Day 33: Bienvenue au Québec - 38km

Parc de la Republique in NB to Camping Marine in QC

Once again, Sonya and Michael offered to drive our things to the next location! What a gem, we couldn’t believe our luck. So they came by early to pick it up and we were on our way. Some mornings go well, others not so well. In the morning, everything seems to change on a dime. One person says one thing, or the pot of hot water spills, and then we’re all grumpy. After a bit of riding though, we cheered up. We passed the Quebec border not an hour after leaving, which lifted everyone’s spirits.

Our phones went back an hour, more sleep! Yay!

Pretty cool to walk through a time change. I needed to give Lux a break, riding bareback (even with 2 pads) was really hurting my back. I had pulled a muscle in my right foot the day before, and now had plantar fasciattis. So somehow I coaxed Joseph into letting my ride his bike. He walked Lux. WOW! It was SO nice and EASY to ride the bicycle. It didn’t have much for packs on it, and I just blew by everything. If I ever travel again, it will be by bike. I could bike for 5 minutes, stop and read for 10 minutes sprawled in the grass! And yet the way Joseph complained he made it sound awful, guess he didn’t want anyone catching on he had the best ride.

Although Joseph only ended up walking around 15km, I think it was a new perspective for him, literally walking in someone else’s shoes. His feet were sore immediately, and he realized how exhausting it was. I didn’t have to say anything, but I think now there is a bit more appreciation and understanding for Jewel and I. When I took a break, I just put Abe (the bike) against a tree, and Abe would just stand there! He wouldn’t run away, or poop on my stuff, or need water or grain! I want to do a video where Joseph has to do a day in the life of one of us, I think it could be pretty funny.

We swapped back and I got on Lux again. The trail was so gorgeous. We were going over long wooden bridges and the lakes were in full view. I love riding at dusk because the lighting becomes magical, catching the pollen and dandelion fluff in the light. High rock walls on either side would open into more views of the water. I was texting Sonya, and she suggested a campsite to stay at, it was the same one we were headed to, but since registration closed at 4, she booked it for us and even covered the cost, AND brought us our stuff again.

This was my favourite ride yet. The trails, as you can see, were stunning. I was trying to describe them to my dad over the phone, and these pictures don't even do it justice.

Our sink was against the most beautiful back drop!

The campsite was absolutely stunning, right on the water. The sunset that night was incredible, a reminder of the beauty that is everywhere on this trip, in every province. Our first night in Quebec. My personal goal was to make it to Quebec, and here we were. When Jewel and I were packing and planning, I was so full of doubt I didn’t even think we’d make it a week. Or I thought that way to protect myself from the disappointment. But either way I was proud to be in our third province. Now, I really don’t want to quit, or have to stop. We’re building momentum, and I’d be really disapointed if we had to pull out now. With views like this, it would be hard to stop.