September 11-16

 

Sept 11-16

We decided to cycle in Ottawa on a suggested “Little Italy Loop” from the cities web page.  We had lots of fun getting lost.  The “map” was useless, starting with the arrows going the wrong way!  Our 14 km ride ended up being 28 km however it was very scenic along the locks, behind the Parliament buildings , etc., and ending at the “Art-is-in Bakery” where we had a nice sandwich.  We were tired and decided we just didn’t have the energy to meet later with Adrian and Erin.  We’ll have to do that next time.

 

Have to insert a pic here from the ride where there was a washroom in a park.  The signs noted that the building’s solar panels were net zero for electrical usage and that 95% of its water comes from rain collection.

Today, Sept. 12, we move to Mont Tremblant National Park in Quebec.  Though not a Canadian National Park, it is a Quebec National Park (confused)? We stayed there a couple of years back and wanted to return again.  (The other feature is not only are the sites beautifully situated in nicely forested campgrounds, we have full hook-ups!)

 

GPS’s should be shot and replaced with paper maps.  Not only did the Garmin want to take us to Quebec on a ferry, but the Google maps on the iPhone wouldn’t refresh because we didn’t want to run data for long periods.  So between those two and the analogue paper map we made it!  Sheesh, as some friends of ours would say.  We also wanted a more scenic route: 329 took us up over around down in and out of the Laurentian  Mountains.  Actually quite nice except for potholes and rough road.  They post a speed of 90 km followed immediately by back to back 35 km curves while going down 6-8% grades with a 31 foot 8,000 lb trailer.  Nothing broken.

 

Ah.  Pay in advance on line only.  Go right to your site, no need to check in.  NOT.  At the entrance, an employee stood stopping all… he informed us to camp was “not possible”.  Cats are not allowed.  Dogs yes, cats no. ? Repeat ? Again wait what?  He says he likes cats.  He says he did not see our cat but we would have to hide her from the gate person 200 meters up the road…so into the trailer went “the cat” and boom we’re here in a beautiful site with full hook-ups.  30 and 20 amp, water with good pressure (the water tastes good) and grey/blackwater connections.  Coffee/Tea time. Repeat Sheeesh.

Today, Sunday, will be a down day.  Possibly rain, maybe the visitor center is open and we can try for some wifi.  There is no cell or wifi service here.  We have been talking about having an art and music day since we have brought our crafts with us…

 

Fall colours are beginning here:

 

 

 

“Clear, dry air:  The birth of Parc National Du Mont-Tremblant.”  The park’s history began when it was chosen as a potential site for a sanitarium specializing in lung disorders.  The Quebec government set aside 62 sqkm. for the center which was never built.  1885, Tremblant became the third nature park in Canada and the sixth in North America.

The above is from the parks' 100th anniversary.  This year the park is 125.

 

We had a relaxing day at the Scandinave Spa, an anniversary gift to each other.  The weather has not been the best, cool and rainy, but we do plan to ride in the park today/Wednesday and the paved southern section of Le P’tit Train du Nord on Thursday or Friday.  Elizabeth's arm is really bothering her at times making it difficult to ride.

The activities in the park are limited. The campground washrooms are fully open and heated.  We have not been using any of those facilities as we are fully self-contained.  Temperatures at night are cool, going down to 2-3c at night but the electric fireplace and down duvet are quite adequate…and we do have the forced air propane furnace if necessary.

We have decided not to travel to Bromont/Knowlton and head back to Ottawa instead.  The Covid thing is rising and the cycling in Ottawa is so nice.  We have rebooked our return route and will go back to Sleepy Cedars outside Ottawa.  We will likely stay one night in a Harvest Host (a farm near Ottawa) as the camp is totally booked up on Saturday of the weekend.  Seems like everyone is taking camping seriously this year.

Elizabeth did not have a chance to add comments or edit this entry and I'm sure she'll have lots to add on the next one.

Jerry & Elizabeth & Misty

Miss Adventure Two and Clifford the big red truck.