It was another beautiful day, the scenery, the weather and the roads. To be honest there was nowhere I would rather have been. There were a few reasons I wanted to continue this bike ride to the east coast, mostly because I was not ready for it to end, I really enjoy the freedom, the adventure of visiting new places and the time spent alone. It has given me precious time to reflect, ponder, and dream. I had previously tried mindfulness, meditation, to 'be in the moment' but nothing compares to spending 12 weeks alone on a bike!! I am so grateful to have had the time and space to do this. I still meet people and have conversations but they are not as detailed due to the language. The weather has enabled me to camp and I have really enjoyed staying in the Quebec youth hostels where you always meet fellow travelers, no cyclists but people from all over the world who have a wanderlust too.
Today's route took me through the artsy town of Saint-Jean-Port-Joli with a stunning red roofed church then Saint-Roch-des-Aulnaies with another magnificent church. Just down the road there was a viewpoint down a gravel road with amazing views of the river and back to the church. Although I could not understand them all, there were information signs explaining (I think) about the birds, tides and fresh water / salt water mixing in this area.
River running into the St Lawrence.
Church at Saint-Roch-des-Aulnaies from down by the River.
I was again following the 132 and La Route Verte which often sent me off the 132 in the small towns and down little windy back roads. A few friends have roots in this area and I was especially excited for Kamouraska.
Small, windy back roads.
Rocky shoreline of St Lawrence at St Denis-sur-Mer.
Church at St Denis.
Kamouraska was beautiful, colorful little houses with exceedingly well tended gardens. It felt like the coast and was fairly busy with people sitting by the water and walking. My dear friend Catherine had told me about a boulangerie (bakery) in town that was tucked away. It smelt divine and I indulged in a delicious strudel type pastry with pear and chocolate.
Kamouraska shoreline.
Lone boat on the water at Kamouraska.
Amazing bakery in Kamouraska.
It's actually a wonder I made it to Rivière-du-Loup given how many stops I made!! East of Kamouraska the scenery got more rugged, with rocky outcrops appearing inland. There was a lot of agriculture and the farmers were busy harvesting their hay. There was quite a strong smell of manure in some areas and I couldn't help remember as a kid wishing I could have my own tractor and muck-spreader, I am happy my parents did not encourage that dream!!
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