July 9 - Day 64 - Lanoraie 112 km

My favourite type of house style….French Canadian farm house.  The house of my grandparents in the Gaspé area was this style.  Looks like a barn style with a veranda.  

Cycling path….most of today was shaded like this

Vieux Montréal with cobble stone streets

Cycling path…..this was so amazing today…I can’t help but post several pictures 😀

Cycling path

Notre Dame

 I’m so happy, the second day in a row where I was either on quiet roads, or on a dedicated bike path….for the whole day!!!

I got up early to say goodbye to my host Isabelle, and after tea and toast I was off.  Initially I was on a quiet road where I could look at all the houses as I cycled past, with just the occasional glimpse of the St. Lawrence River.  Frequently there were parks, so that I could see what was happening on the water.  Sail lessons, kids in non-tipping boats, paddle boards, kayaks.  Summertime fun!!!!

The minute I crossed the bridge onto the island of Montréal, it feels like I’m back in Europe.  The architecture, most of the houses are built of stone or brick, and the shapes are different than out west.  The little stores, shops and market are more open, with everyone spending time outside.  Everywhere the grass is lush, so much greenery without feeling closed in.  

It was 60 km of cycling to go from the south to the north of Montréal - I had no idea it was that large.  And almost the entire time I was either beside the St Lawrence, or a canal which I crossed several times.  There were many cyclists out today, some hard core cyclists out training or commuting, some out for their daily exercise, and tourists wanting a different way to see the city.  What I noticed is when faster cyclists were behind someone just sightseeing, or someone quite slow, they patiently waited until there was an opportunity to pass, they never pressured the slower cyclists to pull over, nor did they put anyone in danger by trying to pass when it wasn’t safe.  Their bike path network is great, but even with all the signs and markings, it was so nice to have the GPS, and follow the map.

I passed right by Old Montréal so of course I had to stop to see Notre Dame.  It wasn’t easy to tour around much more than that, as I had the bike, and the streets and sidewalks are crowded with tourists.  I did walk on the cobble stone streets, looked into the shops and cafes and took the time for lunch.  

I was in the next town north when I noticed a bike shop.  Yesterday my bike fell over, and since then I’ve had difficulty getting into a lower gear.  Perfect opportunity to get it checked out.  I opened the door to the service area and walking in….everyone in the shop from the techs in the back, sales people and even customers stopped what they were doing, and looked with interest.  I was immediately approached by a tech who asked what he could do.  When I explained the issue he brought it to the back.  A few minutes later, he asked if he could take it for a ride….everything was working well.  He checked and oiled the chain in those few minutes he had it in the back….and it’s working!  Yippeee!  Then he started to ask…where did I start, how long had I been riding etc.  so fun when someone is interested.  I decided I needed gloves.  I lost the first pair in Nelson when I left them on my bag and cycled down the big hill…. I wasn’t about to cycle back up for them.  I replaced them in Cranbrook.  I haven’t been wearing them for a week now because they are smelly, and I keep forgetting to put them in when I’m going laundry.  Well a few days ago I noticed that I only have one ☹️.  So anew pair today.  The lady who helped me had many more questions….why was I doing this, how old I am etc!  I then asked about the road and shoulders…everyone was eager to help with info.  I tried to acknowledge them all, and thank them.  Great experience.  

I made it to the campground, then headed into town to buy dinner - a sandwich with smoked meat at a food truck 😀. I bought it even though I wasn’t hungry.  My camping neighbor came over with a bottle of cold water, then came back with a comfortable chair that he positioned so that I could see the St Lawrence, then he returned a third time with a plate, knife, banana, orange and apple!!!!  WOW!  I traded the sandwich for the fruit!  So fresh, so yummy.  Just what I needed.  

Then I went for a shower….and made a rookie mistake….forgot my towel!  It’s warm enough that it really only took a few minutes and I was dry enough to get dressed.  That was my day….I’m so happy…. I feel so comfortable here, feels like I’m home.  And practicing my French is fun too.  Thanks for all the texts of encouragement, suggestions and information.  I’m learning a lot.