carnets

It's under the rain we arrive to Quebec, after 4 days against the wind and against the clock not to miss the mother of Jean-Roch coming specially to see us from Grenoble.

For those who did not follow before, we "landed" in Quebec to Riviere du Loup and we cover 300 km in one day, thanks to Andre Campbellton.

We went up the south shore of St. Lawrence and discovered a flat country, cultivated fields up to the horizon, with from time to time, very large farms and huge silos standing like buildings in the countryside. The villages crossed, along the route were denser than those seen before. The architecture of the houses slightly different, more houses in stone (or at least stone veneer), the mansard roofs and always a lot of colors.
Here this is holidays time, and we can see it. For some time, you meet a lot of riders who travel by bicycle.

One evening at the campsite neighbors cyclists also drew our attention: Quechua tent, and Peugeot bicycles Decat ... French’s from Paris! Linda and Charles spending their holiday in Quebec. We spent the evening until a late hour to tell our experiences with the very French vision of things, this necessarily created links. In any case, it was nice not having to make efforts to understand and speak the same language, for certainly here, one speak French, but French has evolved differently here in this country and our conversations are not always very fluid. Happy holidays to you both!

Another night away from any camp, we were surprised by a violent storm. We have applied for asylum in a farm and stayed away in the garage, every 6 in the children tent ... a little tight but dry! The aftermath, pancakes with maple syrup were waiting for us with good fresh milk from the morning milking (only Jean-Roch who loves that). Before leaving, the children were entertained to visit the farm in company with Anthony.

Strength to persevere in our struggle against the wind (aside for Charlie and Andrew: no Indian in sight to help us) we finally arrived to Quebec. There, a beautiful bike path off the road network, enabled us to reach the ferry to Levis and then we cross the city of Quebec without effort, some 30 km whistling, up to the bridge from the island of Orleans. And there, in a last effort, 2 km along the narrow bridge in a heavy and difficult traffic more than 2 km of incredible climb and then peace, and rest.

When we arrived at Christiane and Arthur home (aunt and uncle from Jean-Roch) we put the bikes in the garage with no more

desire to touch them during the full week.

After 1600 km and 1 ½ months of road, it was time to stay and rest (!) And make a first point on the trip. Lots of shopping to do, information to take in this great city. The very next day we were on the bridge and Jean-Roch and me to go shopping in search of a new children's tent, tires and other things for our equipment. We still took advantage to visit the Old Quebec, a beautiful walled city, very colorful and very touristy. Meanwhile, the Jean-Roch’s mother was able to spend time with our kids.

After 2 days, we were missing our daily dose of cycling too, and we came back to the bikes to tour the island. Wake up at 7am, motivated, bikes without loading, we enjoyed this trip in the fresh scent of strawberries (Strawberry Island is known) do not worry, we're not murderers, children stayed at home, and woke up much later, Grandma kept them! It was a morning of 70 km, not bad for today's stage.

During the week, the kids were crammed with TV with Arthur, and followed the Tour de France, it is the first time they are interested but that they would find something in common with I don’t know what!! ...

There's not only TV on the island, and we also spent time with Stephen (cousin of Jean-Roch) and Patricia, Carol-Ann and Jean-Christophe their children. The 4 oldest we already met in France, this was not too far, so that they can remember. In any case, they are really well together and have a good laugh. I think that will keep a good souvenir of our cousins in Quebec and vice versa.

Christiane has spoiled us and prepared good meals all the week for us to change our camping meals.

Stephen has also served us, he lent us a car for us to be autonomous. He also took us for a boat outing on the St. Lawrence, on a windy day. Everyone was very pleased and I was glad to find again the dry land!

Bulk now, also, eaten ice cream and poutine, oldest have been at a mega super extra water park with cousins, walked in Quebec, made a big water fight and "swam" in the hot tub, drank pepsi at no longer thirsty, mounted at least 500 steps to go over the falls of Montmorency, learned insults québequoises eaten corn cobs with butter and tons of blueberries ... and lots of other things

We can say that we spent a great week of vacation that allowed us a good break. Colette returned to France with a load of useless things, little by little we purify our style.

The “batteries” are recharged; we take the road to Montreal forward to new discoveries and adventures!

A very very big thank you to all of you, Arthur, Christiane, Colette, Stephen, Patricia, Anne Carroll, Jean-Christophe, Tibit and Mozart.
Marie-Claude

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