August 2 - Day 88 - Les îles de la Madeleine -63 km

Erosion near our campsite

I was on the island to the far left….thats where the party is

Side of the road ….sandy like this for 10 km

Breakfast with a view 

Beach spot

Lunch with a view

Party spot

Erosion near our campsite.  

I’m in a magical place….les îles de la Madeleine!  12 islands make up this archipelago, and 6 of them are connected by sand bars….paved of course….so that means many km of sandy beaches.  

I slept in this morning, no rush to get going.  As I was getting ready, a couple came up, they are cycle touring the island and they came to check out my campsite.  The forecast is for 65km winds tomorrow and Monday!  Yikes.  My spot is quite sheltered, so they are planning to relocate.  I had thought about staying an extra day on the islands so that I could see more, but with winds that strong, I won’t be able to go anywhere….so sticking to my plan of leaving tomorrow.  

Since they have spent a few days in the islands…I asked them what I should see today. Go south they said.  Ok!!!  Now I have a plan.  A quick stop at the grocery store for breakfast, and I was on my way.  

I made it about 10 km when I saw a place to stop and access the beach.  Deep soft sand!  I sat here for a few hours, listening to the surf and digging my toes in the sand.  Eventually I headed off….continuing south.  Another 10 km, and u stopped for second breakfast…fruit and a smoothie with a view.  The owners have done some bike packing, so they came a visited with me for a while 😀

Eventually I continued ….all the way to the end.  There it was a real party atmosphere.  I think there’s a festival going on…white tents, music in several places…and wall to wall people.  I didn’t stay long, and knew I couldn’t enter any shops as I can’t carry anything else home!  

I slowly made my way back into the main town, but it’s deserted.  I’m sitting outside on the patio, just outside the bar….only a few patrons.  Two restaurants are closed.  The little kiosks that were selling food closed at 1800.  Cars on the road, but no one walking around.  Strange.  I’m heading back up to my campsite, and get ready for an early start.  The ferry leaves at 0700, I’m supposed to be there 75 min early as I’m the first to board.  It’s 7 km riding, and I need to pack up!  So 0430 I think is when I’ll get up.  I can sleep on the ferry, as I have about 50 km ride to get to the hostel for tomorrow night.  I booked a hostel as I couldn’t get a camping spot.