Sorry everyone, poor cell service here so my live tracking isn’t updating. I’ve been here since just before 7pm….long before dark! I checked in, had dinner, set up camp and showered before dark, just finished laundry.
What a day! I didn’t plan on such a long day, but wow! My plan this morning was to make it to the campground in Gaspé. Which would have been about 77km and 1000m up….long enough day. Around noon, when I stopped for a smoothie for lunch I tried to call and book online in Gaspé, but neither were possible, so I looked on the map and found this campsite. I managed to book a site online so I booked and paid for it. Then when I checked the distance I realized that it was 40 km past Gaspé, and that I still had 80 km and 800m to cycle….and it was already almost 1:30! Yikes. That’s a lot of cycling to do so late in the day. All I could do was get on it!!! And I made it….feeling good with lots of daylight to spare.
Funny….I was asked if I had a headlight since my tracker isn’t updating and it’s getting late, and dark. Well of course I have a headlight….but…..I last used it back in Alberta. Used it once, and when I went to use it again, it wouldn’t turn on. I figured the batteries were dead. So I’ve been carrying around a headlight that doesn’t work, and I keep forgetting to buy batteries. Well finally I bought batteries today. When I went to put them into the headlamp, I thought I would rotate the batteries first to see if it works….well wouldn’t you know it….it works! So now I’m going to be carrying 4 AAA batteries for nothing! It’s killing me….remember I brought a half tube of toothpaste because I figured that would last me the entire trip, and I didn’t want to bring too much. Then I had the toothpaste explosion and I had to buy a brand new tube. So know I’m not only carrying 3/4 tube of toothpaste I’m also carrying 4 AAA batteries that I don’t need!!!
Today there wasn’t much for views, as most of the time there were houses and trees between the road and the water. Also, due to the overcast sky, the water is white, and almost the same colour as the sky. It was interesting to see, but doesn’t make for stunning photos. I just love how it’s always changing. No waves today, very calm as there wasn’t any wind. Yesterday the waves were sizeable….not huge but certainly some whitecaps out there due to all the wind. Nice to see a few sailboats out on the water and in Gaspé there were many kayakers out…looks like a shelter area. And as I got nearer to Gaspé and beyond, although the houses are still modest in size, I’m seeing more flowers in the front gardens.
I had so many wonderful encounters today. This morning I stopped for a sit down breakfast in a small diner. There was a man there who saw me and my helmet. He was waiting for me when I got out, and he asked which way I was going. Towards Gaspé I said. You’ll be going right in front of my house he replied with a smile. I just smiled…not sure what to say. When he passed me in his vehicle he tooted his horn and I waved. About 45 min later, I saw him standing on the side of the road, in front of his house so that he could chat with me! So sweet. 80 years old, recently lost his wife, and his children all have their lives far away. After a chat and a refill of my water bottles I was on my way 😀
Then I stopped at a gas station in Gaspé for a quick bite as it was after 4pm and I still had 40 km and 5 hills. The owner came up to me and asked if I was cycling-yes. Then he asked where I was from…Alberta, but cycling from Vancouver island. He just nodded….and asked, but you didn’t cycle the whole way…where did you cycle from. Yes….the whole way! No….that's not possible! Really???? Yes. When did you start….May 7th. Now he’s shaking his head….unbelievable….he tells everyone in the store!!!! So I eat my sandwich while sitting in the steps….he comes out with a napkin, and congratulates me! 😂😂😂. So I finish my sandwich….cycle away after saying goodbye. About 2 km away….a lady is unpacking her groceries….and calls out to me - BRAVO!!!! I think she may have been at the gas station and overheard the conversation. Regardless….so many really nice people who cheered me on today! And that’s including all of you who have sent me texts and comments!
Only a few more days in Québec, and I know I will miss it. Today I noticed that I’m thinking in French, rather than thinking in English and translating my thoughts. I’m counting in French in my head, and today was the first time that I’ve heard visitors speaking English, and it felt so strange and out of place. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time in Québec and will certainly miss it. I’ve loved every province that I’ve cycled through, but Québec feels like home.
1 comment:
I really enjoyed your post today. I am always happy to hear about you meeting kind and generous folks. You will have people all over Canada talking about you and your amazing journey!🥰. I can really tell you have enjoyed Quebec, which is wonderful.
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