Quebec

 

Our days at Rideau Retreat were coming to an end, but we took time to spend a bit more time along the river – Dave fishing, me sketching.  It was a relaxing start to the day. 

After we packed up and left, it was time for lunch already so we didn’t even get past Perth!  We found a park near the Tay River, adjacent to an old bury ground. 

We thought we’d take a bit of a different route to Deux Montagne and crossed the bridge at Hawkesbury.  From there Google took us on the most convoluted road, through all the beautiful farmland, down narrow streets, up hill and down, until we finally reached the campground, L’Scale, at Pointe-Calumet.  It’s across the road from a huge water park, but in the campground, we were situated right along the lake.  What a beautiful spot (even though we were all tucked in close together like sardines).   By the time we’d set up, it was time to sit back and relax.

I’ve said it before that when I spend time with my cousin Marjorie, she makes the time stand still.  We can have a day that is fully booked, but it’s never rushed.  And that’s how it was again on our visit with them.  

Marjorie challenged me to join her on a bike ride.  It reminded me a lot of the ride in Kimberely from last year – a slow steady climb and then coasting all the way back down.  That was a workout for me. 

Dave was more interested in making use of the dock at our campsite.  

We went on to explore Old Ste. Eustache.  My knowledge of Canadian history is shaky at best so it was more interesting to note the architecture of the buildings and the beauty of the river walk, than to take a tour of the museum of this specific chapter of history.  Secondly, my French language skills are non-existent and the captions are all in French.  The Old Town is preserving the history of the Patriote Movement of the early 19^th century ending in the Rebellion of 1837 and 1838.  The outcome of these events let to the BNA Act being signed in 1840, beginning the road to creating Canada as we know it.

We stopped at the Moulin Légaré, the old mill, which has been in operation since 1762.  It uses a waterwheel to grind the wheat and buckwheat into flour.  

 

By now it was time to sit down at a bakery café and Marjorie entertained us with a few bars of Gershwin on the street piano.

The next day was one of changed plans.  Initially we were going east past St Anne de Beaupre to our next campground, but as Martin said, “The Pope didn’t consult us".  The road was closed for the most of the day, and would have heavy traffic once reopened.  We were already aware of that and made a plan to go to the Eastern Townships south of Montreal on the way east to delay our arrival at the campground.  

But the Jutras’ trailer didn’t co-operate, although quickly repaired.  Now it was too late to make an enjoyable outing south, so instead it was a wonderful day to relax in their back yard while we waited for the roads to open and traffic to clear.  Eventually we did get on the road. The weather was threatening and while at a restaurant for supper, we sat out a tremendous rainstorm.  By the time we arrived at the Mont Ste. Anne campground it was almost dark.  In fact, we were doing the final hook-ups by flashlight.  

Playing Scrabble with the French letter set.  Marjorie played French words, I played English ones.  What fun!

"The water is COLD!"

The campground was a beautiful spot high up on the mountain near the Mont Ste. Anne Ski hill area.  If it wasn't for the maple trees and other deciduous trees, you might think it was the Rockies.   

But today wasn't the day to sit at the campground.  We had a full day’s plan ahead.  

This is the Basilica at Ste. Anne de Beaupre where the Pope had held Mass yesterday.  We stopped for a brief moment to look around. 

Then to the Montmorency Falls.  Wow!  They were spectacular at more than 270 feet in height.  It's hard to appreciate from the highway.

At the Falls, you could walk across the bridge at the top, take a long flight of stairs to the bottom with a return ride up in a tramway, or take the zip line, which Koralie and Dave both did.  What a rush! 

From there it was a short drive to Old Quebec.  We took time to enjoy lunch at one of the many options.  My request was traditional poutine and after the meal our waiter told us, it wasn’t really 100% traditional.  We walked around, uphill to the Upper City, checked out the many gift shops, and took the Funicular back down to the Lower City.  The time was much to short, and there was so much to take in.  It’s a place one can visit many times over.  

The adventure, though, was trying to find the car again.  It seemed no one had really taken note which parking lot it was and we spent another hour wandering along the street looking for the car!  Found it. 

From there, Martin drove us to Ile d’Orléans.  It’s a beautiful little island in the St. Lawrence River which is famous for it’s strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, cheese, chocolates and other agricultural production.  As it was already later in the day, most fruit stands were closed, but we did luck out and got some delicious strawberries! 

The next day was a camping day.  We had very leisurely brunch over our campfire, ending the day with a relaxing wiener roast on the campfire at the Jutras’ site.  Now that is what camping is all about.   

Spider wieners.  Cut them at the ends and they curl up.

Koralie showing off her Pillsbury Dough spiral.

During the afternoon we took an excursion to the Mont Ste Anne Canyon. It was a beautiful steep-sided canyon.  You could walk the trails, cross the falls twice on swinging bridges and then take a series of 175 stairs to the bottom of the canyon to see another little waterfall in the rocks.  It’s so wonderful to spend time in God’s great creation.