I slept outside last night without a tent! My first really bivy and it was great. While I was doing laundry last night there was thunder and looked like it was going to storm, so I asked if I could move into the shelter for the night. I gathered all my things, got them into the shelter, then returned for my laundry. When I got back there was a couple who were installed in the shelter….playing cards and drinking wine. I gave them some space, but at 1030 I just set up outside, they didn’t leave till after 1130. Thankfully it didn’t rain, I figured that if it did rain I would just quickly move inside.
This morning I got up at 0500, and started playing with the tent poles. They broke right away…. I was thinking of a solution…and trying something else….but really three strikes, you’re out! I should just cut my losses and replace the tent.
I turned on my GPS just as I was leaving, it has somehow lost connection with my phone. So after 45 min of playing around I finally got it to work somewhat. So once again, I was up at 0500, but not really on the road until 0800! A stop at Tim’s to wait out some rain, second breakfast at 30 km to wait out more rain. Then arrived in pouring rain! But at least I’m here. Couldn’t get into the hostel just yet, so found a bar and had some amazing French onion soup and poutine.
Along the way today I met another bike packer from California. He’s doing a circle route….he was in Labrador when he had a bike issue, so he took a boat from there to Rimouski….it goes once a week and stops at all the little villages that are only accessible by boat. What a spectacular way to see that area.
After getting into my room, I gathered my tent, and mailed it home with the poles. Then I headed to an outdoor store to replace it. No ultralight tents here ☹️. The only thing that’s as lightweight and packs down as small as what I have is a bivy bag. It is a shelter the same size as my mattress, with a half dome allowing about 12 inches of height at my head. And that’s it. I did consider it, but with about 25 more days …..I don’t think I can do it! So I bought a tent. Twice the size and 4 times the weight….but I can carry it on the bike, and it will last out the trip!
So a lovely evening in Rimouski. I did not stop in St Valérien yesterday because of the rain, and it is a 16 km detour. That will have to wait till next time I guess.
1 comment:
I’m glad you have a tent that works again. Although it is heavier and larger, you have probably increased your strength over the last few thousand kms that you will easily be able to handle the extra weight.
Post a Comment