Short cycling day, a touring day. I slept in, thankfully it didn’t rain, and my tent held up for the night with the broken pole hub. I do have a sleeve for a broken pole, but there’s a three way hub assembly - and that’s where it’s broken. I did not pass by any stores that would have what I need for a repair….thats for tomorrow.
I got up early and walked over to the cathedral - about 1km, and left my bike behind….much easier this way. Mass was just finishing when I entered, so I listened to the music. It’s been a while since I’ve heard mass in French….brings back nice memories. They still have on display the crutches and mobility aids left behind after people were cured of their ailment.
After that I picked up a tea, and ate the left overs from dinner last night for breakfast. Packed up and headed back to the cycling route. It was a hot day….and slow going because of the oppressive heat….i would feel a bit of cool as I crossed creeks and sometimes the shade from trees.
There's only one way to get on and off the island, one bridge which is so busy. I was looking for the pedestrian lane, but realized that there’s a sidewalk on each side of the bridge, and only one lane of traffic in each direction….so constant traffic on a narrow bridge with a narrow sidewalk. My plan is to be on the bridge early tomorrow so that it’s not as busy.
I toured around the south of the island….lots of up and down….and of course lots of strawberries for sale 😀😀. I was looking for those that are sold with cream, but couldn’t find any….but I did find some strawberry ice cream, and it was so good. I ate it while sitting overlooking the water and Québec city.
I could see the thunderstorm approaching, and could hear the thunder and was trying hard to make it to my hostel for the night, but when it started sprinkling I figured I should stop and let it pass by. I just happened to be at a small shop with a covered sitting area. I brought my bike up to that spot, and the owner came out…obviously not pleased. I mentioned the rain…she rolled her eyes, and said well just this once because it wasn’t busy….there was no one there! I said I was here to eat…but that didn’t seem to help. We chatted while I ordered food and drink…and she softened up….I'm travelling solo? Across Canada? The usual questions after that….how long have I been gone? How many KM per day? Where do I sleep? Where is all my stuff? 😂😂😂
As I was sitting the thunderstorm came through….short, about 20 min but fierce. Just as I thought it was letting up, it intensified. So glad I was somewhere safe! After it let up, I continued on and found the Auberge. I assisted an older gentleman to bring in luggage, even though he didn’t want the help…didn’t want it but needed the help. Then he told me he’s 92 and had done a bit of a cycling trip at the age of 22 in Europe! Nice story, I was happy to hear him recount how it was for him to cycle.
Three more storms passed through over the next few hours as I got ready for bed.
Thanks for the texts and blog comments…always enjoy those 😀. I’ll see how far I get tomorrow on the south side.
4 comments:
Always love reading your recount of the day. And your wonderful disposition always softens even the hardest of souls. Kinda like Johnny Appleseed sowing kindness as you roll along. Warm thoughts and hugs. Hope you didnt need a kayak today.
Maybe a paddle board with a bike mount eh.
I'm sure you are enjoying cycling through Quebec Lucille. The churches are amazing, aren't they. Saw on the news tonight the rain in Quebec and wonder how it is affecting you!! Stay dry my friend
What a beautiful part of the country you are cycling through. So many churches. When we were in Quebec many years ago, we also went to Ste-Anne-de-Beaupre. Sure brings back memories.
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