay two nights as it just feels homey here.

Quebec City

The weather forecast was for a continuation of yesterday's rain, so we were happy today to tour old Quebec with just overcast skies. We paid for a walking tour that lasted about two hours. It was nearly a private tour until two young girls visiting from Brazil joined us at the last moment.

Lunch across from the Chateau Frontenac and supper at a creperie at the Frontenac and sore feet and knees from all the walking highlight the day. Thank goodness for the funicular as I managed to take it three times while Lucille chose the 174 steps it replaces. Once was enough for me.

Tomorrow we are hopeful for a continuation of fair weather as we continue our journey to Rimouski.

Montreal and Quebec City

Today we got up and repacked the bike for the next leg of our journey. Lucille had taken a run along the Rideau Canal to start her day, and then I took her up to one of the viewpoints in Gatineau park before heading to Montreal.

Mabel guided us into the city center where we explored the Notre Dame Basillica there. It was particularly interesting, as behind that grand alter is another entire chapel that I'd still bigger than any church I ever attended.

After having a quick lunch, we proceeded to Quebec. The second picture is of my view most of the way there. We arrived in Quebec wet and cold but have since recovered and are sitting down for a relaxing supper.

Our nations capital

We had a relatively late start this morning, had breakfast, and then took a bus into the historic downtown area. We took a tour of Parliament but in French, as the French tour was available within thirty minutes but the next English one was over two hours later. Lucille filled in some blanks, but for the most part the building spoke for itself, because as we all know, walls can talk.

Had a nice seafood lunch and then proceeded to the Notre Dame cathedral followed by a tour of the Canadian Mint. We actually held a $750,000 gold bar in our hands today.

We then returned to our hotel for a rest before returning for a pub dinner.

Tomorrow we leave Ottawa and will touch Montreal and end up in Quebec City.

A restful day in Gatineau

On Sunday I got up early and joined the local GWRRA chapter for breakfast. Unfortunately they didn't have a ride planned as there was a big ride for guide dogs that most of them were doing. I didn't feel like riding with a few hundred bikes so i went my own way.

So after breakfast I crossed into Quebec and explored Gatineau park, and found a nice outdoor patio for lunch. The picture is from a lookout in the park. When I cone through again in a couple of weeks I might return to this spot for a color comparison. The trees are just stating to get touched by the brush.

I then checked into our hotel and hung out for a few hours before I went to the airport to pick up Lucille. Thanks Al and Arlene for making sure she got to the airport in Edmoonton.

So today, Monday, we are going to do the touristy thing in historic Ottawa and see the parliament buildings and other such things. We have our fingers crossed on the weather as there is some moisture in the forecast.

Arrived in Ottawa

Well it has been a few days since I have had a connection to blog, so here goes.

On Wednesday I drove across Manitoba and down to Fort Frances. The last part of the ride was starting to get nice and scenic, but also creeping into that time of day when the deer come out to play. Let's just say that White Tailed Deer have big brown eyes, and I am glad they are not spooked too much by traffic. I found a cheap motel and went to BP for supper.

Next morning I drove through a very nice lake district, with those nice picturesque water scenes around every corner. Thunder bay and across Lake Superior was breathtaking, I thought, but I like that kind of scenery. I stopped in Marathon at a motel for the night.

Friday I rode from Marathon to Sault Ste. Marie, and while stopped for gas and talking with a group of wingers from minnisota, diiscovered that the local GWRRA chapter was having a camping weekend this weekend. So naturally, I crashed the party. Had a good visit with the club, got initiated into the Knighthood of the Hatchet (don't ask, I am sworn to secrecy), and camped for the night.

This morning, I joined the group for part of their ride before splitting off towards Ottawa. I arrived here in Ottawa well after dark, and founda small hotel to hole up in for a night.

Sunday I plan to seek out the Ottawa GWRRA chapter breakfast and ride, then later, Lucille flies in to join me for thee Eastern leg of the journey. I am looking forward to having her with me now for a couple of weeks.

Sorry, no pictures. I only have 2 or 3 taken with my phone. I prefer to keep them in my head. Perhaps Lucille will be able to take some from the passenger seat.

Sept 6 - Moosomin SK

I rode a little over 1,000 km today, starting on cool morning air, but gradually sneaking up to 88 F. I found a camp site just outside of Moosomin, Saskatchewan, just shy of crossing into Manitoba. It feels like it will be a hot night tonight. I should get an early start in the morning. Sorry, no pictures today.