Part Three-Aube Adventure to South Cove Camping and Golf

Camping Aux Flots

Aboujagane River near, Robichaud

Shediac

Part Two-Aube Adventure to South Cove Camping and Golf

Aug 25th, 2019/Bathurst Wildlife Camping to Camping Pokemouche

Day's total/KM 80/elevation gain 546 meters
Total to date/KM 7326.2/Total elevation gain 42553 meters

It was cold and clear this morning, I wore my riding jacket for the first time in awhile. I let Google take me thru Bathurst, it routed me along the 134 then Bridge Street. I was soon dropped onto a rail-bed which I wasn’t aware of in my initial mapping. The first few kilometers were great, on/off options were limited, I needed to commit to the next section. The next exit point was several kilometers away and the trail had gotten worse, I hopped off and onto Hwy 11. This rail bed goes on for a good 100 kilometers according to the signage. ATV’s and the four wheel buggy’s I was told are not allowed on the trails within the city limits, beyond that it’s a free frawl. Too bad the trail tends to get beat up, the setup I’m on is not suited for it. I’ll have to return with a fat bike one day!

Aug 26th, 2019/Camping Pokemouche to Enclosure Campground

Day's total/KM 108.3/elevation gain 510 meters
Total to date/KM 7434.5/Total elevation gain 43063 meters

I followed highway 11 a better part of the day. So far the roads in New Brunswick have been pretty good, some sections do have minimal shoulder. Within each province resides their worst drivers, New Brunswick seems to have its share. Gotta say at times I’m a little miffed as to how they get a drivers license, or at least I assuming the have one. I groceries up in Miramichi then onto the campground. Decent place, a little run down but I always feel grateful to arrive and have a place to stay. Despite being told the campsite was grassy, which I prefer, it was dirt. A quick call to headquarters and she was not apposed to my pitching in the overflow area which was all lawn and next to showers and the washrooms, bonus.

Aug 27th, 2019/Enclosure Campground to South Cove Camping and Golf

Day's total/KM 138.5/elevation gain 747 meters
Total to date/KM 7573/Total elevation gain 43810 meters
 
I clocked some good kilometers today,  some elevation, the winds were light. Highway 11 way busy, I had a good wide shoulder in places to distance myself from traffic. At times the shoulder played peek-a-boo, not fun but admittedly I’ve become somewhat numb and realize that there are some motorists that just don’t have the brains to allow safe passing distances. I planned a rest day for tomorrow, so getting in late was not an issue. The town of Shediac has all the comforts, grocery, beer and my fav the Chinese Restaurant. I pitched in the field along with only two other tents, the season is drawing to a close.

Aug 28th, 2019/Rest Day/South Cove Camping and Golf

 I was just a walk away from Tim Horton's, I grabbed a coffee and muffin then back to the tent. I poked around for a bit, did laundry, down loaded a whack of Pod Casts, they had good Wi-Fi here. Around noon I mounted my trusty Surly and rode into town. A cyclone was on route it was to hit the Maritime s tomorrow. I decided to hold up till it passed, bought groceries accordingly with plans to leave the following day. I stopped in for Chinese on the way back, it wasn’t bad and it wasn’t great, it also wasn’t oatmeal. The rest of the day I just lazed around after all it was a rest day.

Aug 29th, 2019/Rest Day/South Cove Camping and Golf

I looked out at around 7:15, the skies were overcast. Some sorta weird cloud formations off in the distance, must be the beginnings of Cyclone Erin. They’d soon be overhead. It all sounds a little dramatic, Cyclone Erin, how bad can it be! It was Timmy’s for breakfast then a walk to the clubhouse to settle up for my unpaid night. I got talking to the attendant they suggested I stay under the gazebo and wait out the storm. It would have been ideal except it started to rain, moving was out of the question. One fellow had also offered I stay in his vacant trailer, it was too late for that as well. Bands of rain continued for the day, at times heavy. It was going to be a tent day!

Part One-Aube Adventure to South Cove Camping and Golf

19th, Aug, 2019/Aube Adventure to Camping Village

Day's total/KM 99.4/elevation gain 1148 meters
Total to date/KM 6896.8/Total elevation gain 39351 meters

It was a good push on gravel to exit the campground. I was on the 132 a little after 8 AM under blue skies. The winds were light, by mid morning they had ramped up, it was a given I would eventually be heading into them as I swung around the Caspe'. I stopped at 11:30 for lunch then pushed on against the wind. The meter gain of 1148, plus wind was enough to test the legs and body. I made a quick stop at Canadian Tire for stove fuel. In the complex was a multi sports store, I picked up a spare chain for the bike. I would have cut the day short but food options were no where to be found. Once the brain decides it’s time to quit the body soon follows, it takes a bit to turn that around and get the legs and body back. The day ain’t over till it’s over, a series of hills prior to the town of Percé were mentioned by several riders I met. They were tough and least welcomed at days end, I just had to dig a little deeper. It was a decent down, finally, then a gentle up and around the corner was the heart of Perce'. I'd wondered through the day where everyone was, I found them, this place was nuts! Like a Minnie Banff. I never thought I’d get camping but I did, there are lots of campgrounds in the area, this one was in town and the first one I checked out, bonus.

Aug 20th, 2019/Camping Village to Camping des e’toiles
Day's total/KM 98.2/elevation gain 922 meters
Total to date/KM 6995/Total elevation gain 40273 meters

It rained off and on all night, by morning I woke to clear blue skies once again. The winds blew pretty good early on and continued to increase through the day. There were hills, it just depends how they're served up, less grade but long, I don't mind these as much. The winds were the big game changer, I peddled against them from start to finish, they were strong, with gusts that almost stopped me dead. I arrived at the campground around 5:30. A bit of a rush to setup, shower, laundry and make dinner, it was a long tiring day. My campsite was next to all the essentials which makes for a quicker job and way less hassle.

Aug 21st, 2019/Camping des e’toiles to Camping Aux Flotes

Day's total/KM 99/elevation gain 677 meters
Total to date/KM 7094/Total elevation gain 40950 meters

I just joined the 7000 kilometer club!
The winds were much lighter this morning but forecasted to increase to 15 kilometers this afternoon. The elevation gains weren’t big today, I was able to make some good time and not overwork the legs. The campground was more less a trailer court, I was offered to pitch on a lot that occupied a trailer It was private overlooking the estuary. Lounge chairs, a covered porch, I had it all. The only draw back was no grocery stores or restaurants nearby, I was low on food.

Aug 22nd, 2019/Rest Day/Camping Aux Flots

This place was too nice to skip past so I’ll stay on another day. there was a Service Station several kilometers down the road, not much there. A restaurant a little further back was closed, lack of help. I picked up some smoked salmon, you'd think I was buying gold, pricey. For lunch and dinner I had to dig deep into the goody bag, pickings were slim, the goodie bag wasn’t so deep! I booked my flight home today! Sept 24th I depart St Johns for Victoria. I’ve given myself a generous amount of time to wrap this up.

Aug 23rd, 2019/Camping Aux Flots to Blue Heron Camping

Day's total/KM 75.5/elevation gain 601 meters
Total to date/KM 7169.5/Total elevation gain 41551 meters

It rained off and on thru the night, it let up by morning and was beginning to clear. I was still riding into the winds and received some relief when I crossed at Pointe-a-la-Croix into New Brunswick, my seventh province. The change in direction brought some relief from the winds. I ate lunch in Campbellton then followed 134 along the coast to Dalhousie for groceries. It was a descent up to exit town then onward to the campground.
I lost one hour today as well, I’m now on Atlantic Daylight Time.

Aug 24th, 2019/Blue Heron Campground to Bathurst Wildlife Camping

Day's total/KM 76.7/elevation gain 456 meters
Total to date/KM 7246.2/Total elevation gain 42007 meters

My alarm was set for 6 AM, my usual time. With yesterday's time change it was still dark, I re-set for 6:30. I followed the coastal road, 134 once again under descent skies. 30 kilometers in I spotted a church sale, they must have food. I rolled out with three dogs and a Pepsi a smile on my face and a full belly.

Quebec Review-Je vous salue!

  I knew you were going to be different and you were and in so many ways. 
Quebec’s love for the bicycle was apparent when I first entered Hull, it continued on thru. The dedicated trail system “La Route Verte”. Road side signage reminding motorists of the safe passing distances between vehicle and bike, they were frequent, big and bold, impossible to miss. “You mean they care about cyclists I thought!”. 
 The rides and scenery were memorable, beautiful. The La Route Verte, in English means “The Green Road”, it wound it’s way through many small coastal communities. The unique architecture, the pride people took in looking after their homes was apparent. It introduced me to the St Lawrence, gateway to the Atlantic, I couldn’t help but feel moved. Reaching the Saint Lawrence was another milestone. I had to clear the lump in my throat when I first saw it.This was my first look at ocean since leaving coastal British Columbia, it represented a lot of ground covered.
 The lead up to Quebec City, streets lined with multi million dollar mansions, some new, some heritage homes. The Old City is worth a visit, our hostel was well situated affording us to walk, visit the tourist spots, sample some local foods and drink some beers.
 On the North side of the Gaspé I had tail winds that pushed me along, they carried the scent of the sea reminding me of home. The peddles were light and effortless as I sailed along passing old churches perched by the sea, stone heritage homes, beaches, the sound of gulls, they're were some great days. Not to get too complacent I had tough ones too.Three consecutive days rounding the Gaspé, I’ll not soon forget. The hills were challenging but it ain’t over till it’s over. The next two days I rode West and into the winds that pushed from behind  the day before. I looked back at each days end with a sense of accomplishment, I did it, I couldn’t help but smile. It’s the difficult, the struggle that makes the good even better, they’re the sweet times that push you forward.
 I stood and looked out from the farthest point on the Gaspé, Shiphead Point, it was another “pinch me moment”. 
 More prevalent on the north side of the Gaspé were small road side eateries, Poutine, burgers and the soft ice cream were exceptional, I stopped in often. 
 Camping in Quebec was reasonably priced. I pitched in some memorable places along the Gaspé, Camping Chalet Bel Air, I fell asleep to the sound of waves crashing. I should mention the beautiful sunset that evening as well. Aube Aventure, this place was laid back, peaceful, uncrowned, long walks along boulder beach. I would recommend staying there, a great location if your wanting to access Forillon National Park.
 The people, I reconnected with Taro just outside of Montreal. I enjoyed my rides with him and his company, I was sorry to see that end. I don’t speak French, there is however many bilingual people in Quebec. I had no issues, they were as friendly and inquisitive as any thus far. 
 A broken chain! No repair shops, no spare chain, no tools to repair the existing chain even if temporary. I was once again saved by the incredible kindness of others, "Thankyou!".
I clocked about 1600 kilometers to cross the province, climbed 10,358 meters and descended the same, spending 20 days in Quebec. I was truly one of the best provinces thus far!

Je vous remercie Quebec! 

and now the Maritimes...and the question finally gets answered.

Part Four-Camping Au Bonnet Rouge to Aube Aventure

Aube Aventure, Caspe'

Caspe'

Forillon National Park, Caspe'

Part Three-Camping Au Bonnet Rouge to Aube Aventure

Camping Chalet Bel-Air, Gaspe'

Shiphead, Forillon National Park

Shiphead, Forillon National Park

Part Two-Camping Au Bonnet Rouge to Aube Aventure

Aug 14th, 2019/Camping du Rivage to Camping Chalet Bel-Air

Day's total/KM 94.4/elevation gain 1396 meters
Total to date/KM 6651.1/Total elevation gain 35629 meters

Another great ride today, I was on the road by 7:45 and followed the side roads thru town till I was back on the 132. By mid morning the winds had picked up, blowing from the West once again. The sun was out and it was another beautiful day, I’ve been lucky as well with the weather these past few days. The campground was on a hillside overlooking the St Lawrence. There are more less three levels, I was put on the middle level. I pitched between a truck camper and a mobile home, not the best. I hadn’t noticed the spots down by the beach. The owner had no problem with the move so I packed up and re-pitched just feet from the the beach. It was real windy, inside the tent was nice and calm. This was one of the nicest places I’ve camped. This evening sunset was spectacular! I asleep to the sounds of waves crashing onto the beach.

Aug 15th, 2019/Camping Chalet Bel-Air to Griffon Adventure Hostel

Day's total/KM 101.1/elevation gain 1851 meters
Total to date/KM 6752.2/Total elevation gain 37480 meters

Today was going to be a tough one! This section offered the greatest gain in elevation. I had barely enough time to warm up and I was into the first of several big climbs, this one being the longest. I managed to peddle my way up despite the bikes taller than I would like gearing, you can alway's use a lower granny gear. There were some good descents as well, dropping down onto the small coastal towns which offered brief reprieve then it was back to climbing, this went on the entire day. The winds were once again at my back which if anything physiologically helped but provided no assist. I doubled back a bit for groceries about 10 kilometers from the campground. On arrival I was greeted with a sign, “campground full”. There’s only one choice, move on. It was getting late when I pulled into the hostel, overflow was all they had left. It was more less a dirt and gravel parking lot which was back up towards the entrance. This put me 400 meters away from the showers and water which were down a dirt road. I was grateful to have a place to pitch. I set up then rode the bike down to shower, filled the water bladder and back to camp for some supper. I ended the evening back at the bar for a pint. I ran into the two gals that beat me out of the Oceanside campsite a ways back.

Aug 16th, 2019/Griffon Adventure Hostel to Aube Aventure

Day's total/KM 17.4/elevation gain 263 meters
Total to date/KM 6769.6/Total elevation gain 37743 meters

An intended short ride today and welcomed, the legs were still tired from yesterday’s effort. I’ll likely stay here for a few days and explore Forillon National Park, I’m well situated just outside the park entrance.

Aug 17th, 2019/ Aube Aventure to Shiphead, Forillon National Park

Day's total/KM 27.8/elevation gain 460 meters
Total to date/KM 6797.4/Total elevation gain 38203 meters

In the morning I rode to Shiphead, it’s the farthest land point on the Caspe'. The last 3 kilometers are on gravel, hikers and bikers only. There’s a pretty descent uphill, the best line up is a single track, of course why not test the already tired legs. I took one stop on the way up, it was exhausting. Once you get to the lighthouse you can hike another 400 meters to a platform overlooking the ocean, as well a view of the cliffs.
 I added another day to my stay here and will leave Monday morning. This place has a great vibe, my site overlooks the bay below and I have access to the beach, no sand, just a lot of big boulders. That prompted another trip for groceries. I rode back to eat lunch then walked the beach this afternoon.

Aug 18th, 2019/Rest Day/Aube Aventure

I did my best to sleep in but the internal alarm clock had me up at just before 6. I fell back to sleep several more times and finally peeked out at 7:30. It’s overcast today, no rain as yet and the winds are calm. I ate some breakfast then organized and cleaned for the ride tomorrow. Adjusted the brakes, tire pressures, lowered the bars a bit more and re-dressed my Brooks Leather saddle. Cooked lunch, “that meant heating up a can of chili”. Then went for a walk on the boulder beach, by this time the sun was out, it was another great day.

Part One-Camping Au Bonnet Rouge to Aube Aventure

Aug 9th, 2019/Camping Au Bonnet Rouge to Park of the Pointe

Day's total/KM 97/elevation gain 238 meters
Total to date/KM 6141.9/Total elevation gain 32633 meters

 Today marks my third month of touring!
  A much cooler ride today with highs of around 22 Celsius it's nice to see a shift to cooler temperatures. The winds were Southwest often giving us a nice little push. We followed Hwy 132 for 15 or so kilometers then I spotted the La Route Verte 1. Taro tends to play past the cycling paths, typically they do take longer and often are more hilly but the rewards are well worth the effort. The path was hard packed gravel and brought us alongside the Saint Lawrence. Tall wind swept grasses bordered the trail, meadows of wild flowers and purple fire-weed. The views of the Saint Lawrence were spectacular as well the farmlands and small towns. There were a few decent little climbs today but for the most part it was mainly flat, we made good time. Despite having agreed to take it easy we both seem to fall into a quicker pace than usual. It was a tiring but memorable days ride. We pitched, setup and showered, then were both chased back to our tents, it rained thru dinner. I cooked and ate in the tent. It eventually let up and we were able to share our last beer together at days end. Taro was off to PEI via the 185 and I was continuing on to ride around the Caspe'.

Aug 10th, 2019/Park of the Pointe to Camping Municipal de Saint Fabien

Day's total/KM 78/elevation gain 338 meters
Total to date/KM 6348.9/Total elevation gain 32971 meters

 I said my goodbyes to Taro, I'll miss riding with him, we had many memorable times together. Hwy 132 was quiet, I saw signage for the Le Route Verte, I wanted to make good time so I continued along the 132. Hwy 20 eventually terminates, it moves a lot of traffic, much of it finds Hwy 132 and it quickly becomes busy. I spotted the La Route Verte, it dropped down into the valley. I thought like yesterday it would follow the shoreline, it didn’t. Once down and committed I was quickly routed back up. It took me up a series of hills, I had to push up and a lot of peddling in the granny gear. I made my way back onto the 132 having lost considerable time. I took the La Route Verte one more time, it was a short, flat bit that didn't route me too far from the main highway. I opted for a slightly shorter day today, the sun returned and I wanted to dry everything out. I grabbed groceries not far from the campground, checked in and set up. The pitch was on wooden platforms, perfect for drying all my gear away from the dirt. I hand washed some cloths, showered then ate dinner. The rain was back at around 6:30 and came down pretty good.

Aug 11th, 2019/Camping Municipal de Saint Fabien to Camping Parc Sirois Whale

Day's total/KM 128/elevation gain 595 meters
Total to date/KM 6476.9/Total elevation gain 33435 meters

 I set the alarm for 6 AM, I awoke to the sound of rain. I decided to go back to sleep, at 7:15 I looked out to an overcast sky and still drizzling. I wanted to put on some kilometers today and the forecast was calling for clearing around noon. I made coffee, cooked some oatmeal then set about packing up. I was on the road by 9 AM. I hoped on the La Route Verte at times but covered most of the section on Hwy 132. Ramouski was much bigger than I thought, there was a nice well paved dedicated bike route that fronted the town following the shoreline of the Saint Lawrence. I spotted a Subway once I'd cleared the busier parts, grabbed a sub for the road. The sun finally did come out around noon but there was a noticeable change in temperature, it was a lot cooler. A Westerly was blowing off the Saint Lawrence, one of the best tail winds I’ve had. Groceries were about 4k past the campground, the return trip was nasty, I was now straight into the winds. I pitched on grass well in back for a little privacy. Cooked in the tent, it was too windy outside.

Aug 12th, 2019/Camping Parc Sirois Whale to Camping du Rivage

Day's total/KM 91.8/elevation gain 798 meters
Total to date/KM 6556.7/Total elevation gain 34233 meters

 It rained thru the night off and on but I woke to a dry tent, it’s always nice to pack up when things are dry. The skies were overcast, when I hit the road the skies were clearing and it was shaping up to be a nice day. I passed on making breakfast, so the first stop was Tim Horton's. Then I spotted a larger grocery store, pulled in and picked up a few things for tonight’s dinner. A few ups for today, nothing drastic. I stayed for the most part on the 132 and jumped on La Route Verte a few times, there weren’t a lot of options today. The winds were at my back pushing me along making for good time. I stopped for lunch which took much longer than expected, slow service. I rode out past the campground without checking in to grab some beer. It was starting to get a little late, on return the campground was full. I was forced to backtrack another few kilometers West. A couple of gals that were also turned away beat me and were given ocean front camping, they had a car. It worked out well, I pitched across the road, a little more private and had access to the beach.

Aug 13th, 2019/Rest Day/Camping du Rivage

I walked the beach in the morning, afternoon and evening. You could walk in either direction, sandy for the most part and real windy. My bike was doing a lot of ghost shifting the other day and I could at times feel something resonating thru the crank, a rough spot in the drive train. The symptoms I felt were the beginnings, the end result was of a broken chain. Just as I came back from shopping, on the grass in front of my campsite it broke, a bit of luck there. The next dilemma was the nearest bike shop in Ramouski was 25 plus kilometers away. I gave them a call, in turn he gave me the number to this fellow that maintains a fleet of rental bikes near where I was. I gave him a call, he had a chain, showed up at the campground jut minutes after I hung-up. I was just a little dumb struck on how all that unfolded. I was again ready to ride tomorrow morning.

Part Four-Wesley Clover Campground to Camping Au Bonnet Rouge

Quebec City

Quebec City

Roadside Diner, Quebec

Part Three-Wesley Clover Campground to Camping Au Bonnet Rouge

Oka, Quebec

Quebec City

Quebec City

Part Two-Wesley Clover Campground to Camping Au Bonnet Rouge

Aug 3, 2019/Camping La Marquis to Parc De L'Ile Saint-Quentin

Day's total/KM 100.5/elevation gain 338 meters  
Total to date/KM 5810.4/Total elevation gain 31190 meters

I followed once again the La Route Verte, it was mixed with designated cycling paths and sections with car traffic, the shoulders were good for the most part. The skies were looking rather threatening coming in. About ten kilometers from the campground is started to down pour, my initial thought was to ride on. I didn't listen when I spotted a shelter. It was one of those tents they use for special events off in the corner of a somewhat vacant parking lot. At this point I was scrambling to get to it before getting completely drenched. I waited it out, it was a good decision not long after the rains stopped and the sun came out. I and Taro again split the camp cost. We couldn't seem to find the designated camping area so we pitched on the grass near the washrooms and showers near the beach. No one seemed to bother, as it turned out once we found where we were suppose to be it was too late.

Aug 4, 2019/Parc De L'Ile Saint-Quentin to Camping Legare Enr

Day's total/KM 94.5/elevation gain 374 meters  
Total to date/KM 5904.9/Total elevation gain 31564 meters

It felt somewhat cooler this morning and a little damp but the day's weather had promise. Taro and I rode together for the first part. It always seems inevitable when you ride with another someone gets the idea that it's a race. We clicked along at a good pace in sections, holding back when one of us would remind the other it wasn't a race. At around noon I spotted a familiar food stop. They're kinda retro 50's-60's diners, painted white with red trim, easy to spot. They serve up the best Poutine, burgers etc all the comfort foods. I rode the afternoon on my own and arrived at the campground in time for dinner. Taro was well set-up, was doing his laundry and drinking a beer, I joined in. It was a nice little spot to camp, we were the only tenters, the place was quiet.

Aug 5, 2019/Camping Legar Enr to Auberge international Hostel

Day's total/KM 42/elevation gain 374 meters
Total to date/KM 5946.9/Total elevation gain 31938 meters

We followed the La Route Verte 5. Some tough bits in this section required us to both to push our bikes up the hills. It routed us through the affluent neighborhoods, beautiful mansions that overlooked the Saint Lawrence River. The ride into Quebec was pretty straight forward with no issues with traffic. The Auberge Hostel was located in the old city. We stowed the bikes in a gated courtyard in back of the hostel. Then packed all our gear into the room once we checked in. It was a significant change from the quiet of camping the hostel seemed like a lot more work. There were six of us in the room, all of course coming and going at different hours. Met some great people, shared stories of travel over a couple of beers. The downside it was warm in the room which so not the best sleep.

Aug 6th, 2019/Rest Day/Auberge international Hostel, Quebec City

We spent the day walking the streets of Old town Quebec. It was a good day but tiring with all the hills, lack of sleep and the heat. Ate some great food, I introduced Taro to Poutine, it was a good day!

Aug 7th, 2019/Auberge international Hostel to Camping Au Bonnet Rouge

Day's total/KM 98/elevation gain 457 meters
Total to date/KM 6044.9/Total elevation gain 32395 meters

I just passed the 6000 kilometer mark!  
I can’t say I was real sorry to leave the hostel, both nights I had a rather restless sleep with all the comings and goings. It was hot and stuffy in the room unlike the relative coolness of the tent. It did however afford us to see the sights in old town Quebec which was well worth the stay.
 It was an easy exit from the hostel to the ferry that crossed over the Saint Lawrence. The crossing I believe was about a kilometer in length, the cost $3.50. We rode together, elevation was minimal but he set a rather fast pass that had us both complaining about sore legs. We decided to take things a little easier for the next 60 or so kilometers. A stop at Tim Horton's for lunch then onward following Hwy 132 for the entire day. It was well shouldered and in good condition for the most part. It offered great views of the Saint Lawrence and the surrounding countryside. We arrived around 3 PM, the camp fee was $23.00, we split the cost. There has been times where the campground host will not allow two tents per site, this one did. We pitched then rode a kilometer or so to the grocery store and both stocked up, I now had plenty for the next couple of days.

Aug 8th, 2019/Rest Day/Camping Au Bonnet Rouge

It rained all thru the night, at times hard. We both agreed in the morning to call it a rest day the forecast looked a bit more promising for tomorrow. The new tent leaked the same as the first one, nice tent but it will go back for a refund when I get back home. We made a beer run into town, Taro did laundry and blogged most of the afternoon. I jumped into the Jacuzzi, it wasn't as warm as I would like and offered little comfort for the sore muscles. We chilled out and both glad to be warm and dry from the at times heavy rains during the day.

Part One-Wesley Clover Campground to Camping Au Bonnet Rouge

July 30th, 2019/Wesley Clover Campground to Montebello

Day's total/KM 98/elevation gain 536 meters
Total to date/KM 5274.9/Total elevation gain 30355 meters

 The exit was pretty straight forward, it was for the most part on cycling paths thru to Ottawa. After having cycled it the past couple days I was starting to get to know my way around. I was soon in Hull, Quebec leaving Ontario behind. A change of province felt good. La Route Verte 1 was a cycling route I’d heard about and was anxious to ride, I hopped on. The route is very well marked, its sections of road, designated paths all safe for cycling. It routes either thru or around the small towns. Some of it rough but a lot was well maintained and not so hard on the bottom. I soon pulled into McDonald's for some proper breakfast ;-) There’s was a pay section West of Park National de Plaisance. This bit was gravel, real soft in areas, it’s well worth $10 fee to ride thru.The skies looked threatening but I wanted to put on a few more k’s, Plaisance was tempting but too early in the day. I stopped at Thurso and had Subway for lunch, one of the best I've had. I was in Montebello by 2:30, groceries then a short ride off to the campground. The pitched at the marina it was just behind the grocery store, it was on grass, a nice quiet spot.

July 31st, 2019/Montebello to d’Oka Parc National

Day's total/KM 87.7/elevation gain 345 meters
Total to date/KM 5619.9/Total elevation gain 30700 meters

 I followed La Route Verte 1 the entire day. Quebec thus far is the most progressive province when it comes to cycling. Again the day was mixed with designated paths and mixing with traffic. Drivers are generally respectful and at no time did I feel unsafe. I saw frequent signage reminding motorists to share the road and practice safe passing rules.

Aug 1st, 2019/Rest Day/D’Oka Parc National

 The tenting section was quiet at D’Oka, tenting seems to have gone out of fashion with more people in motor-homes. I wondered if one day the parks will convert these less used areas to RV use, it would seem that’s were the money is.I rode back into Oka for lunch and a bit of sightseeing, it’s a small town so there wasn’t much but it is a nice place. I grabbed food for supper then headed back to the campground. When I returned my world had suddenly gotten a lot smaller. Since my home for the past months has been my tent it’s become a refuge from weather and retreat from the bugs. The MSR Hubba Hubba leaked during its first thunder storm, I wasn’t impressed. The center pole was beginning to take on a permanent arc shape, it's now broke and the walls of the tent have became considerably narrower. Montreal is the closest MEC, they had a replacement set aside.

Aug 2nd, 2019/D’Oka Parc National to Camping La Marquis

Day's total/KM 90/elevation gain 152 meters
Total to date/KM 5709.9/Total elevation gain 30852 meters

The lead up to Montreal was pretty straight forward. I followed the La Route Verte 1 to the outskirts. From there Google brought me into MEC. I spent far too much time setting up and checking out possible options with another tents, at the end I made a straight across swap for another MSR Hubba Hubba. It was starting to get late and I had another 50 km’s of cycling ahead. Google mapped me across town with relative ease. I was soon on the La Route Verte 5 heading East once again. I arrived at the campground at about 6:30, supper was already in the bag so no need to cook. The pitch was rite alongside the St Lawrence River, it was crowded but a great location. I met up once again with Taro, the cyclist from Japan, it was great to reconnect. We made plans to ride together tomorrow.

The Ontario Review-I forgive you!

  You came in at 2200 kilometers to cross, I climbed 15,000 meters and descended the same, we always remember the ups, they last the longest.
 I was first introduced at Rainy River, your my fifth province, Ontario. I’m not going to say it was easy. Hmm... in fact it was tough, lots of climbing, repeated ups then downs rounding Lake Superior. The TC in many places had no shoulder and was for me often intimidating to cycle on. They were really just A to B sections, the focus was on traffic, no time for sightseeing. Just get the job done, hopefully in one piece.
 East of Sault Ste. Marie brought reprieve, it got better, there were route alternatives. I opted for gravel, a few more hills and additional kilometers. I was often accompanied by swarms of horse flies, they’re down rite vicious! That was payment for being off the Trans Canada, it was well worth it. It’s the stuff that feeds my soul.
Ontario’s country side is really beautiful, Amish working their fields, they would always give a hearty wave. I frequently saw their horse drawn carriages clip clopping down the country roads. Old barns, churches, rivers, lakes and the brown stone houses. Some of the cycling paths were amazing, old rail beds that took you completely away from traffic, well shaded from the mid-summer sun.
 I spent two full days in the capital, Ottawa, I was glad I did. It's full of history, it’s beautiful. I couldn’t help but feel incredibly proud to be Canadian, Ottawa does that to you. The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, The Supreme Court of Canada, Parliament Hill, the changing of the guards and the Rideau River. The Museum of Natural History in Hull, Quebec. Within was, "The Canadian History Hall". Glass plates with images depicting iconic events or landmark places in Canada etched into them. They were backlit and ran the length on either side of the curving corridor. As I walked thru I could see both, myself reflected and places I had visited. In real life I was on my own adventure of discovery. It was surreal to think I saw them from the saddle of my bike, I felt blessed.
The people of Ontario were just as friendly, inquisitive and generous, there were many memorable times. The KOA in Thunder Bay offering a camping cabin at the cost of tenting. A tour along Lake Superior thanks to Jim. Meals paid for by people that I simply struck up conversation with. Grinding up one of the many hills around Lake Superior, an SUV rolled up beside me. The passenger was half out of the window, "are you doing the tour he yelled?". I wasn't sure what he meant, I yelled back, "I'm going across Canada". "I love you man", was his reply.
 Ontario was the province that asked of me, it tested as no other province had. 
The biting bugs the heat and humidity, long sections of relentless climbs. Roads that tested my willingness to persevere. I look back with a smile and a "Thank- you", it’s another piece of what makes up Canada.
Although I was sorry to leave Ottawa, a new and possibly the most unique province of all lay waiting and it was just across the river. I was excited to see what new adventures Quebec had to offer!