Sep 15, 2013

Well today was definitely on the side of endurance rather than enjoyment. The day started off pouring rain and with much water pooling on the roads and continued that way all of the day when it wasn’t hailing (and man did that sting the old shins through the merino long johns, draggen jeans and waterproofs) and then had some fog thrown in for good measure as we climbed higher as well as the rain and or hail up until the last 50 KM when it dried up briefly and then alternated light rain with dry patches. The fact that we had strong wind all day meant the road was largely dry for the last run into Grand Falls and the waterproofs were more or less dry.



We started the day with a ferry ride across the St Lawrence River. The Ferry attendant asked “did the GPS send you here?” and when we said “yes” he replied “they haven’t figured out there is a bridge up the river a bit, but the ferry saves you about 43 kms anyway” and with the way the weather looked we were grateful



A look back to the old city skyline of Quebec and the ship Sharen and Ken will climb on today and then travel (in the dry) to meet us in Boston. To the far right the steam / smoke is from a paper mill. We’ve seen quite a few in Canada and also a huge timber mill today as well.



Also because of the weather although we travelled through what was probably some of the most picturesque country we have seen on this trip our cameras were safely tucked away in the dry and even had they not been they wouldn’t have done justice to the first up intensive farming mixed with forest areas and then high country grasses water and marshland broken up by rocky crags and then tree covered hills disappearing into lakes. Ahh…what a shame. Anyway this is a brief shot where we stopped at a truck stop for lunch and sat for the first time at a diner style counter to eat so we didn’t drip all over their café floor. The soup was hot and welcome.



And here are the Grand Falls where two rivers merge and there is a barrier to hold back water depending on the season and how much is needed for power generation and how much damage can be done with the ice as it breaks up. Our Motel is on the top right hand edge of the view




And one from below the falls of the canyon walls with a bridge over connecting two sides of the town

Bits and Bobs:

Saw some great road signs today but will hopefully come across more of them another day when it is dry enough to stop and take a photo.

Last 2 night’s Accommodation:



Le Port-Royal Hotel & Suites
144 rue Saint-Pierre
Quebec City QC G1K8N8

Quirky little Hotel with a Pub and Restaurant attached and car parking out front. The original building was built in 1860 and was a market for 75 years specialising in coffee tea and chocolate and has undergone a number of transformations since. We are in the original hotel building and have a lovely stone wall facing onto the square with a killer view across the square to the old part of Quebec (as you have already seen). Staff is very helpful and friendly. Good facilities in the room including a cook top, microwave / inverter oven, fridge and sink. Nice spot to drop for a couple of days and on the doorstep of the old city.

Last nights Dinner:
The current restaurant at the Hotel (Le Quay 19) has been open for 3 months and was hopping last night. Their Chef won the Quebec Master Chef competition and the food was delicious, a reasonable cost and all the staff were friendly and attentive. Good value for money. They are currently showcasing a local artist (spectacular sailing paintings all for sale) and plan to change artists and paintings every 3 months. Nice touch.